Many of the people who live near and visit Mount Desert Island do so because of the special qualities of this place: the stunning scenery, year–round recreational opportunities, and, of course, Acadia National Park. Research has shown that properties next to park lands or with scenic vistas are usually worth more— a lot more. In addition, when visitors to Acadia were asked in a survey to rate the importance of park features and qualities, 99 percent of the respondents described scenic views as “extremely” or “very important.” There is little doubt that most of the area’s two million visitors come for the same reasons, and in particular, for the “draw” of Acadia National Park. For many, Acadia is a destination of choice for family travel.

Acadia’s uniqueness comes from the incredible beauty of its rugged pink granite coast, mountains that tower above the sea, surrounding islands, lovely fishing communities at the head of each harbor, and abundant opportunities for recreation—historic hiking trails, miles of scenic carriage roads, and wonderful spots to picnic or quietly contemplate the beauty of nature. In short, people come for the natural, cultural, and scenic resources that contrast with the more developed environments where they live. A recent Michigan State University study estimated that ANP annually generates more than 3,000 jobs and $145 million in expenditures for local economies.

So it seems, for both residents and visitors alike, it is important that together we protect these assets—and therefore the vibrant economy of MDI—now and in the future. This suggests that we should be extra sensitive to potential negative impacts from cell towers, wind turbines, and other development (and the associated roads, power lines, lights, noise, and visual intrusions) that could degrade the special qualities of MDI and Acadia. Over time, mounting impacts could result in fewer people coming to live and visit here. The negative effects of uncontrolled growth are always the sum of many smaller, seemingly insignificant decisions that accumulate over the years. It is similar to a growing teenager—parents may not notice daily growth, but the aunt and uncle who visit only once a year are often surprised by the changes that have occurred.

I hope the towns on and around MDI will make it a priority to work together to address the need for cell phone service, alternative energy sources, and other growth in ways that are sensitive to the scenic assets that bring millions of people to this part of Maine. The town of Bar Harbor should be commended for taking the lead in addressing the potential impacts of cell phone towers and outdoor lighting by adopting measures to protect our quality of life while still providing for reasonable and appropriate growth and new economic activity. It doesn’t have to be one or the other. Locating wind turbines or cell towers in areas that avoid or minimize negative impacts to important scenic vistas or other park values is a “win–win” situation: The community protects resources important to visitors and residents alike, while improving cell phone coverage or energy conservation efforts. If left to their own devices, cell phone companies will find tower locations that meet their needs—not necessarily the needs of the community. Without land use regulations, it would be “anything goes”—and what homeowner would want a cell tower springing up next to their house? Communities must try to balance the “greater good of all” with the needs of individual property owners. Reasonable growth through local regulations not only grows the economy but also attracts even more people to our wonderful island home.

- Sheridan Steele, Superintendent