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June 19, 2013
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Press releases, events, publications released, etc. from Maine environmental organizations and agencies. Submit content.
Maine Environmental News
Announcement - Wednesday, June 19, 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 |
Scarborough Marsh Early Morning Birding, Jun 19 – Aug 28
Event - Posted - Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Look and listen for snowy egret, glossy ibis, herons, willet, sparrows and more. At Scarborough Marsh, Wednesdays, 7-8:30 am. Maine Audubon members: $3, non-members $5. |
Scarborough Marsh Family Nature Walk, Jun 19 – Aug 28
Event - Posted - Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Explore the marsh for plants and animals through discovery-oriented, fun-filled activities that use all five senses. At Scarborough Marsh, Wednesdays, 10:30 am – 12 pm, Jun 19, Aug 28. Maine Audubon members $5, non-members $7. |
American Nations, Jun 26
Event - Posted - Wednesday, June 19, 2013
There’s never been one America, Colin Woodard argues in his award-winning book, but rather several Americas, each with its own, centuries-old ideals, values, and religious and cultural heritage. At Gilsland Farm, Falmouth, June 26, 7-8:30 pm. Sponsored by Maine Audubon. |
East-West Corridor, Jun 26
Event - Posted - Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Presentation and best guesses about the route of the proposed East-West Corridor. At Airline Snack Bar, Beddington, June 26, 6:30–8 pm.
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Recreation and Conservation on the former Brunswick Naval Air Station, Jun 26
Event - Posted - Wednesday, June 19, 2013
As part of the annual meeting of the Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust there will be a presentation about the incredible outdoor recreation and conservation opportunities at the former BNAS lands that were recently transfered to the Town of Brunswick. At Topsham Public Library, June 26, 6 pm. |
Borestone Mountain Naturalist Weekend, Jun 28-30
Event - Posted - Sunday, June 16, 2013
Join Maine Audubon Naturalist Mike Windsor and Maine Guide Gary Roberts on a trip to Borestone Mountain Sanctuary, a 1600 acre North Woods preserve located 20 miles south of Moosehead Lake. Stay in the sanctuary’s historic Adirondack style lodges, which are accessible only by boat or on foot, lending an extra sense of remoteness and tranquility to this special place. Jun 28 - Jun 30. Maine Audubon members $225, non-members $250. |
Scarborough Marsh Full Moon Canoe Tour, Jun 23
Event - Posted - Sunday, June 16, 2013
Experience the sights and sounds of marsh creatures under the full moon. At Scarborough Marsh, June 23, 7:30–9:30 pm. Maine Audubon members $11, non-members $13. |
The Future of Hope, Jun 23
Event - Posted - Sunday, June 16, 2013
This film brings positive insight into Iceland's decision to adopt sustainable practices to recover after their financial crisis. Patrick McGowan, former regional administrator for the US Small Business Administration in New England and Commissioner of the Maine Department of Conservation, will introduce the film and talk about the importance of sustaining Maine’s natural resources, culture, and traditions as the way towards a healthy future. At Reel Pizza in Bar Harbor, June 23. Sponsored by Maine Chapter Sierra Club. |
No-till drill demo, Jun 23
Event - Posted - Sunday, June 16, 2013
A pasture walk to exhibit turf improvements made possible with a “no-till drill” approach will be held at Old Crow Ranch in Durham, June 23, 3-6 pm. Sixty-five of the ranch’s 70 acres have been placed into an agricultural easement with assistance from Land for Maine's Future program and Royal River Conservation Trust. Sponsored by Maine Grass Farmer’s Network. |
Katahdin art reception, Jun 22
Event - Posted - Saturday, June 15, 2013
Evelyn Dunphy art exhibit, "Katahdin and the Great Outdoors." At Center Street Gallery, Bath, June 18 - July 15; opening reception and book signing with David Little, author of "The Art of Katahdin," June 22, 4 pm. |
Invasive Pests and Plants Workshop, Jun 22
Event - Posted - Saturday, June 15, 2013
The Piscataquis County Soil and Water Conservation District has rescheduled the Volunteer Trail Clearing Day and Invasive Pests and Plants Workshop at the Demonstration Forest in Williamsburg to Saturday, June 22. These events were originally scheduled for Saturday, June 8. |
Fern Ecology and Identification, Jun 22
Event - Posted - Saturday, June 15, 2013
Mike Windsor, staff naturalist at Maine Audubon, will lead an outing to learn about fern ecology focusing on distinguishing characteristics. At Gilsland Farm, Falmouth, June 22, 9:30 am – noon. Maine Audubon members $12, non-members $15. |
Acadia National Park Service Project, Jun 19-22
Event - Posted - Saturday, June 15, 2013
In honor of the Maine Chapter of Sierra Club's 20th anniversary, the club is holding a service project in Acadia National Park. Camp in the park and perform various service activities as needed (pruning brush along trails, beach clean-up, etc.). On June 21, the Summer Solstice, the group will climb Cadillac Mountain and watch the sun set on the longest day of the year. |
Scarborough Marsh Canoe Tours, Jun 15 – Sep 2
Event - Posted - Saturday, June 15, 2013
Discover the wildlife and plants of Scarborough Marsh as you paddle the Dunstan River with a trained naturalist. Daily, 10–11:30 am. Maine Audubon adult members $10, non-members $12, kids $9. |
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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 a 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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Column: Good catch: fishing, books, sports
Maine Sunday Telegram - Sunday, June 16, 2013
My childhood passion for fishing has carried into adulthood, taking me from Costa Rica for giant tarpon to northern Quebec for Atlantic salmon to the West for browns and rainbows to The Keys for tarpon, bonefish and sharks with all the stops between, and I often made money doing it. Childhood passions set the stages for adulthood, and if we choose the right path, it makes all the difference in creating a higher quality of life. ~ Ken Allen |
Column: Control those bugs and enjoy those beautiful, brief flowers
Sun Journal - Sunday, June 16, 2013
I'd like to start off by thanking the magical earth for allowing my spectacularly bright-red and huge perennial poppies to blossom before the heavy rains arrived. Insect damage can be a major problem for both flowers and vegetable plants. There is a specialized insect for virtually every plant. Here are some tips for reducing their destruction. ~ Eileen Adams |
Column: Brook Trout Pond survey worth getting rod out to help out
Sun Journal - Sunday, June 16, 2013
One of Maine's most priceless natural resource is its phenomenal brook trout fishery. No other state in the nation has such an astonishing trove of self-sustaining Eastern wild brook trout populations. Recognizing this, state resource protectors, as well as a diverse group of concerned organizations, are pulling out all of the stops to make sure that Maine's trout treasury is forever valued and protected. ~ V. Paul Reynolds |
Letter: Safer parks in Auburn
Sun Journal - Sunday, June 16, 2013
June 5 — a beautiful spring day — I decide to bring my 19-month-old daughter to a park in Auburn. As I approach, I notice that, once again, another one of the parks in Auburn has been destroyed by local hoodlums. Every time I turn around, one of Auburn's parks has been vandalized, destroyed or treated as a waste area. I find it very sad that there are no parks here where parents can bring their children because of thoughtless, careless people who don't think anything of destroying the parks. ~ Ashley Banville, Auburn |
Maine wants to increase energy efficiency, Gov. LePage threatens veto
Maine Insights - Saturday, June 15, 2013
Think Progress - Maine is trying to lower energy costs and increase energy efficiency. Sadly, its Governor may veto legislation that would do this at the expense of Maine’s ratepayers and emerging renewable energy industry. It is necessary for wind energy to increase in Maine as 63 percent of the state’s electricity is generated from gas and oil, and 90 percent of homes are heated by oil — mostly imported from other countries. |
Wilton Fish & Game receives NRA foundation grant
Daily Bulldog (Franklin County) - Saturday, June 15, 2013
Wilton Fish & Game members are pleased to announce that they have received a grant from the NRA Foundation in the amount of $8,292.50 for the drilling of a well and public restroom. With the grant many major improvements will be made and will greatly affect the public access to the Wilton Fish & Game Association Programs. |
Come sail away in Portland Harbor
Portland Press Herald - Saturday, June 15, 2013
Visitors to Portland walking along the Eastern Promenade pathway this summer will notice more small, snappy sailboats cruising around with the orange-and-blue emblem of Maine's largest community sailing program. The impressive new fleet of a dozen J-22s purchased this year by Sail Maine, Portland's 10-year-old community sailing center, comes at a time that the nonprofit is offering a rent-a-boat service and more sailing lessons than ever before. |
"Disturbed" in South Portland
350.org - Saturday, June 15, 2013
Earlier this week a notice went up on the City of South Portland website saying an "oil pipeline issue" would cause traffic delays on Broadway Avenue.
What was this oil pipeline issue?
The pipeline — yes, the same one that ExxonMobil subsidiary Portland Pipe Line Corporation (PPLC) would like to send Canadians tar sands oil through — was "disturbed" by a road construction crew when "the protective covering surrounding the oil pipeline" was hit.
But the answer came neither willingly or easily from the PPLC. Convoluted, delayed, and evasive is how many people who sought answers described the process.
~ Bob Klotz |
Moose mania: 4,110 permits drawn in Greenville
Bangor Daily News - Saturday, June 15, 2013
For more than 30 years, Mainers have been gathering at the annual permit lottery, hoping against hope that this year…finally…would be the year they’d get to hunt moose. |
Record number of moose permits allocated
Portland Press Herald - Saturday, June 15, 2013
More than a few thousand people descended on Greenville before the annual moose lottery began. The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife holds the annual lottery each year in mid-June. And this year, for the first time, the number of permits allocated to hunters in the computerized drawing exceeded 4,000, with 10 percent going to out-of-state hunters. The hunt is held by the state in an effort to cull the statewide moose population, now estimated to be 76,000. |
University of Maine at Fort Kent, SAD 27 break ground on $4 million biomass project
Bangor Daily News - Saturday, June 15, 2013
Two educational institutions in the St. John Valley broke ground this week on a $4 million biomass project that will reduce the environmental footprint of both schools while also scaling back energy costs. Officials at the University of Maine at Fort Kent and SAD 27 kicked off the project on Thursday at the site of the former Fort Kent Armory where a large a large biomass heating system will be installed. It will be connected by means of underground hot water pipes to ten university buildings and two at Fort Kent Community High School. |
Plan hopes to curb Maine moose collisions
Portland Press Herald - Saturday, June 15, 2013
Researchers at UMaine are developing computerized street lights designed to help drivers avoid hitting moose on dark roadways. The lights are the first of their kind and one of two new methods of flagging moose crossings that are expected to be used more by the Maine Department of Transportation. On average, more than 550 moose-automobile crashes have been reported annually in Maine in the last decade. Moose crashes caused two deaths last year and 22 in the last decade. Three years ago, state officials estimated there were 31,000 moose in Maine. State biologists now estimate Maine's moose population at 76,000. |
Letter: Reduce effects of warming, limit meat consumption
Portland Press Herald - Saturday, June 15, 2013
A review of 12,000 papers on climate change, in the May 15 edition of Environmental Research Letters, found that 97 percent of scientists attribute climate change to human activities. Although we're unlikely to reverse climate change, we can mitigate its effects by reducing our driving, energy use and meat consumption. A 2006 U.N. report estimated that meat consumption accounts for 18 percent of man-made greenhouse gases. A 2009 article in World Watch magazine suggested it may be closer to 50 percent. ~ Paul Mahn, Portland |
Opinion: Backers of GMO labeling unthinkingly buy conspiracy-based arguments
Portland Press Herald - Saturday, June 15, 2013
I don't care one way or the other whether foods produced using recombinant DNA technologies are labeled. It doesn't matter that the American Medical Association, the National Institutes of Health, the World Health Organization, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture have issued statements attesting to the safety of these foods. Why does the argument always devolve into a tirade against Monsanto? ~ Mike Bendzela, Standish |
Letter: Maine must emulate Europe, enact more toxin protections
Portland Press Herald - Saturday, June 15, 2013
Like other countries in Europe, Norway follows the precautionary principle of prohibition in toys and common household products of any substance shown by credible scientific research to pose a hazard to human health and development. Maine is barely starting to catch up in legislating protections from chemicals that pose risks of cancer, endocrine disruption, impairment of brain development or other health risks. The earlier Kid-Safe Products Act ensures that harmful chemicals such as BPA (bisphenol A) are replaced by safer alternatives in toys and sippy cups. Now L.D. 1181, "An Act to Further Strengthen the Protection of Pregnant Women and Children From Toxic Chemicals," will extend similar protection to older children and expectant mothers. ~ James H. Maier, M.D., Scarborough |
History, geography factors for Michaud in governor's race
Portland Press Herald - Saturday, June 15, 2013
For the past decade, Rep. Mike Michaud has represented the largest congressional district east of the Mississippi River, a conservative region where a candidate's rural roots and career in the paper mills score points with many voters. But if Michaud decides to run for governor, the self-declared "Blue Dog Democrat" will have to win over voters in Maine's decidedly left-leaning southern congressional district. Michaud spent nearly 30 years working in the the Great Northern Paper mill. He said it was his exposure to one of the mill's water pollution that steered him into politics. |
Letter: Range of the wolf
Other - Saturday, June 15, 2013
Salt Lake Tribune - Although U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director declared victory by stating "Wolves are recovered and they are now in good hands," I share serious concerns with the 16 scientists with expertise in carnivore taxonomy and conservation biology who believe delisting is terribly premature. The feds are gauging gray wolf recovery solely on the Northern Rockies and Great Lakes wolf populations rather than across a "significant portion" of its historic range. In recent years, wolves from Canada have crossed into Maine. By stripping federal protections from wolves nationwide, these pioneers in historically occupied areas may never be able to establish viable populations despite suitable habitat and availability of prey. Second chances are rare. Should we be willing to throw them away? ~ Maggie Howell, Danbury, CT |
Letter: Egg-laying conditions
Bangor Daily News - Saturday, June 15, 2013
The Humane Society of the United States and the United Egg Producers are working to promote the Egg Products Inspection Act Amendments for 2013. This bill will improve the living conditions of millions of our country’s egg-laying chickens. There is overwhelming support for this bill from numerous animal welfare groups who agree to working in conjunction with the United Egg Producers to improve the lives of millions of hens currently confined in battery cages. But our Maine state senators and representatives need to hear our voices of concern to seal the fate of this bill. Please contact state legislators and urge them to co-sponsor S. 820/ H.R. 1731, the Egg Products Inspection Act Amendments of 2013. ~ Heather Bolint, Damariscotta
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New technology will make tar sands obsolete option
Maine Sunday Telegram - Saturday, June 15, 2013
Instead of carrying conventional crude, the aging Portland Pipe Line would bring tar sands — the dirtiest, most corrosive substance on the planet — from Canada through Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine, to be loaded onto tankers in Casco Bay and eventually sold on the world market. Big favor to Big Oil, big risk of oil spills and no benefit to Maine. If we can have smartphones and affordable laptops, why can't we have tiny, cheap, powerful solar panels heating our homes and supplying our electricity and leave the pipelines behind? ~ Linda Dumey, Wells |
Obituary: Kate Barnes
Times Record - Friday, June 14, 2013
Kate Barnes, Maine’s first official Poet Laureate, has crossed the field, a field full of horses and dogs, sunlight and singing. Kate passed away on June 10 at Harbor Hill in Belfast. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the land trusts that will protect Kate’s farmlands for the future: Damariscotta Lake Watershed Association and the Georges River Land Trust. |
Maine loses jobs
Other - Friday, June 14, 2013
This infographic based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows Maine was one of three states to lose jobs between 2012 and 2013. The graph shows a loss of 1,500 jobs in Maine. |
Maine bill would lift pesticide ban for marijuana plants
Portland Press Herald - Friday, June 14, 2013
Medical marijuana dispensaries in Maine will be allowed to treat plants with certain low-risk pesticides if a bill enacted Friday by the Legislature becomes law. L.D. 1531, an emergency measure sponsored by Sen. Thomas Saviello, R-Wilton, a former chairman of the Maine Board of Pesticides Control, passed in the House without a roll-call vote Friday. The Senate passed it Thursday. The measure would take effect as soon as it is signed by Gov. Paul LePage, whose administration supports the bill. |
Wildfire hits the hot spots
George Smith BDN Outdoor News Blog - Friday, June 14, 2013
We taped three new Wildfire TV shows on June 10 and talked about some hot topics. First up was Representative Mike Shaw, the House Chair of the legislature’s Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Committee. His Wildfire episode will air June 19 through July 2. Our guest on the second show was Lucas St.Clair of Elliotsville Plantation, organized by his mother Roxanne Quimby to purchase and manage woodland in the northern part of the state. Elliotsville owns about 160,000 acres, 70,000 of which Roxanne would like to turn into a national park. This show airs July 3 through July 16. Tom Doak, the executive director of the Small Woodland Owners Association of Maine, was our guest on the third show, which airs July 17 through July 30. |
White-Nose Syndrome
Maine Public Broadcasting Network - Friday, June 14, 2013
John Depue and Susan Gallo discuss white-nose syndrome in bats on Maine Watch. [video] |
Trek Across Maine cyclist killed in tractor-trailer accident Friday
Kennebec Journal - Friday, June 14, 2013
A bicyclist riding in the Trek Across Maine fundraiser was killed Friday morning when he apparently fell and was run over by the rear wheels of a tractor-trailer in Hanover, just a few miles from the ride's starting point. David LeClair, 23, of Watertown, Mass., was killed almost instantly about 8:45 a.m. as the truck passed him along U.S. Route 2, according to Maine State Police. John Harris, 73, of South Bristol, said in the 10 years he's participated in the trek, which draws about 2,000 cyclists each year, drivers have always been willing to share the road and brake for riders. He said there are always people guiding vehicles around the participants at all major intersections. "I've never felt threatened by a car," he said. |
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Maine Organic Farmers
and Gardeners Assn
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Gagged by Big Ag | | By Ted Genoways - Shawn Lyons was dead to rights - and he knew it. More than a month had passed since People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals had released a video of savage mistreatment at the MowMar Farms hog confinement facility where he worked as an entry-level herdsman in the breeding room. | | 6/17/2013 11:00:00 PM |
You Won't Believe What Pork Producers Do to Pregnant Pigs |  By Tom Philpott - Despite pigs' many lovable qualities, of all the billions of beasts confined in our meat factories, the most miserable may be the 5.9 million sows that churn out the piglets that grow into chops, bacon, and ham. | | 6/17/2013 11:00:00 PM |
Maine leaders try and fail to dilute recycling's success | | By Colin Woodard - 'Product stewardship' regulations – even those with industry and bipartisan support – meet staunch resistance from, among others, a commissioner with former ties to corporate interests. | | 6/17/2013 11:00:00 PM |
How Gardeners Can Help Pollinators | | Every food source and habitat provided can help pollinators rebound from the challenges they face. You can provide food and habitat in your backyard - or even in your windowsill - to help pollinators thrive. | | 6/17/2013 11:00:00 PM |
Strawberry Crop Looking Sweet | | By Joy Hollowell - Strawberry farmers in Maine are keeping a close eye on the weather these next few weeks. | | 6/16/2013 11:00:00 PM |
David Suzuki Video: Words of Caution on GMOs - and Blunt Words for Monsanto | | Prominent Canadian geneticist David Suzuki outlines the lack of any conclusive research proving GMOs are safe for human consumption and makes the argument that we should be able to choose in the marketplace (labeling). And he “speaks truth to power” in his messaging to the Monsanto. | | 6/16/2013 11:00:00 PM |
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Natural Resources Council
of Maine
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