by Yvon Chouinard Bangor Daily News reprint of LA Times op-ed American politicians have always been obsessed with running government “like a business.” They promise to make bureaucracies leaner and let the free market fix all our problems. Well, if America’s public lands were a business, shareholders would be shocked by the gross negligence of Read More
Land for Maine's Future & Conservation
NRCM has been involved in the Land for Maine's Future (LMF) program for many years. Maine voters have approved land bonds six times since 1987.
LMF funding has protected public lands, working farms, working waterfronts, and more in all 16 Maine counties. Conserving public access to special places is important to the mission of the Natural Resources Council of Maine. We will continue to push to ensure funding for LMF and its role in protecting lands for conservation, recreation, carbon sequestration and storage, and wildlife habitat.
How Would LePage’s Plan to Outsource Park Jobs Affect Visitors?
Conservation advocates believe replacing the current staff would hurt the visitor experience, but the state says the change comes with benefits. by Kevin Miller, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story AUGUSTA — Conservation advocates are raising concerns about Gov. Paul LePage’s proposal to outsource two dozen jobs at Maine’s state parks and to eliminate Read More
LePage Withdraws “Provocative” Nomination to Land for Maine’s Future Board
The governor gives no reason why former lawmaker Mike Timmons of Cumberland is no longer his choice for the board. By Scott Thistle, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story Gov. Paul LePage abruptly withdrew his nomination of a former state lawmaker to the Land for Maine’s Future board on Friday, giving no reason for Read More
Visit These Land for Maine’s Future Locations for Some Winter Fun!
The Land for Maine’s Future program (LMF) turns 30 this year! Why not celebrate during the Great Maine Outdoor Weekend by getting out on one of the beautiful properties protected by LMF funding? Here is a list of LMF sites that have great cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and hiking. To see other LMF locations around Maine, Read More
Parker Pond Headland
Parker Pond is a scenic and relatively undeveloped lake situated in Fayette, a growing community 18 miles northwest of Augusta. The town has experienced a population increase of 217 percent over the past four decades as more people have discovered its natural amenities. Despite the surrounding development, though, the shores of 1,600-acre Parker Pond have Read More
LePage Rebuffs Environmental Groups with His Nominee to Land Board
Gov. Paul LePage has nominated a former state lawmaker criticized for voting against a Land for Maine’s Future funding bill to serve on the land conservation program’s board.
LePage Administrator May Have Broken State Law by Silencing Public
by Christine Parrish Free Press news story “I think LMF can survive, but it will take more than the governor leaving. The damage is done. Trust in the LMF process is broken,” said Piper. ” Several people have raised questions about the legality of the procedures at the Land for Maine’s Future (LMF) board meeting Read More
Maine Voters Find Common Ground on Clean Energy, National Monument
By Lori Valigra, staff writer Mainebiz news story PORTLAND — As Maine voters get ready to head to the polls, a new public opinion survey of likely Maine voters released on Tuesday shows strong, bipartisan support for the new national monument, solar power and other clean energy development, the Land for Maine’s Future Program and Read More
2016 NRCM People’s Choice Award Presented to Larouche Family for the Hirundo Wildlife Refuge
2016 People’s Choice Award presented to Stephanie Larouche, representing the Larouche family for the family’s commitment to wildlife protection and habitat conservation as well as environmental education for children and adults through the Hirundo Wildlife Refuge. Eleven years ago, the Natural Resources Council of Maine created our People’s Choice Award to give NRCM members and Read More