By Jen Lynds, BDN Staff Bangor Daily News news story AUGUSTA, Maine — A bill to change the state’s mining laws has been passed by lawmakers and has been sent to Gov. Paul LePage for his consideration. Rep. John Martin, D-Eagle Lake, said Monday evening that LD 1853, An Act To Improve Environmental Oversight and Read More
Forests and Wildlife
NRCM works to protect Maine’s natural areas and wild, undeveloped character, particularly in the North Woods. We support responsible land development and sustainable forest practices that protect sensitive ecosystems and wildlife. We work for increased public ownership of Maine lands, so future generations will know the Maine we love today.
Protection of Maine’s natural, remote areas was one of the issues for which NRCM was founded in 1959. More than 60 years later, much progress has been made but major threats to Maine’s land and water resources continue.
Read news & blogs about our work to protect Maine's forests and wildlife.
Mining Bill Would Weaken System That Protects Maine’s Waters
by Matthew Scott Kennebec Journal op-ed As a resident of Belgrade and as a retired aquatic scientist on water quality and fisheries issues, I am writing to express my concern about L.D. 1853, a bill that would weaken protection for water quality and fish habitat when metal mines are permitted. As the bill stands, I Read More
It’s Time to Borrow to Invest in Maine
Bangor Daily News editorial No state borrowing was put before voters last year, a rare occurrence indeed. But then, Republicans winning control of the Maine House of Representatives, Senate and Blaine House also is a rare occurrence. As the Legislature nears the finish line of this session, Democrats are putting bonds back on the table. Read More
New Report Sheds Light on Disappointing Winter
Last winter, I wrote a blog post, Joys of a Maine winter, sharing my love for winter fishing in Maine. But this winter has been disappointing. With the warm December and January, and early spring (summer, really) temperatures, the ice fishing season was much abbreviated. I got out on the ice maybe only five times this Read More
Reject Flawed LURC Reform Bill
by Laura Sewall Times Record op-ed As was the case during last year’s legislative session, there are a number of bills before state lawmakers that, if passed, would surely compromise the quality of Maine’s environment. They are often cast as critical to support Maine’s economy, but that falsely pits jobs against the environment. In a Read More
State’s Land Fund is Great Investment
Regardless of politics, Mainers have shown support at the ballot box for preserving land, and it pays off economically. Maine Sunday Telegram op-ed Like many who grow up in Maine, I was raised with a love of the outdoors — of the woods and lands in this state. When we think of Maine, each of Read More
Maine LURC Reform Proposal Wins Key Committee Endorsement
MPBN news story A controversial proposal to revamp the Land Use Regulation Commission has been unanimously approved by a legislative committee, virtually guaranteeing its passage by the full Legislature. Debate over the future of the agency responsible for zoning and planning in Maine’s vast unorganized territories has raged for more than a year. But one Read More
Wildlife Observation with Motion-Activated Cameras
Editor’s Note: NRCM member Bryan Wells recently sent along a video of a bobcat feeding on a frozen deer carcass. The video, captured using equipment he assembled and deployed himself, is one of many action pieces showing Maine’s fascinating wildlife doing what they do when they think no one is watching. We invited Bryan to Read More
Mercury Causes “Foggy Headed” Loons to Fail as Parents, Possibly Threatening Their Future
By Seth Koenig, BDN Staff Bangor Daily News news story STANDISH, Maine — When Thom Watson is showing tourists or budding sportsmen around the lakes of Maine, loons are the prized sightings. “In terms of Maine folklore, when I’m with clients, I love to see them, love to hear them and, maybe most of all, Read More