Important Updates for Our Community

Browntail Moth

Please see the attached document from the State of Maine, Department of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry providing notice of high or moderate detected populations of Browntail Moth.

NOAA taking public comments

NOAA is taking public comments on proposed changes to whale regulations that will significantly impact our community. Deadline to comment is October 11.

https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/event/person-scoping-meeting-modifications-atlantic-large-whale-take-reduction-plan-portland-maine

Mandatory Water Conservation Notice - July 21, 2022

The Stonington Water Company has limited water resources during extended drought conditions, like we are currently experiencing.  We are concerned that if this continues, we will have to haul water again.  The Water Company is authorized to restrict water use during periods of limited water supply events.  Purchasing water will be a costly option for the Water Company and its connected customers; therefore, we are hoping to avoid this option.  There are many ways that the public can assist to conserve water whether residential or commercial.  

We have listed some basic conservation practices below:

• Turn off the water when not in use.
• Limit use of water for irrigation purposes.  Do not leave hoses running.
• Reduce the amount of water used when conducting normal household tasks.
• Reduce the amount of water used at restaurants and other commercial businesses by communicating with personnel on the importance of conservation.
• Minimize car washing and cleaning of outside buildings or other uses of water which can wait until the shortage is over.
• Report all wasteful water uses observed to the Water Company.

Please report an low-pressure issues, noted water on the ground or any other issues to the Water Company at one of the following numbers:

Matt Betts, Superintendent           Cell:  266-8603

Annaleis Hafford, Manager           Cell:  478-1497

A Message From The Town

The Town Hall is open Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri 8AM - 4PM and Thurs 8AM - 12:00Noon for normal operations.  Currently masks are not required.  As situations change around increasing variant surges Town Hall operations may change as well.  We will continue to update any changes here.  Call 207-367-2351 ext. 1 if you need assistance.  Please be patient with us, as restrictions surrounding COVID-19 safety protocols may impact our ability to deliver services in a timely manner.

Deer Isle and Stonington were fortunate to have avoided significant incidences of the Coronavirus since it was first detected in the US early in 2020.  Deer Isle and Stonington have also done a great job with adult vaccinations with over 80% of the island population being fully vaccinated.  Due to recent surges of Covid-19 and it's variants around the country however, we are paying close attention to changing CDC recommendations, and State recommendations and/or executive orders.  We will post that information as it changes here.

While we work diligently toward a return to "normal" it is a good idea to keep in mind the lessons learned from 2020 on, and remember to continue the safe practices where we can.  We will keep the following practices stated here as a reminder should an unfortunate surge take place locally.

The leaders of Deer Isle and Stonington are calling on all residents to embrace the following practices:

- Stay home as much as possible to avoid exposure to the virus.
- Avoid all unnecessary indoor contact with people other than your immediate household.
- Wear a cloth or paper mask when you are near people outside your immediate household. The mask must cover your mouth and nose at all times to be effective.
- Even while wearing a mask, maintain a twelve-foot social distance whenever possible, and never less than six feet.
- Practice good hygiene with frequent handwashing and use of hand sanitizers.
- Engage in outdoor activities such as walking for your physical and mental well being. This is the safest place to be when socializing.
- Stay in touch with friends and family by telephone and digital communications. We need each other, but have to work together to be safe.

We have posted information about resources such as medical contacts, testing services, curbside sales, grocery delivery and more on our website www.townofdeerisle.org/health. Our local businesses need your support and will try to meet your needs while keeping you safe.

COVID-19 Business Update

A list of resources and information that will help you and your employees overcome difficulties in this time.

• Unemployment benefits
• Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy
• Penobscot Bay Press Community Concierge - a listing of all businesses open on the peninsula, and their operating restrictions.  

Island-wide COVID-19 Resources

This document can help you weather the storm a little safer and a little healthier by providing you with updates from local businesses on hours of operation and other operating changes. Use these resources to help you shelter in place, social distance, and get the help you need.

• Island-wide resources
• State-wide resources
• State online Covid-19 updates: maine.gov Covid-19
• Most recent Covid-19 executive order: AN ORDER PROVIDING AN ORDERLY TRANSITION FOLLOWING THE TERMINATION OF THE STATE OF CIVIL EMERGENCY