Michael Donihue
Michael Donihue
Professor of Economics
Colby College
What problem/s are you working to solve?
Economic impact of the Belgrade Lakes Watershed. Creating a statistical abstract to illustrate and identify the socio-economic characteristics of the region.
What progress are you making toward solutions?
The Statistical Abstract will be published shortly (within a month). The economic impact analysis relies on information to be gleaned from a household survey which we began distributing in July 2012 and will continue into May 2013.
How could your findings contribute to a more sustainable future in Maine and beyond?
The goal will be to tie water quality to the level of economic activity in the area thus providing policy makers with benchmarks and mechanisms that justify investments in infrastructure and remediation of threats to the health and vitality of the ecosystem resources in the region.
Why did you decide to join SSI?
Challenge of developing an assessment of the socio-economic characteristics of a land form (i.e., the watershed); versus the more traditional approach of looking at information for regions defined by geo-political boundaries.
What’s the best part about collaborating on SSI research projects?
Working with scientists and students across disciplines and sharing this work with stakeholder groups in the region.
Where’s your favorite place in Maine?
Baxter State Park
What’s your ultimate Maine experience?
Fly fishing on a remote trout pond in Northern Maine
Mud season survival strategy?
It’s all about attitude. The ‘shoulder’ seasons in Maine are some of the most vibrant times.
What sustains you?
Family and the good fortune to live in a part of the world that values its resources – human and natural alike.
Additional information about Michael and his team