Adopted on December 1, 2022, this Comprehensive Plan is Orland’s long-range roadmap. It guides major decisions on land use, budgeting, ordinance development, and grant applications. The plan was developed over six years with input from a town-wide opinion survey, public meetings, and events.
Our Vision: Preserving Our Character, Planning Our Future
Orland should remain a viable, inviting place to live. We are committed to preserving our diverse and beautiful rural character, protecting our historical and natural resources, and sustaining a viable local economy.
The Plan is Guided by Four Core Principles:
- Citizen engagement
- Responsible development consistent with community goals
- Preservation of Orland’s rural and historic character
- Keeping the plan current and accessible
Orland’s Top Assets (As Ranked by Residents):
- Quiet rural character
- Proximity to nearby towns
- Great Pond Mountain Wildlands
- Seven healthy lakes
- Craig Brook National Fish Hatchery
- Narramissic River
Key Goals by Area (2022-2030)
The plan focuses on achieving a balanced future through these key objectives:
Community & Growth
- Population: Attract and retain young families and support older residents to maintain a stable population consistent with our rural character.
- Housing: Increase the range of safe, affordable, and decent housing options across all income and age groups, while encouraging energy-efficient construction and preserving rural character.
- Economy: Support a balanced and diverse rural economy by retaining existing businesses, encouraging home-based occupations, expanding broadband access, and attracting businesses compatible with Orland’s values.
Infrastructure & Services
- Public Facilities: Ensure efficient, cost-effective facilities and services, including maintaining public buildings, managing capital improvements to avoid large costs, and securing adequate fire and emergency services.
- Transportation: Plan for safer, more comfortable bicycle and pedestrian access, improve road and bridge maintenance, and plan for future electric vehicle use.
- Recreation & Health: Develop a long-range recreation program, improve public access, and partner with schools and organizations on active-living and public-health initiatives.
Environment & Heritage
- Natural & Water Resources: Protect and improve the quality of our lakes, streams, wetlands, and groundwater. Preserve critical wildlife habitat, wetlands, and scenic areas as central to Orland's quality of life.
- Marine Resources: Protect and restore our marine and coastal resources, including supporting sustainable fisheries and protecting coastal habitats.
- Working Lands: Preserve farming, forestry, and rural enterprises by discouraging the conversion of prime agricultural land and promoting sustainable management.
- History: Identify, protect, and promote historic and archaeological sites, including expanding the recorded history of Orland through interviews with elders.
Financial Planning
- Fiscal Health: Maintain a formal capital investment program, manage finances to provide essential services, and ensure that growth pays a fair share of public-facility costs.
Current Priorities: The 2025-2026 Plan Review
A volunteer Comprehensive Plan Review Team recently reported their recommendations to the Select Board. Key actions for 2026 through 2030 include:
Strategic Recommendations
- Improve town-to-citizen communication and keep residents engaged.
- Move the town website to a .gov domain.
- Establish a Comprehensive Plan Implementation Committee to prioritize projects and pursue grants.
- Pursue regional solutions wherever possible.
- Broaden the focus of community health to include mental, social, and cultural well-being and food security.
Near-Term Action Priorities
- Install a public hand-carry boat launch for salt-water river access.
- Apply for a watershed-plan grant.
- Develop a six-year Capital Improvement Plan linked to the budget.
- Begin to digitize Orland Historical Society documents.
- Explore new ordinances on short-term rentals and commercial solar arrays.
- Review land-use ordinances to support affordable housing.
Documents
Orland Comprehensive Plan 2022