Schoodic Education and Research Center Business Plan: Acadia National Park, Maine

Heritage Partners, Inc.; Tanski, Tish; Bierman, Michelle; Schloss, Dick; Woychick, Janice; Porat Consulting; Porat, Naomi; Blair, Laura; Nelson, Andrew; National Park Service; Steele, Sheridan; Bobinchock, Len; Kelly, John; Manski, David; Vekasi, Jim; Wade, Deb; Reams, Ginny

From the Executive Summary: "The National Park Service (NPS) is undertaking an ambitious and historic initiative to convert the former U.S. Navy base at Schoodic Point in Winter Harbor, Maine, to the Schoodic Education and Research Center (SERC). SERC is one of 13 Research Learning Centers across the country funded by the NPS as part of the "Natural Resource Challenge" initiative. These centers "seek to expand the scope and effectiveness of research towards effective science-based management of the National Park Service. An additional benefit is the research dissemination of resulting information and the strengthening of partnerships." The mission of SERC is to facilitate education and research that promote the understanding, protection, and conservation of natural and cultural resources of the National Park System and advance related research at the regional, national, and international levels. SERC will consist of partner organizations that conduct research and education programs in support of its mission. A new nonprofit organization, Acadia Partners for Science and Learning (Acadia Partners), will work in concert with the NPS to help develop and manage SERC. The purpose of this plan is to provide fiscal and operational direction for establishing SERC at the former navy base and to provide a framework to support the conversion. The plan includes vision and mission statements; goals for SERC; criteria for partner activities; discussion of opportunities and challenges; market and financial analysis; discussion of the site and facilities; framework for developing programs; marketing plan; discussion of the organizational structure; fundraising strategy; and discussion of legal issues. The plan reflects the information provided by a broad cross-section of participants, from community groups and individuals to nationally recognized research and education professionals and organizations. The overall conclusion is that there is real potential for a vibrant, diverse science and learning center that can become a national model for NPS Research Learning Centers by developing a core-though not necessarily exclusive-focus on the emerging interdisciplinary field of humans and the environment and by making a conscious effort to integrate research with practice, formal education, and public outreach. Revenue projections predict that program activity will generate a healthy revenue stream. Program revenue, even when combined with NPS appropriations, grants, and contracts, is not likely to cover the full cost of operations, and philanthropic revenue is likely to be needed to close the gap. There is strong potential for philanthropic support for the program. SERC can be an economically viable operation in the long term." /STUDY LOCATIONS:/ /ACADIA NATIONAL PARK/SCHOODIC PENINSULA/