We believe reunification and full conservation of Sears Island will provide far more economic benefit to local people and the region than the “sit and wait for development” strategy that has prevailed yet repeatedly failed, degraded parts of the island and surrounding waters, and proved commercially unviable for the past half century.  

Economic benefits of embracing conservation include: higher quality of life that attracts business to the area that is not extractive, which increases the tax base; increased tourism revenue, higher quality fisheries for commercial and leisure purposes, and “ecosystem services” like erosion-control, stormwater management, mental and physical health benefits, and water and air filtration provided naturally by intact ecosystems.

Conservation of the island is critical because it sits at the mouth of the Penobscot River, and is surrounded by development.  800 yards away is Mack Point, a multi-use cargo port with outdated fossil-fuel infrastructure and ample capacity for expansion. To the east ¾ mile is General Alum Chemical Corporation (GAC), a chemical plant.  The island is right outside the downtown area of Searsport.  About 9 miles upriver, the Bucksport mill site is a massive industrial area in need of remediation and redevelopment.

As we contemplate a just transition from fossil fuels to clean, renewable energy sources, responsible siting must be a key component of this transition. Redevelopment of an existing industrial site provides an opportunity to avoid developing an intact ecosystem already sequestering carbon, and allows for the continued operation of a port facility with expanded economic and job opportunities into the future.