by Douglas Rooks For 30 years, there’s been no fiercer, more consistent, or passionate advocate of protecting the Maine woods and enhancing its wildness. Cathy Johnson came to the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM) in 1990, and two years later began working full-time on the North Woods project – a role she fulfilled for Read More
public lands
Finding New Places to Hike & Explore Close to Home
None of us could have imagined that this year, 2020, would be so disrupted. Life, as we knew it, has changed for all of us. We seek the solace that nature can provide—now more than ever—yet it is our civic duty to stay close to home to slow the spread of Covid-19. For our family, Read More
Maine’s Outdoor Spaces Offer Respite During Trying Times
In E. O. Wilson’s 1984 book Biophilia, the world-renowned biologist and Harvard University professor described an innate “love of life” that humans have, meaning, we are drawn to nature. In an interview with PBS, he said this intrinsic attraction is so basic that he believed most people understand it and that it’s slowly instilling a Read More
Land for Maine’s Future: 3 Reasons LMF is about More than Land Conservation
When Land for Maine’s Future (LMF) was enacted in 1987, the program was remarkably forward-looking and a harbinger of good things to come. Over the past three decades, LMF has become Maine’s most important and popular land conservation program. But the program has not received any new funding since 2012, which is why we’re working Read More
Support of LD 1893, An Act To Require a Lease of Public Lands To Be Based on Reasonable Market Value and To Require Approval of Such Leases for Commercial Purposes
Senator Dill, Representative Hickman, and members of the Committee on Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry: My name is Nick Bennett and I am the staff scientist for the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM). NRCM is Maine’s largest environmental advocacy group with more than 25,000 members and supporters. I am testifying in support of LD 1893 Read More
My Maine This Week: Cathance River by Steve Yenco
“A fun snowshoe along the banks of the Cathance River after a snowstorm at the Cathance River Nature Preserve in Topsham, Maine.” Photo by NRCM supporter Steve Yenco of Lisbon Falls, Maine. With winter weather finally arriving here in Maine, there are many opportunities to get outside to snap snowy photos of Maine’s beautiful land, Read More
Following Advocacy from Senators Collins and King, Senate Votes to Permanently Reauthorize LWCF
LWCF has conserved land and created outdoor recreation opportunities across the country. News release from Senators Collins and King Washington, D.C. – Today, the U.S. Senate approved a permanent reauthorization of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) as part of a public lands legislative package. The legislation passed by a vote of 92-8 will Read More
LD 233, An Act To Move the Bureau of Parks and Lands from the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry to the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife
Good afternoon Senator Dill, Representative Hickman, and members of the Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry Committee. My name is Cathy Johnson. I live in Alna. I am here today on behalf of the 20,000 members and supporters of the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM). I commend Rep. Skolfield for bringing this issue to the fore. Read More
Opposition to LD 125, Resolve, Directing the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry to Convey Certain Lands to Roosevelt Conference Center Doing Business as Eagle Lake Sporting Camps
Good afternoon Senator Dill, Representative Hickman, and members of the Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry Committee. My name is Cathy Johnson. I live in Alna. I am here today on behalf of the 20,000 members and supporters of the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM) to speak in opposition to LD 125, “Resolve, Directing the Department Read More
