Demolition of the Great Works Dam on the Penobscot, starting this week, is part of an ambitious restoration project that will open 1,000 miles of waterways to Atlantic salmon. by Tom Bell, staff writer Maine Sunday Telegram news story After 13 years of legal, political and engineering work, the largest-ever river restoration project in eastern Read More
Protecting Maine's Wildlife
Maine is home to a wide variety of wildlife, and, for some species, Maine makes up a vast majority of their range or provides essential habitat that can’t be found elsewhere. NRCM works to protect Maine’s wildlife by advocating for policies that ensure they have healthy habitat and abundant resources to thrive.
Edwards Dam Success Foreshadows Penobscot River Project’s Future
by John Holyoke Bangor Daily News news story Twelve years ago — on July 1, 1999 — a crowd gathered on the banks of the Kennebec River in Augusta to watch as Edwards Dam was breached. First a trickle. Then a torrent. For the first time in 162 years, a 17-mile stretch of the Kennebec Read More
Celebrating a Big Moment for the Penobscot River
by Bill Houston Bangor Daily News op-ed Maine’s largest and arguably most impressive river, the Penobscot, is about to take a major leap toward a new future — and what a grand future it will be. As removal of the Great Works Dam begins this Monday, I will be there to celebrate the Penobscot and Read More
The East-West Highway
Gateway to opportunity or toll on the environment? by Edgar Allen Beem Downeast.com news story In March the Maine Legislature approved and in April Governor Paul LePage signed into law LD 1671, a measure appropriating three hundred thousand dollars for an investment grade feasibility study of whether it would be a good deal for a Read More
As Vigue Stumps for Highway Project, Foes Follow
Despite personal threats, Cianbro Corp.’s chairman says he has no plans to abandon his quest for an East-West Highway in Maine. by Tux Turkel, staff writer Portland Press Herald news story Peter Vigue is used to freely jetting around North America in search of economic opportunities. In recent months, though, he has felt it necessary Read More
East-West Highway: Savior or Albatross?
Environmental concerns aside, whether the $2 billion project is economically feasible or not could depend on how consultants look at it. by Colin Woodard, staff writer Portland Press Herald news story Mainers are often described as being risk averse, conditioned by thin soils, frigid winters, Colonial-era Indian wars, and a century and a half of Read More
Group Threatens EPA with Lawsuit Over St. Croix Alewives
By Kevin Miller, BDN Staff Bangor Daily News news story ELLSWORTH, Maine — Two individuals and a southern Maine organization are ramping up their legal fight to restore alewives to the St. Croix River, this time accusing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency of complicity in preventing the fish from spawning Down East. Friends of Merrymeeting Read More
Maine Acquires 5,700 Acres around Seboeis Lake
Kevin Miller Bangor Daily News news story Maine officials on Monday announced the acquisition of more than 5,700 acres of land south of Millinocket in a deal that will protect an additional 2 miles of shoreline along Seboeis Lake while securing key snowmobile and ATV routes in the region. Several years in the making, the Read More
Mining Bill Passes Legislature, Awaits Governor’s Signature
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