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
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.
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
Building an Appreciation for the Natural World
“We have to get up WHEN?!” No matter the year or the group, every 15-year-old camper hearing that they’ll be waking up to watch the sunrise on Cadillac Mountain thinks the same thing: why do we have to get up so early? I first came to Maine in 2013 to spend a summer teaching horseback Read More
Thankful for Peace & Quiet in the Maine Woods
It’s been an exhausting year. I don’t need to recap it all for you, but by the end of October I found myself glued to ever-present screens almost every waking hour and being bombarded by anger, sadness, and all-around bad news. This isn’t healthy. I needed to get away. A restorative few days far from Read More
My Maine This Week: Jeff Toothaker
NRCM member Jeff Toothaker of Winthrop, Maine, shares this stunning image he captured on a recent trip to Western Maine. Jeff writes, “These are the peaks of Bigelow from east of Flagstaff Lake in Carrying Place Township on a warm day in November.” As most of the state has had some snow already this season, Read More
What’s New at Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument?
Like many people, you may have explored Maine’s stunning outdoors this year to decompress and clear your mind. Now in its fourth year, Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument (KWW) is the perfect example of a safe, remote place to recreate during a roller coaster year. As you begin to think about how you’ll spend Read More