Project Overview

The Mahoosuc region is a working landscape in Western Maine, that has a strong and historic tourism industry. The region’s natural resources have provided exceptional recreational enjoyment to both locals and visitors. In the Mahoosuc Region it is important to build a mutually respectful relationship between local communities and the visitation industry.

This is a particularly important aspect of sustainable tourism principles, where residents’ needs are respected, and they appreciate the benefits that they will derive in the long term. However, like in many rural destinations, the true economic impact of tourism is not well appreciated and is often underestimated. Closing this gap in understanding and appreciation is important to create the Mahoosucs as a healthy destination and place to live.

The Mahoosuc Way pledge enables the region to communicate their community values to newcomers and visitors. At the heart of the values, is a desire for a collective action to ensure the preservation of this unique place. This endeavor has created a visitor facing website which introduces visitors to the values of the Mahoosuc region and addresses how visitors can be part of the solution to ‘over-tourism’ and how to contribute to the Mahoosuc region when they visit. The notion of respect to the landscape and to each other has been key to how the Mahoosuc region operates. This is what is known as ‘The Mahoosuc Way’.