Maine
is a state comprised of small communities, many of which are
experiencing a rapid rate of growth—particularly along the
coast. This rapid growth threatens the rural character and spectacular
natural resources that define Maine communities and are the foundation
of one of the major economic engines of the state, the tourist
industry. At the 1998 state Water Resources Conference, a NEMO
presentation started discussion that eventually led to the formation
of an interagency group. This group, headed by the Maine Department
of Environmental Protection and the State Planning Office, brought
NEMO to Maine in October 1999.
Funding
for the program has come from these two partners, with much of
the support coming from the state Section 319 Nonpoint Source
Program. The NEMO Coordinator is housed within the Partnership
for Environmental and Technology Education (PETE), a national
nonprofit network of community and technical colleges.
The
original pilot program, which focused on two southern Maine coastal
communities, is in the process of evolving into a statewide program.
The statewide program is growing through the collaboration of
a number of agencies and organizations. Water quality professionals
from these partner agencies are trained to deliver NEMO educational
programming to community leaders and watershed groups. Three
such training programs have been held to date.
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