The forum, entitled "Keeping the Balance for the Future: Boothbay Harbor Waterfront Perspectives," will feature experts from a variety of state agencies.

Professor Charles Colgan, an economist at the University of Southern Maine, Cindy Smith, groundfish policy specialist at the Maine Department of Marine Resources, and Mike Montagna, of the Maine State Planning Office, will all be on hand to offer perspectives on the local and regional economy, tourism industry, and commercial fishing industry.

The forum is part of a study to assess the harbor's uses, identify trends, and develop and long range plan. Town Manager Carlo Pilgrim explains that, "Boothbay Harbor has, over time, managed to strike a balance between competing waterfront and harbor uses such as commercial fishing, tourism, and residential uses. The purpose of this forum is to help the town think about how it can continue to maintain that balance as it moves into the future. We hope this public discussion will allow us to hear from experts on how Boothbay Harbor's waterfront fits into a wider perspective and to hear thoughts on what the Town can do to prepare for the future.

The forum will be held at 6 p.m. at the Town Office meeting room. Members of the public are encouraged to attend.