A bipartisan bill to modernize Maine’s popular beverage container redemption program was passed unanimously by the Environment and Natural Resources Committee yesterday. The vote came on the same day the Bottle Bill celebrated its 45th anniversary as the state’s most effective litter prevention and recycling program. “Maine’s Bottle Bill is a big part of our Read More
Belfast Rail Trail
The Belfast Rail Trail (also known as the Passagassawakeag or “Passy” Rail Trail) is a multi-use 2.3-mile path that lies right next to the Passagassawakeag River. As its name suggests, this trail utilizes the bed of a former railroad that was constructed in 1870. Although the railroad suspended operations in 2007, train excursions are still Read More
My Maine This Week: Alewives & Muskrat, by David Small
NRCM member David Small of Old Town, Maine, shares his stunning Maine photos with us weekly. His wildlife and nature photos are incredible. This week he wrote, “Orland Dam has been a go to spot for me to check up on the alewife run and fishing Ospreys, seals, Double-crested Cormorants and the ever present gulls. Read More
The Season of Newness: Spring Rowing in Belfast Bay
Since 2009, the Natural Resources Council of Maine has partnered with traditional Maine sporting camps to offer discounts to NRCM members on stays and activities at the various camps. Several years ago, we added guiding services, and for the past two years, we have partnered with Nicolle Littrell, open-water rower, licensed Maine Guide, and owner/operator Read More
LD 1969, An Act to Expand the Use of Funds to Support Land Conservation
Testimony in Support of LD 1969, An Act to Expand the Use of Funds to Support Land Conservation Senator Ingwersen, Representative Pluecker, and members of the Joint Standing Committee on Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry, I am Melanie Sturm, the Forests and Wildlife Director at the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM). I appreciate the opportunity to Read More
My Maine This Week: A short story by Diana Washburn
Do You Hear Forever’s Sound? Do you hear the ocean? A mass of uncomprehending depth, cascading white crested waves, swirling, seething, roaring, smashing, and quietly lapping, marching to the never-ending demands of the tides and Mother Nature. Azure blue, black, green, turquoise colors, changing at the whim of the weather. What creatures does it harbor Read More
Offshore Wind Industry to Provide Massive Benefits to Economy, Climate in Maine
Environmental, labor groups advocate for clean energy development, responsible offshore wind industry in LD 1895 public hearing News release of: Maine Audubon, Maine Labor Climate Council, Natural Resources Council of Maine, Union of Concerned Scientists, Maine Conservation Voters, Maine Climate Action Now, Iron Workers Local 7, Laborers’ International Union Local 327 A winning coalition of Read More
Critter Chatter — Fox News (and I Don’t Mean the Channel)
In mid-April, I got a call from Don at the Duck Pond Wildlife Rehab Center, asking if I still wanted to take pictures of a “little red.” I’m always up for a photo opportunity, especially of young critters, so I headed over expecting to see a baby red squirrel in one of the incubators. When Read More
LD 1895, An Act Regarding the Procurement of Energy from Offshore Wind Resources
Testimony in Support of LD 1895, An Act Regarding the Procurement of Energy from Offshore Wind Resources Senator Lawrence, Representative Zeigler, and members of the Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee, my name is Jack Shapiro, and I am the Climate and Clean Energy Director at the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM). Today, on behalf Read More
