Senator Dill, Representative O’Neil, and Members of the Joint Standing Committee on Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry, I am Melanie Sturm, the Forests and Wildlife Director at the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM), and I am providing testimony in support of LD 700. Maine State Parks are in critical need of investment. They face $50 Read More
Outdoor Recreation
Maine's environment offers many opportunities to enjoy outdoor recreation, whether it be paddling, bird watching, hiking, cross-country skiing, hunting, fishing, or other activities, Maine has beautiful lakes, forests, trails, and coastline to explore. Outdoor recreation is an important part of Maine's economy as well as a reason for Maine to preserve and protect as much public land as we can, so it is available for us to enjoy now, as well as for future generations.
NRCM and NWF Ready to Partner with Secretary Haaland to Protect Public Lands
WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 15, 2021) — The U.S. Senate’s bipartisan vote to confirm Deb Haaland as Secretary of the Interior demonstrates a commitment to restoring the nation’s public lands and honoring Tribal commitments. The National Wildlife Federation pledged to work with Secretary Haaland to tackle the challenges facing America’s public lands and the department, including Read More
My Maine This Week: Linda Woods
It’s always fun to find new places to explore, but let’s be honest—we all have our favorite “go-to” locations around Maine. We love a certain trail, a particular mountain, a lake that our family has visited for years. This week, NRCM member and frequent My Maine This Week photographer Linda Woods of Waterville, Maine, shares Read More
Opposition to LD 324, An Act To Limit Public Land Ownership in Maine
Good morning Senator Dill, Representative O’Neil, and Members of the Joint Standing Committee on Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry. I am Melanie Sturm, the Forests and Wildlife Director at the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM), and I am providing testimony in opposition to LD 324. NRCM opposes LD 324 for a number of reasons. First Read More
Traveling Through Maine’s Public Lands in a Converted Cargo Van
I think the greatest investment I’ve made so far in the 25 years I’ve been alive is Stella Blue, a 2006 Chevy Express cargo van with questionable brakes that came into my life in 2019 and started my adventure into “van life.” My partner Carter and I bought her together and spent a month outfitting Read More
Support of LD 322, An Act To Provide Occupants of Motor Vehicles with Gold Star Family Registration Plates Free Entry to State Parks and Historic Sites
Good afternoon Senator Dill, Representative O’Neil, and Members of the Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry Committee. I am Melanie Sturm, Forests and Wildlife Director at the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM), and I am writing to provide comments in support of LD 322. Maine’s public lands, including state parks and historic sites, are cherished places Read More
Making a Difference Over Zoom: My January NRCM Internship
Imagine waking up every morning with a chance to conduct important advocacy research that could directly help influence what legislative bills are passed in Maine this year. Imagine spending every day attending interesting meetings full of smart, passionate people speaking about their work on environmental topics, ranging from climate and clean energy to developing outreach Read More
George Smith Leaves a Legacy as One of Maine’s Greatest Conservationists
NRCM Saddened by Loss of Iconic Outdoorsman NRCM statement Augusta, ME (February 13, 2021) – The Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM) is saddened to hear of the passing of George Smith, and today issued the following statements from its CEO and Advocacy Director in honor of George Smith: “George was one of Maine’s greatest Read More
Maine Outdoor Recreation Opportunities for All
As a lifelong Mainer and someone who loves photography, I have spent many hours traveling around the state to view and snap pictures of our gorgeous coastal beaches, stunning mountains, and rivers, lakes, and streams. While I don’t mind a little walk from a parking lot to take photos and enjoy the breathtaking views, I Read More
