Maine’s natural beauty is defined by its forests, coastlines, rivers, and wildlife, all of which play an important role in the state’s ecological health and economy. However, many species that call Maine home are facing significant threats from habitat loss, pollution, and climate change. The Endangered Species Act (ESA), passed in 1973, is one of Read More
Endangered Species Act
What the Supreme Court’s 2024 Ruling on Chevron Doctrine Means for Maine
Earlier this summer, the U.S. Supreme Court issued rulings on two related cases that are expected to seriously undermine the power of federal agencies to protect clean water, healthy air, and wildlife. The cases challenged what is known as the “Chevron doctrine,” a pillar of the U.S. legal system for 40 years, which holds that Read More
Restored Protections for Endangered Species Will Benefit Maine Wildlife
Maine Audubon | Natural Resources Council of Maine March 29, 2024 (Augusta, ME) – As Maine’s iconic wildlife faces increasing threats from climate change, development, and pollution, restored protections for endangered species proposed by the federal government promise to help. Yesterday, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Read More
The Black Terns of Messalonskee Marsh
In honor of the 50th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act, the Natural Resources Council of Maine is partnering with Maine photographer Nathaniel Child on a blog and photography series to bring awareness to some of Maine’s threatened and endangered species and their habitat. Passing the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act (RAWA) would help state and wildlife Read More
Where The Gray Ghost Roams
In honor of the 50th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act, the Natural Resources Council of Maine is partnering with Maine photographer Nathaniel Child on a blog and photography series to highlight some of Maine’s threatened and endangered species and their habitat. This spring, the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act (RAWA) was just reintroduced in the Read More
NOAA Ignores Science Showing Extinction Threat for Atlantic Salmon
An analysis released today by NOAA Fisheries ignores the threat to sea-run fish posed by four dams on Maine’s Kennebec River, according to a leading fisheries biologist and local Maine conservationists. The decision specifically understates the potential for extinction of endangered Atlantic salmon if the four dams are allowed to continue operating. “We have Read More
Penobscot River Dam Owner Violating Federal Endangered Species Act
The owner of the Milford Dam on Maine’s Penobscot River, Brookfield Renewable Partners (NYSE: BEP; TSX: BEP.UN), is actively breaking federal environmental law by harming endangered Atlantic salmon, according to documents obtained through the state’s Freedom of Access Act. In the documents, a federal biologist confirms that most Atlantic salmon are not able to Read More
Statement: Brookfield’s Lawsuit Against State of Maine is Frivolous
News release Below is a statement from the organizations of the Kennebec Coalition (Atlantic Salmon Federation, Maine Rivers, Trout Unlimited, Natural Resources Council of Maine) and the Conservation Law Foundation in response to the lawsuit filed by Brookfield on September 27th against the State of Maine: “Brookfield’s lawsuit against the State of Maine is frivolous. Read More
Permanently Protect the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (Arctic Refuge) is a place of spectacular beauty as well as ecological and cultural significance, but right now it’s vulnerable to oil and gas development. These industries threaten to pollute our air and water, degrade public lands, and ruin an Indigenous way of life. As Mainers we value our public lands and the space they provide for recreation and wildlife conservation just Read More
