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May 18, 2013
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Press releases, events, publications released, etc. from Maine environmental organizations and agencies. Submit content.
Maine Environmental News
Announcement - Saturday, May 18, 2013
Thanks for visiting Maine Environmental News, the most comprehensive online source available for links to Maine conservation and natural resource news stories and events. I have posted links to more than 23,000 news articles and announcements. I also post breaking stories and exclusives. Be sure to check not only today's news, but take a look at the headlines from the past several days as well. Articles often come to my attention a few days after they are published. Will Sugg is the website developer. ~ Jym St. Pierre, RESTORE: The North Woods |
Thorne Head Birding, May 25
Event - Posted - Saturday, May 18, 2013
Thorne Head Preserve in Bath, on the Maine Birding Trail, is rich in migrating warblers and vireos.
Meet at CVS, Bath, May 25, 7:15 am to carpool. Sponsored by Merrymeeting Audubon, Kennebec Estuary Land Trust, and Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust. |
Pond Life: Gills, Webbing and Air Bubbles, May 25
Event - Posted - Saturday, May 18, 2013
Families are invited to the museum to dip nets in the pond and go on an exploration of wildlife that lives in the wetlands. See and learn how animals adapt to water. At L.C. Bates Museum, Hinckley, May 25,1 pm. |
10th Annual Down East Spring Birding Festival, May 24-27
Event - Posted - Friday, May 17, 2013
The annual Down East Spring Birding Festival provides a unique birding experience during spring migration and the breeding season with four days of self-guided explorations, guided hikes, boat tours and presentations led by area experts. May 24-27. |
Chimney Swifts, May 24
Event - Posted - Friday, May 17, 2013
Enjoy the spectacle of a hundred or more swifts in migration swirling into their chimney roost before they continue to their breeding locations. Carpool from Brunswick Hannaford, May 24 at 7 pm. Sponsored by Merrymeeting Audubon. |
Birding at Hedgehog Mountain, May 24
Event - Posted - Friday, May 17, 2013
Hedgehog Mountain is a gem owned by the town of Freeport. See migrating songbirds, including warblers, sparrows, grosbeaks, tanagers and more. May 24, 7–9 am. Maine Audubon members $5, non-members $8. |
Scarborough Marsh Full Moon Canoe Tour, May 24 & 25
Event - Posted - Friday, May 17, 2013
Experience the sights and sounds of marsh creatures under the full moon. At Scarborough Marsh, May 24 and May 25, 7:30–9:30 pm. Maine Audubon members $11, non-members $13. |
No Tar Sands Oil in Casco Bay
Action Alert - Thursday, May 16, 2013
This petition asks the South Portland City Council to protect public health, the environment, and property values from the impacts of transporting tar sands oil through South Portland and exporting it from Casco Bay. |
Pennellville Birding, May 22
Event - Posted - Wednesday, May 15, 2013
This easy trail goes through varied habitats, by ponds and ends at a saltwater cove. You will see Bobolinks, woodpeckers, warblers, some nesting songbirds, and hopefully some ducks, eagles, hawks and ospreys. Meet at Brunswick Hannaford, May 22 at 7 am to carpool or at the soccer field on Pennellville Rd in Brunswick at 7:30 am. Sponsored by Merrymeeting Audubon. |
Day Hikes on the Appalachian Trail in Maine, May 22
Event - Posted - Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Aislinn Sarnacki, hiker and outdoors writer for the Bangor Daily News, will speak at a meeting of the Maine Appalachian Trail Club. At Brewer Performing Arts Center, May 22, at 6:30 pm. |
Accessing the Maine Coast
Announcement - Monday, May 13, 2013
In the mid 1970s the Maine State Planning Office completed an inventory of public access ways to the coast in Maine. That information has never been publicized. This website will not tell you where you can legally get to the water, but it contains information to help waterfront users, coastal communities, and land owners address issues related to coastal access cooperatively, possibly reducing the need for litigation. |
Bird Walk at Florida Lake, May 21
Event - Posted - Saturday, May 11, 2013
Florida Lake, owned by the Town of Freeport, includes a lake, surrounding wetlands and forested habitat. May 21, 7–9 am. Maine Audubon members $5, non-members $8. |
Water management class for foresters, May 21
Event - Posted - Saturday, May 11, 2013
Androscoggin Valley Soil and Water Conservation District, the Maine Forest Service and Kennebec Estuary Land Trust are partnering to offer a free workshop for anyone interested in learning best management practices for water management and protection at small- or largescale timber harvests. At the Bath City Hall auditorium, May 21, 8 am - 1 pm. |
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Thanks for visiting Maine Environmental News, the most comprehensive online source available for links to Maine conservation and natural resource news stories and events. If you are a regular visitor we strongly encourage you to make an annual donation of $35 or more to keep this service going.
Jym St. Pierre, RESTORE: The North Woods, Editor, Maine Environmental News.
Maine Environmental News is provided with free hosting and development by Planet Maine.
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Moose are out and about
John Holyoke Out There Blog - Wednesday, May 08, 2013
After a couple weeks of steady sunshine and the consequent spring green-up, it’s no surprise that the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife has issued its annual warning, advising motorists to keep an eye out for moose in the state’s roadways. Yes, folks, it’s that time again: Moose are out and about. And if you’re smart, you’ll take heed of the state’s warning, no matter how many times you’ve heard it. |
Blog: Steal the Day
Bangor Daily News - Wednesday, May 08, 2013
Sometimes we need to steal things in life. The temptation to grab a day or two that does not really belong to us becomes overwhelming. Nobody will give us these days — they must be stolen — snatched from the jaws of responsible parenthood and citizenship. Go now, before you lose your nerve! Grab your kid from school. Ignore the Vice-principal’s glare. Quickly…quickly. Throw your bicycles and some random camping gear into the family pick-up. Drive to Bar Harbor. Pull up to Blackwoods Campground in Acadia National Park. You won’t need a reservation; most responsible campers are home raking their lawns. ~ Jim Andrews |
Maine East-West Highway Likely Dead
Other - Wednesday, May 08, 2013
Trucking Info - A legislative committee has voted to repeal a requirement the Maine transportation department conduct a study about building a privately-owned east to west highway in the state. Last year the governor signed legislation authorizing $300,000 to be spent to determine the feasibility of building the more than $2 billion route from Calais to Coburn Gore. Supporters of the route say it would improve the state’s economy and would provide a badly needed route. Opponents, which include business owners to environmentalists, are against it for a variety of reasons. A non-scientific poll by the Bangor Daily News shows nearly 60% of people surveyed are against building the route. |
Volunteers need to plant trees on Bean Hill on Mother’s Day
Bangor Daily News - Wednesday, May 08, 2013
The Sangerville Community Forest Committee started its reforestation of the town’s Bean Hill Woodlot on May 5, and is asking for volunteers on Mother’s Day, May 12, to help plant 1,500 seedlings and saplings. A $9,925 Project Canopy grant from the Maine Forest Service of the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry was used to purchase 1,475 soft and hard wood trees. |
Lawmakers vote to ban ethanol in Maine
Bangor Daily News - Wednesday, May 08, 2013
The Maine House on Wednesday took a decisive stance against blending ethanol into gasoline, giving initial approval to a bill that would ban the corn-based additive from motor fuel if two other New England states pass similar laws. In addition, the House unanimously endorsed a resolution urging the federal government not to require gasoline containing 15 percent ethanol, a blend known as E15. The Senate unanimously endorsed that resolution Tuesday. |
NRCM Scientist Nick Bennett Earns Bates Award for Environmental Stewardship
Natural Resources Council of Maine - Wednesday, May 08, 2013
Nick Bennett, staff scientist for the Natural Resources Council of Maine for more than 16 years, has been awarded The Bates-Morse Mountain Award for Environmental Stewardship. This award goes to an individual or group demonstrating significant commitment to and achievement of environmental stewardship. Bennett has a long history of success at NRCM, working with lawmakers, community and business leaders, and others, to protect Maine watersheds, now and for future generations. |
Raw milk, poultry and produce: Bills easing small-farm oversight clear big legislative hurdle
Bangor Daily News - Wednesday, May 08, 2013
Small-farm advocates in Augusta on Tuesday celebrated a key political victory after a legislative committee gave the green light to several bills that would relax state oversight and open local markets to unlicensed farmers and raw milk producers. Bob St. Peter, a Sedgwick farmer and board member of the nonprofit Food For Maine’s Future, hailed “the magnitude of the shift that just happened here.” The Joint Standing Committee on Agriculture, Forestry and Conservation voted that two key bills — LD 1282 and LD 1287 — ought to pass when they are taken up by the full Legislature. |
Mainers share methods of keeping ticks off
Bangor Daily News - Wednesday, May 08, 2013
The ticks of Maine are awake and active, and as someone who spends a fair amount of time outdoors, I’m not particularly happy about it. So last week, I posted a reader query: “What’s your best defense against ticks?” And the responses I received are full of great tips, from homemade repellents to “tick spoons.” |
Regulating a proposed resurgence in mining under debate in Augusta
Bangor Daily News - Wednesday, May 08, 2013
There hasn’t been an active mining operation in Maine for 40 years, but the prospect of new mining activity in Aroostook County is fueling a State House debate over the environmental effect of open-pit mining. During an afternoon work session Wednesday, the Legislature’s Joint Committee on Environmental and Natural Resources will discuss a proposed amendment to Maine’s existing Metallic Mineral Mining Act that is targeted at protecting both groundwater and downstream surface waters from pollution associated with mining operations. |
Committee nixes study of east-west highway
Mainebiz - Wednesday, May 08, 2013
The Legislature's Transportation Committee unanimously recommended on Tuesday a bill repealing the requirement that the Department of Transportation complete a feasibility study for a proposed east-west highway from Calais to Coburn Gore. In supporting LD 985 the committee signaled to the full Legislature that last year's bill authorizing the Maine Department of Transportation to spend $300,000 on a feasibility study for the proposed east-west highway should be repealed. The committee also voted unanimously against two bills calling for study groups to analyze further development of the private $2.1 billion highway proposed by Cianbro Corp. CEO Peter Vigue. Vigue's proposal has won support from the Somerset County Economic Development Corp. and the Greater Franklin Economic Development Corp., as well as opposition from several environmental groups. |
Fishermen, history buffs will enjoy Canal Path hike in Searsmont
Bangor Daily News - Wednesday, May 08, 2013
Bring a fishing rod and a camera and enjoy nature and history along the Canal Path, an interesting hike along the St. George River in this rural Waldo County town. Rising at Lake St. George in Liberty, the river flows south through the hills stretching from Searsmont to Warren; the river reaches the sea at Thomaston. Lovely ponds — Sennebec and Seven Tree, among others — interrupt the river’s flow across rips and rocks, and anglers often pursue their passion along the often heavily wooded shore. |
Maine bill would give fee break to fishermen on active duty
Associated Press - Wednesday, May 08, 2013
A bill in the Maine Legislature is proposing that fishermen who are called to active duty not be required to pay any fees on their fishing licenses while they are serving. Lobster fishermen and veterans are expected to speak in support of the proposed law when the Marine Resources Committee holds a public hearing Wednesday. Under current law, fishermen who are members of the military and are called to active duty must pay fees to keep their licenses active while they are serving or risk forfeiting their licenses, even though they're not fishing. |
New England groundfish industry at crossroads
Portland Press Herald - Wednesday, May 08, 2013
As Congress prepares to revisit the law governing how U.S. fishermen ply their trade, New England's beleaguered groundfish industry illustrates the challenge of reviving a historic fishery in the face of climate change and other factors. For some, the industry's struggle to survive is cited as proof that current federal fisheries regulations are too rigid to respond to unique circumstances. But for others, the regulations are seen as the type of strong, science-based management that should have been in place decades ago. |
Letter: Senators urged to confirm nominee for EPA chief
Portland Press Herald - Wednesday, May 08, 2013
Gina McCarthy was recently nominated by President Obama to be the next administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. McCarthy's rare ability to put partisan politics aside and work with both Republicans and Democrats to implement public health protections will serve her well in her new role as EPA chief. I urge Maine Sens. Angus King and Susan Collins to vote to confirm Gina McCarthy for EPA chief. ~ Tom Mikulka, Cape Elizabeth |
Letter: Support LD 1286
Bangor Daily News - Wednesday, May 08, 2013
I am glad to be a supporter of Maine Friends of Animals and was delighted to see the OpEd asking for support for LD 1286: “An act to protect Maine communities from environmental hazards by prohibiting horse slaughter in Maine for human consumption and the transport of horses for slaughter.” It is bad for the environment, human health, Maine’s economy, the health of the horses in Maine and definitely bad for horses in question. If you think of these animals as pets and livelihood and appreciate that they make the landscape more beautiful, please help with this issue. ~ Barbara Stone, Gouldsboro |
Letter: Swamp things
Bangor Daily News - Wednesday, May 08, 2013
I’ve lived in Caribou 32 years and appreciate the generosity of my community. They leave things in my swamp. Usually furniture, electronics, fast food, soda and lots of beer. Unfortunately, most of the latter has been consumed before they leave it for me. Once someone left me a porcelain toilet in good condition. So good that someone else retrieved it from the swamp two days later. I guess they were renovating. I also give back to the community. Once my trash was such a hot commodity that someone emptied my garbage cans before my sanitation service arrived. Life is good. I am looking forward to another spring-swamp sell. ~ Dale J. Gordon, Caribou |
Opinion: The real obstacle to halting climate change
Sun Journal - Tuesday, May 07, 2013
In case you missed the news, humanity just spent the Earth Day week reaching another sad milestone in the history of catastrophic climate change: For the first time, measurements of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere surpassed 400 parts per million — way above what our current ecosystem can handle. That sense of hopelessness is understandable. Some of the most hyped ways to reduce carbon emissions require the kind of technological transformations that can seem impossibly unrealistic at a time when Congress can't even pass a budget. Here's the good news: The fastest way to reduce climate change just requires us all to eat fewer animal products. ~ David Sirota |
Wildfire Episode 6 – Moose
Maine Audubon - Tuesday, May 07, 2013
Moose and moose management policies. Guest: Ed Pineau, an avid hunter and lobbyist at Pineau Policy Associates. [video] |
Augusta might spend $40,000 to hire expert to help with gas deal decision
Kennebec Journal - Tuesday, May 07, 2013
The city is considering spending up to $40,000 on a consultant to help determine which of two proposals to provide natural gas would be best for the city and its schools, businesses and residents. The wrong choice could be a million-dollar-a-year mistake. |
The story of naked Joe Knowles
WCSH-TV6 - Tuesday, May 07, 2013
In August of 1913, Joe Knowles stripped down just to a jock strap and walked off into the Maine woods to prove his survival skills for eight weeks. He was known as the Nature Man. |
Brown backs out of East-West Corridor debate
Maine Environmental News - Tuesday, May 07, 2013
A discussion entitled "East-West Highway: Economic Link or Environmental Roadblock?" that was scheduled for May 16 at the University of Southern Maine in Portland has been cancelled. Glen Brand, Sierra Club Maine chapter director, and Darryl Brown, East-West Corridor project director for Cianbro corporation, were lined up to give pro/con arguments about the proposed East-West Corridor. Apparently Mr. Brown has backed out of the debate. |
Best of New England: Crystal Spring Farmers' Market
Yankee Magazine - Tuesday, May 07, 2013
Go early: That's the best advice for visitors to this bonanza of local specialty foods, offered Saturday mornings at the Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust's 320-acre Crystal Spring Farm. Approximately 40 vendors sell produce, meats, seafood, prepared foods, baked goods, cheeses, crafts, and flowers. Live music too. |
Time running out on moose permit lottery
John Holyoke Out There Blog - Tuesday, May 07, 2013
If you’re one of the thousands hoping to win a coveted moose permit in the state’s annual lottery, here’s a warning: You’ve only got a week left to enter. |
Blog: Hunting Eastern wild turkeys
Bangor Daily News - Tuesday, May 07, 2013
Five jakes gobbled at once, 25 feet from me. That excited me. They hesitated as they looked at the big tom and three decoys 20 feet ahead of and to the right of me. Steve called again. One jake took the lead while the other four stayed still. I thought I’d wait until one bird stood directly in front of me so I could be sure I didn’t miss. I was turned to my left a bit. I could be patient, but opportunity knocked. One more call. The jake in the lead took a few more steps, put his head up straight and tall, and I pulled the trigger. “I got him!” ~ Robin Follette |
Hike: Greenlaw Brook Division of Aroostook NWR
Aislinn Sarnacki Act Out Blog - Tuesday, May 07, 2013
The Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge was established on part of the old Loring Air Force Base in Limestone, Maine, in 1998, when 4,700 acres were transferred from the U.S. Air Force to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Prior to that, the U.S. Strategic Air Command was stationed at the base (1950-1994), flying long-range bombers capable of delivering nuclear weapons. Today, refuge operations focus on restoring wildlife habitats and working to provide recreational opportunities through the construction of walking trails. |
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Maine Organic Farmers
and Gardeners Assn
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Island gardens - veggies among the deer and rocks | | By Kaitlin Webber - Island gardens aren't that different from what I'm used to - apart from the layer of seaweed I spread last fall and the mussel shells that inexplicably keep rising to the surface. I'm also not used to having to keep all plants in maximum-security-prison mode. I left the netted gate open late last August and returned to find a vacant brown pit and a few beets with raccoon tooth marks. | | 5/16/2013 11:00:00 PM |
Genetically Modified Democracy: Monsanto and Congress Move to Stomp on Your Rights |  By Ronnie Cummins - Reliable sources in Washington D.C. have informed the Organic Consumers Association (OCA) that Monsanto has begun secretly lobbying its Congressional allies to attach one or more “Monsanto Riders” or amendments to the 2013 Farm Bill that would preempt or prohibit states from requiring labels on genetically engineered (GE) foods. | | 5/16/2013 11:00:00 PM |
Organic industry clout grows with consumer demand | | By Mary Clare Jalonick (AP): Washington - The organic food industry is gaining clout on Capitol Hill, prompted by rising consumer demand and its entry into traditional farm states. But that isn't going over well with everyone in Congress. Tensions between conventional and organic agriculture boiled over this week during a late-night House Agriculture Committee debate on a sweeping farm bill that has for decades propped up traditional crops and largely ignored organics. | | 5/16/2013 11:00:00 PM |
Old Orchard Beach butter maker faces loss of license | | By Jessica Hall - The Old Orchard Beach Town Council on Tuesday will consider revoking the business license of Kate's Homemade Butter, which has operated as a home-based business in the town since 1981. Kate's operates in about 1,000 square feet of space in a garage of an Old Orchard Beach home. The company has been building a 17,600-square-foot facility in Arundel, but that relocation has been slowed by past construction problems. | | 5/16/2013 11:00:00 PM |
Organic Valley ‘planning for a rebuild’ after fire | | By Allison Geyer - Displaced Organic Valley employees gathered outside a makeshift command post at the La Farge Community Temple on Wednesday afternoon, anxious to learn when - and how - they could get back to work. | | 5/15/2013 11:00:00 PM |
Diplomatic cables reveal aggressive GM lobbying by US officials | | By Suzanne Goldenberg - American diplomats lobbied aggressively overseas to promote genetically modified (GM) food crops such as soy beans, an analysis of official cable traffic revealed on Tuesday. The review of more than 900 diplomatic cables by the campaign group Food and Water Watch showed a carefully crafted campaign to break down resistance to GM products in Europe and other countries, and so help promote the bottom line of big American agricultural businesses. | | 5/14/2013 11:00:00 PM |
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Natural Resources Council
of Maine
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A Home Run for Maine Alewives | |
BENTON – Alewives are on pace for a record run in Benton, whose residents will celebrate their rel... | | 5/17/2013 12:00:00 AM |
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