The conference was launched in 1994 by the Senator George J. Mitchell Center at the University of Maine with a primary focus on one of Maine’s central challenges– the future of its water resources. Originally designed to provide a collaborative nexus for water resource professionals, researchers, consultants, citizens, students, regulators, and planners to exchange information and present new findings on water resource issues in Maine, the conference has grown to include participation from a broad audience of close to 400 participants from across the state.
In response to many requests, the conference’s focus has expanded to encompass a wide range of sustainability challenges facing Maine, including issues related to climate change, energy futures, agriculture, forestry, fisheries, tourism, and municipal planning.