In Maine, land-use planning and zoning is primarily the responsibility of local municipalities, although technical assistance is available from a regional council that is funded by the state. In unincorporated areas or areas with no local government, the state assumes responsibility for developing any zoning ordinances.  

The Penobscot River flows through some of the forested watersheds projected to experience substantial increases in residential development by 2030. The river and its tributaries are home or spawning grounds for many commercially and culturally important fish species, such as the federally protected Atlantic salmon. The Penobscot River also has several hydroelectric dams, which over time have impeded fish passage and altered nutrient levels. A ground-breaking partnership has formed among the hydropower company, the Penobscot Indian Nation, conservation groups, and state and federal agencies; their goal is to restore 11 species of sea-run fish to the river by removing the two lowermost dams while also maintaining energy production levels overall (Penobscot River Restoration Trust 2007).