BIDDEFORD : A walk on the beach is one of life's simple pleasures. But across Maine's coast, and especially in southern Maine, getting to the beach is not as simple as it used to be. Changes in coastal access are affecting water-dependent industries, as well as recreational and private property uses. Balancing the various uses of the coast is vital for planning southern Maine's future.

On Friday, June 2, Maine Sea Grant will host Coastal Access in Southern Maine : An open discussion among regional stakeholders, at the University of New England Campus Center. The forum will bring together people with diverse coastal interests to discuss access needs, issues, and policies, share resources and tools, and develop cooperative solutions for coastal access in southern Maine.

The forum will open with a presentation by economist Chuck Lawton on the impacts of southern Maine 's rapid growth on coastal access. University of Massachusetts/Boston professor John Duff will review coastal access laws in Maine , and other presenters will share their coastal access experiences, challenges, and success stories. Later in the day, participants will have the opportunity to explore ways to address local access problems during small-group discussions on the topics of acquisition, facilities, bridging cultures, and planning.

The forum is sponsored by Maine Sea Grant and University of Maine Cooperative Extension and has been organized in partnership with Maine Coastal Program, Maine Lobstermen's Association, Maine Seacoast Mission, SOS-Maine, Town of Kittery, Surfrider Foundation - Northern New England Chapter, University of New England, Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve, York Harbor Board, and York Land Trust.

The forum will take place from 9 am to 4 pm at the University of New England Campus Center Multipurpose Room. A raffle prize has been generously donated by Cadillac Mountain Sports Patagonia Stores.

The event is free and open to the public, but space is limited. To register, contact Kathy Villarreal at Maine Sea Grant (email: kvillarreal@maine.edu; fax: 207-581-1426; phone: 207-581-1435) and provide your name, affiliation, address, and contact information.

For more information, contact Kristen Whiting-Grant at 207-646-1555 X115 or kristen.whiting-grant@maine.edu.