Senator Saviello, Representative Tucker, and members of the Joint Standing Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, my name is Ryan Parker and I am the Environmental Policy Outreach Coordinator for the Natural Resources Council of Maine. I appreciate this opportunity to testify in support of LD 931 with the amended language introduced by Representative Blume. Read More
Cutler Coast
When this 2,100-acre stretch of Maine’s Bold Coast went on the market in 1989, conservation groups moved quickly to ensure its protection. Maine Coast Heritage Trust and The Conservation Fund coordinated purchase of the Cutler Coast property and an additional 8,900 acres of woodland and grasslands in the towns of Cutler and Whiting. From them, Read More
Fixing Maine’s Solar Policy
by Peter Simmons of Brunswick Times Record op-ed The ongoing dispute between Governor LePage and solar advocates over energy policy deserves serious consideration and demands swift resolution. Although the Governor believes that solar power raises the cost of electricity and incentives only benefit the wealthy, a wisely designed solar policy will lower costs, result in Read More
David Rancourt River Preserve
This 14-acre preserve is owned by the Androscoggin Land Trust and is a component of the Androscoggin Greenway. The property was purchased from the City of Lewiston with Land for Maine’s Future water access funds in 2007. The property contains a walking trail, two beautiful sand beaches along the Androscoggin River, and a scenic overlook. Read More
Support of LD 586, An Act to Implement the Recommendations of the Commission To Study the Public Reserved Lands Management Fund
Good afternoon Senator Davis, Representative Dunphy, and members of the Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry Committee. My name is Eliza Donoghue. I am here today on behalf of the 19,000 members and supporters of the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM) to speak in support of LD 586, An Act to Implement the Recommendations of the Read More
President Trump Issues Executive Order Denying Climate Science
Statement by NRCM Executive Director Lisa Pohlmann “President Trump’s Executive Order today rolls back years of climate progress and takes us completely in the wrong direction. His denial of climate science is unconscionable. Today he has put his climate denial into action by attacking the safeguards that protect the health of America’s families. “In the Read More
Dennys River Corridor
The Dennys River is rich in superlatives. Among all the Downeast salmon rivers that are rated as “outstanding” for their water quality and wildlife values, the Dennys has the richest wildlife, the most diverse riverine and riparian plant communities, and the longest stretch of river without road crossings or camps. Thanks to the efforts of Read More
Solar Sheds Provide Solution for Getting the Most Out of Your Solar Panels
The Pittsfield-Unity partnership provides a more cost-effective option that will get customers a better return, according to the managers. by Madeleine St. Amour, staff writer Central Maine newspapers news story UNITY — Matt Wagner decided one day to stop by an Amish-run business that builds mostly sheds and some tiny homes. Wagner, who lives in Read More
Devil’s Head — St. Croix International Waterway
The City of Calais and the St. Croix International Waterway Commission were able to conserve the highest headland in Downeast Maine, Devil’s Head, with significant help from the Land for Maine’s Future program, the Maine Coastal Program, Maine Department of Conservation, Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund and others. Devil’s Head, which towers 340 vertical feet above the St. Read More
