Preserve Rural Maine Celebrates Two Years of Advocacy and Community Action

This month marks the two-year anniversary of Preserve Rural Maine, a grassroots organization formed to give a voice to Maine’s rural communities and protect the character, traditions, and landscapes that make them unique.

What began as a small group of neighbors gathering around kitchen tables has grown into a statewide movement, bringing together residents, landowners, farmers, and local leaders united by a shared purpose: ensuring that rural Maine remains a place where people can live, work, and thrive in balance with the natural environment.

Two Years of Accomplishments

In just two years, Preserve Rural Maine has:

• Raised awareness about policies and development proposals affecting small towns, farmland, and forests.
• Provided education through public forums, newsletters, and community events, empowering residents to understand how decisions made at the state and local level impact rural life.
• Built partnerships with other organizations, town officials, and advocacy groups to strengthen the collective voice of rural Maine.
• Engaged citizens in the planning process, encouraging more people to attend public meetings, submit testimony, and speak up for their communities.

A Shared Vision

At its core, Preserve Rural Maine is driven by the belief that decisions about growth, energy, land use, and development should reflect the values and priorities of the people who live in Maine’s small towns. The organization emphasizes local control, transparency, and respect for rural heritage while also looking ahead to sustainable opportunities that support communities for generations to come.

Looking Ahead

As Preserve Rural Maine enters its third year, the focus will be on expanding outreach, strengthening networks of support, and continuing to advocate for policies that respect the unique needs of rural towns. Plans include more community workshops, deeper engagement with policymakers, and new resources to help residents understand and navigate complex issues.

A Community Effort

None of this would be possible without the countless hours of volunteer work, the generosity of supporters, and the unwavering dedication of Maine people who care deeply about their towns and countryside. Preserve Rural Maine’s success is a testament to the power of neighbors coming together to protect what matters most.

As the organization celebrates this milestone, it also renews its commitment: to preserve the beauty, traditions, and independence of rural Maine—today and for the future.