Evaluation of Maine Resident Perceptions on Community Resilience, Conservation, and Natural Resource Industries

Abstract

Abstract Maine faces a period of socio-economic transition as it contends with a shift in natural resource utilization. From the declining contribution of natural resource industries to the rise of conservation lands, the state’s relationship with its natural capital is increasingly influenced by a multitude of factors. Meanwhile, Maine’s rural communities may struggle to adapt. In order to gain better insight, a statewide web-based survey was used to collect data on perceptions of community resilience, natural resource industries, and conservation. Analysis revealed divergences largely based on demographic characteristics. Politically conservative respondents expressed a belief that their communities are resilient but are concerned that conservation lands reduce economic productivity. Rural residents tend to believe natural resource industries remain important but do not perceive their communities to be economically diverse. Respondents in urban areas instead perceive a lack of social cohesion and trustworthiness of local elected leadership. Communities across the state contend with a diverse array of vulnerabilities for which no single resilience building solution will suffice.