Dodge Point Public Reserved Land is a 520-acre property located on the Damariscotta River in Newcastle, just a few miles south on the River Road from downtown Damariscotta. Previously an award-winning tree farm, the property was purchased by the State in 1989, with funds from Land for Maine’s Future bonds, and the Damariscotta River Association Read More
Land for Maine's Future
The Deep Roots of Maine’s Land Conservation
Every month, I hike or ski or camp or enjoy the beach on lands in Maine that have been set aside for the public to enjoy. In my neighborhood alone, I can take the family to Dodge Point in Newcastle, Damariscotta Lake State Park, or the Camden Hills. With a longer drive, I can enjoy Read More
Land for Maine’s Future Too Vulnerable to Governor’s Whims
The structure of the popular conservation program should be changed so one person can’t stall it unilaterally. By The Editorial Board Portland Press Herald editorial Members of the Land for Maine’s Future board have a right to be angry. For years, the program has worked without a hitch. A bond was approved by the Legislature Read More
Conservation Deal for Forest Near State House Expected to Close in October
The Kennebec Land Trust plans to purchase Howard Hill, a 164-acre parcel behind the State House, with the help of a loan after Gov. LePage withheld voter-approved bond funding promised to the project. By Paul Koenig, Staff Writer Kennebec Journal news story FAYETTE — The plan to preserve 164 acres of land behind the State Read More
Unless Bonds Released, Hunting and Fishing Spots Could Make Endangered List
Our priceless wilderness might be up for bid soon because of Gov. LePage’s unceasing obstinacy. By Martin Grohman Portland Press Herald op-ed About the Author Martin Grohman is a first-term Democratic state representative from Biddeford. BIDDEFORD — I was lucky enough to get a moose permit this year, and I’ve already been scouting in anticipation Read More
Androscoggin Riverlands Offers Wilderness Experience Close to Cities
Maine’s newest state park, in Turner, hopes to attract more visitors. FOR MORE on Androscoggin Riverlands, including a trail map and descriptions, directions and other information: www.maine.gov/dacf/parksearch/PropertyGuides/Maps/FullSize/androscogginriverlandsmap.pdf. By Deirdre Fleming, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story TURNER — Imagine taking a canoe trip in Maine that passes undeveloped land with no signs of life Read More
LePage’s Land Protection Obstruction May Benefit Wealthy
By The BDN Editorial Board Bangor Daily News editorial One of the chief complaints Gov. Paul LePage has lodged against a popular state land protection program in recent months is that its benefits accrue mainly to the wealthy. “We ask the taxpayer — which is not the rich people — to sell bonds and give Read More
52 House Republicans Kill the Land for Maine’s Future Program
By George Smith Bangor Daily News column Today legislators had to decide which was most important: the will of the people, or the willfulness of the Governor. Twenty five Senators voted with the people, overriding the Governor’s veto of Senator Roger Katz’s bill to allow bonds for the Land for Maine’s Future program to be Read More
Whimper, Not Bang, Ends 2015 Maine Lawmaking Session
By Scott Thistle, LSJ State Politics Editor Sun Journal news story AUGUSTA — An often tumultuous first half of the 127th Maine legislative session came to a nondramatic close Thursday more than six months after it started — making it one of the longest in recent state history. Beyond a smattering of official sentiments honoring Read More