As I sit on an outcrop watching the moon rise above the Alaskan skyline and mighty Taku Glacier, I can’t help but wonder how many years into the future this great ice mass will remain. Recent research suggests up to 60% of Taku will be gone in the next century if our climate continues on its current warming trajectory. These are humbling Read More
Nature of Maine Blog
The Natural Resources Council of Maine’s “Nature of Maine” blog gives you the inside scoop on some of the latest issues facing Maine’s environment. From environmental news to threats to opportunities, NRCM is on the frontlines of the latest goings-on—and we’re often leading the charge on efforts to protect Maine’s precious lands, air, waters, and wildlife. Read what NRCM staff members have to say and get the perspective of some of our members and supporters who have been guest contributors.
Perhaps you have an issue you’d like to write about. Maybe you’re an expert on a particular topic and are inspired to share your expertise. Maybe you’ve recently made a visit to a spectacular Maine nature preserve or other natural area and would like to write about it (captioned photos welcome!). For submission guidelines, email nrcm@nrcm.org.
Maine’s Utility Regulators Have a New Mandate to Act on Climate Change
Against the backdrop of a highly productive legislative session for Maine’s environment earlier this year, one new law could prove to be extremely important to Maine’s efforts to address climate change. The bill, LD 1682, expands the responsibility of the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to include reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The Governor’s Energy Office and Read More
How Congress Can Support Maine’s Climate Action Plan
Maine’s Congressional delegation has before them the chance to build and pass the most important piece of climate legislation ever seen in the United States. This opportunity comes at a time when the latest report from the world’s leading climate scientists signaled a “Code Red for Humanity” – time is running out and immediate, bold Read More
Moving Beyond Good Intentions to Make Changes for More Inclusive and Just Environmental Response
In 2017, the Natural Resources Council of Maine formed a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice Committee (DEIJ) made up of staff members. This year they have moved to include board members and a member of the NRCM Rising Leadership Team. I have the honor of serving as the Rising representative. NRCM formed the committee in Read More
Fatal Flaws in Brookfield’s Proposal for the Kennebec
If we are to save endangered Atlantic salmon and restore healthy populations of other sea-run fish, it’s clear that removing four dams on the Kennebec between Waterville and Skowhegan must happen. The best available peer-reviewed science shows that all of the proposals for fish passage being made by the owner of the dams, Brookfield Renewable, Read More
Supporting Community by Spending Time in the Soil
I am incredibly grateful to live in a state with such an abundance of adventures waiting to be had. Each season brings with it a new landscape to explore with different modes and clothing layers, from ocean to pasture to lake to mountain and back again. You won’t often find me in one place on Read More
Five Years, Five Wildlife Reasons to Visit Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument
If you love Maine’s wildlife and haven’t yet been to the Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument (KWW), we really encourage you to go. The reasons are countless. It’s located in the heart of Maine’s beautiful North Woods, for one, with the majestic peak of Katahdin in view just about everywhere, it seems. For another, Read More
Celebrating 5 Years of Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument
Today, Tuesday, August 24, we’re celebrating the fifth anniversary of Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument (KWW). And what a half decade it’s been! The success of KWW is an example of the enormous value that our public lands provide to the American people and our communities. The Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM), alongside other advocacy organizations like the National Parks Conservation Association, the Wilderness Society, and more, Read More
Critter Chatter — Three Little Kittens
This month’s column about the Wildlife Care Center in Vassalboro was going to be about fox releases, but before we got too far into the conversation, caretaker Don Cote mentioned he had three bobcat kittens on site. I “pounced” on the idea of writing about the bobcats, so we’ll address critter releases later. In late Read More
