Maine Environmental News

News Items

Regulators to vote on keeping shrimp fishery shut
Associated Press - Monday, November 12, 2018
Fishing managers will decide this week if New England’s fishery for shrimp must remain closed because of concerns about the environment and the animal’s population. The shrimp fishery, based mostly in Maine, has been closed since 2013. A recent scientific analysis of the shrimp population says it remains in bad shape. The warming of the Gulf of Maine is one factor.

Retailers Plan To Clear Deadly Paint Removers From Shelves, As EPA Delays Ban
Maine Public - Monday, November 12, 2018
In recent months, some retailers have said they will stop selling products that contain methylene chloride (DCM) and a second chemical, N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP). But under the Trump administration, federal regulators have repeatedly delayed a ban that has been in the works for years. Since 1980, more than 50 deaths had been attributed to methylene chloride. Clarence Lam, a public health professor at Johns Hopkins University, notes that the chemical industry, "is very well funded when it comes to their team of lobbyists." Today, it's still legal to sell products containing both chemicals. Health and safety experts caution consumers to avoid using them — especially indoors.

Should permission be required to hunt private land?
George Smith BDN Outdoor News Blog - Monday, November 12, 2018
I work to develop good relationships with all of those private landowners who allow me to hunt on their property because I believe that is a very special privilege. For years I’ve encouraged hunters to do the same thing. You probably know that in most states you cannot hunt on private land without permission. And it’s been a great opportunity for Maine hunters to hunt private land without permission. But times are changing and I think we need to give some thoughtful consideration to whether this needs to change.

Editorial: Will the business outlook improve in Maine under Gov.-elect Janet Mills?
Mainebiz - Monday, November 12, 2018
Gov.-elect Janet Mills laid out a rudimentary outline in her campaign of what she'd do to feed the state's economy. It sounds like seed money that comes through state-funded programs should remain a key piece of potential funding for small businesses — whether the funding comes directly from the state or indirectly through sources like Maine Technology Institute, which relies on other funding sources as well. More than money, though, Maine needs an advocate and an influencer, someone who can help help shake loose other lines of funding, whether from the federal government, foundations or other grant sources. Will Gov.-elect Mills be that person? Time will tell.

Letter: Power-line mitigation fee nothing but a bribe
Portland Press Herald - Monday, November 12, 2018
At a recent Public Utilities Commission conference, it was noted that Central Maine Power, Hydro-Quebec and Public Advocate Barry Hobbins are in discussions about a possible mitigation payment from Hydro-Quebec. Maine is not for sale. Huge corporations shouldn’t be allowed to take advantage of us as long as they make a big enough bribe, and Maine should not get in the habit of extorting big payments from corporations as a condition of doing business in our state. This would be a terrible precedent. We hope the PUC will make its decision based on the record in front of them and determine there is no public need in Maine for NECEC. ~ Sandra Howard, Caratunk

Letter: Fish farm questions
Bangor Daily News - Monday, November 12, 2018
My husband, daughters and I moved to the Belfast area because we needed a rest. After years of fighting in New York against every big issue coming against our quality of life, like big propane and electric pipelines traveling side by side 100 feet away from a nuclear plant, we had seen too much of big corporations greed. Reading about the proposed Nordic Aquafarms project, it is hard to believe that people nowadays aren’t realizing what multi-million dollar corporations are all about. These fishes aren’t even going to be for local consumption. What could the water in Penobscot Bay look like in five years? Will there be some GMO fish? Could the company be sold to another one, less environmentally friendly? So many unanswered questions. ~ Nancy Durand Lanson, Monroe

Letter: Mills fighting for Moosehead region
Bangor Daily News - Monday, November 12, 2018
For many years here in northern Piscataquis County, winter meant bluebird ski days at our very own ski resort, Big Moose Mountain. Unfortunately, the current owner has let the property fall into disrepair, choosing not to adhere to the requirements included by the state of Maine in the deed when it was sold. The deed requires the new owners to keep the resort viable in exchange for a well below market acquisition price. Instead, our mountain looms in the skyline, not as a ski resort generating income and jobs, but as a sobering reminder of a missed opportunity to grow our local economy. Thankfully, Attorney General Janet Mills is leading an effort to defend our interests. Hopefully, the result will be a change of owner to one who recognizes the value of operating a viable winter sports facility. ~ John Wentworth, Monson

Fishermen launch campaign to protect Portland’s working waterfront from development
Portland Press Herald - Sunday, November 11, 2018
Dozens of fishermen, their families and friends gathered at a pub on Portland’s waterfront Sunday to kick off what could turn out to be a historic campaign to save their industry from extinction. Citizens behind the movement to freeze or contain development on the waterfront are seeking a referendum that aims to protect the working waterfront zone on Commercial Street by restoring the water dependency use requirement – adopted by referendum in 1987 – that they claim has been slowly eroded by dozens of zoning amendments the City Council has passed at the urging of developers and waterfront property owners.

Coastal warming hurting shellfish, aiding predators
Associated Press - Sunday, November 11, 2018
A pair of scientists sought to find out whether environmental factors or overfishing was the source of the decline. They reported that their findings came down squarely on the side of a warming ocean environment and a changing climate, and not excessive harvest by fishermen. The scientists reached the conclusion in studying the decline in the harvest of four commercially important species of shellfish in coastal areas from Maine to North Carolina – eastern oysters, northern quahogs, softshell clams and northern bay scallops.

Rebuilt Maine Scallop Biz Lets In First New People In Years
Associated Press - Sunday, November 11, 2018
The Maine Department of Marine Resources says four people won a lottery that will allow them to apply for a scalloping license. The winners are the first new entrants into the fishery since 2009. The new lottery system will allow two new people into the fishery for every three who do not renew their license. The system applies to fishermen who harvest scallops with drag boats. The state received nearly 1,300 entrants for this year's lottery. The fishery has rebounded through conservative management over the past decade, with harvest hitting a 20-year high last year.

Editorial: Will the blue wave in Maine turn politics green again?
Maine Environmental News - Sunday, November 11, 2018
Republicans are flailing, trying to spin it otherwise, but a blue wave washed over Maine politics on November 6. Conservation in Maine used to have broad bipartisan support. In recent years, Republicans at the state and national levels have declared war on the environment. Democrats have generally been better but they too have many times come down on the wrong side of the issues. It remains to be seen how the Mills Administration and the new D majority in the Maine Legislature and US House change the politics of conservation. But it looks like it can only get better.

Warming Hurting Shellfish, Aiding Predators, Ruining Habitat
Associated Press - Sunday, November 11, 2018
Valuable species of shellfish have become harder to find on the East Coast because of degraded habitat caused by a warming environment. That's the conclusion a pair of scientists reached in studying the decline in harvest of four commercially important species of shellfish in coastal areas from Maine to North Carolina. The scientists say their work shows change in the climate and environment, and not overfishing, is the reason for the shellfish decline.

Virtual farmers market connects small farms and customers online
Bangor Daily News - Sunday, November 11, 2018
Roxanne Bruce is the founder of Shop Small Farms, an online virtual farmers market that allows growers and crafters like Susan Knight Dunn to connect with shoppers wanting to purchase goods from small farms year round. For Dunn, who runs Blue Raven Farm in Island Falls, the cold weather has not put the brakes on her selling fresh baked breads, herbs and homemade soaps over the winter. Thirty-two small farms in Maine have joined the online market.

Why so blue? Maine Democrats ‘were absolutely motivated’
Maine Sunday Telegram - Sunday, November 11, 2018
“It’s pretty clear there was a blue wave. Democrats were absolutely motivated and that evidence showed up in several races,” said Mark Ellis, former chairman of the Maine Republican Party. “What was motivating them is less clear, but I think President Trump, and to a lesser degree Gov. (Paul) LePage, were factors. Republicans are probably in a position to completely re-evaluate their message.” He added that he thinks some of the items that are included in the state party platform are “way out of whack with the mainstream.”

What changes will Maine’s new government bring to your life?
Maine Sunday Telegram - Sunday, November 11, 2018
Swept to sizable majorities in last week’s elections, Democrats will be in full control of Maine state government for the first time since 2010. They are poised to push for changes that will affect many aspects of Maine life. Tops among them will be ways to address climate change, refocus on cleaner air and water, support for wind and solar energy, restore revenue sharing to local communities, and take the pressure off property taxes.

Composer creates a classical ode to the Allagash
Maine Sunday Telegram - Sunday, November 11, 2018
Nate Saunders warns listeners that his composition is not technically a symphony. "Symphonies have a certain structure to them. This is a collection of six pieces. It's the Allagash Suite." The Augusta Symphony, of which Saunders is a member, is staging the world premiere of his tribute to the Allagash Wilderness Waterway this Saturday in Augusta.

First released in 1937, story of ‘Curious Lobster’ and pals is as fresh as ever
Maine Sunday Telegram - Sunday, November 11, 2018
Curiosity, courage, forbearance and friendship are themes at the heart of “The Curious Lobster,” an engaging story for children and adults alike. Written by Richard Hatch (1898-1959), this newly released edition combines both the “The Curious Lobster” and “The Curious Lobster’s Island,” stories that have enchanted readers for nearly 80 years. Though not as lyrical as “The Wind in the Willows,” Hatch’s book is brimming with adventures that stir thoughts on friendship, prudence, seeking to find the best in others and the bright side of all misfortunes. The exquisite pen-and-ink illustrations by Marion Freeman Wakemen (1891-1953) are spare and focused, yet poignant and dramatic. ~ Frank O Smith

Tradition of hunting with young children runs deep in Maine
Maine Sunday Telegram - Sunday, November 11, 2018
Christine Barnes’ hunting partner on opening day of deer season this fall was very different from years past. But in many ways, she treated him like any other. As Barnes walked slowly through the woods of southern Maine, she spoke to her son, Connor, in a whisper, asking him what he thought about the forest. She told him he was being good, staying quiet. For his part, Connor seemed curious. He smiled and took in the surroundings, but he also slept a lot. After all, Connor is only 7 months old. Christine Barnes hunted with him while he was perched in a baby carrier on her back.

Whatever is in the field may end up in the beer on this Westport Island farm
Maine Sunday Telegram - Sunday, November 11, 2018
Farmers Kyle DiPietro and Angie Trombley are growing ingredients and a new enterprise near Wiscasset in what may be the next big craft beer trend in Maine – farm breweries. As of September, they became the first Maine brewery certified organic by the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association.

Column: Conditions are good for redpoll irruption
Maine Sunday Telegram - Sunday, November 11, 2018
Common redpolls are one of my favorite birds. But, alas, redpolls do not visit us every winter. Common redpolls belong to a group of finches called the northern finches. This group of birds includes the common redpoll, along with the less common hoary redpoll, pine siskins, pine grosbeaks, evening grosbeaks, red crossbills and white-winged crossbills. Most individuals of these species nest north of us. In some years, these birds will spend the winter on their breeding grounds, but in other years they move south to places like Maine. The birds erupt from their northerly breeding grounds and move into areas with more moderate winters. Mountain ash berries are scarce to the north of us, so the dearth of food should push grosbeaks into Maine this winter. ~ Herb Wilson

Column: Some signs to know when it’s peak rut time
Maine Sunday Telegram - Sunday, November 11, 2018
The rut is the mating season for white-tailed deer and includes all behavior associated with courtship and breeding. It begins when bucks first paw the earth and urinate into a bare patch of ground, leaving a scent message for any passing doe that they are ready, willing and able to breed. In our neck of the woods, this usually occurs around the first of October. While a gradual decrease in the amount of daylight is the primary trigger, the aroma of a randy buck also prompts physiological changes in a doe that will ultimately lead to her readiness to breed. To a biologist, it is when the majority of adult does will successfully mate with a buck. To a hunter, this period is when bucks are on their feet and moving about during daylight hours, sometimes recklessly. ~ Bob Humphrey

Opinion: Paul LePage no fan of Maine
Maine Sunday Telegram - Sunday, November 11, 2018
Percival Baxter probably set an unattainable standard for future governors when he showed his love for Maine geography by digging into his own wallet to buy huge tracts of land to remain “forever wild.” But even successors without such deep pockets were able to make a point of preserving some rivers and mountains and say a few kind words about the state’s natural beauty. Paul LePage would have none of it. Voter-approved Land For Maine’s Future bonds sat on his desk for years. He flew down to Washington, D.C., to testify in favor of giving back the gift that made the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument possible. He was the only governor on the Eastern Seaboard to say he would welcome offshore drilling for oil and gas, over the objections of the fishing and tourism industries. If the guy hates it here so much, he should have left a long time ago. ~ Greg Kesich

Opinion: Is there a bear in the neighborhood?
- Sunday, November 11, 2018
Recently, during my walks with my dog, I’ve received reports from my neighbors that there is a bear in the neighborhood. A neighbor put out a pumpkin and was complaining that someone had damaged it. When they went over to look at it, it had claw marks down the sides. I’m sure if I ran into a bear, we would both scatter in different directions. This is what has happened the few times I have met a bear outdoors. Even so, I’m not walking my dog in the woods. ~ Ruth Dater, Kennebunk

Letter: Kudos for great article
Sun Journal - Sunday, November 11, 2018
Kudos to reporter Bonnie Washuk for a very informative, well-done article about recycling (Nov 4). As an avid recycler, I do my best to stay on top of protecting this planet by recycling whenever, whatever, I can. Through that article, I found that I am guilty of putting Styrofoam in the recycling bin. I was under the false impression that, if an item had the little triangle symbol, it was all set to go. I have a suggestion that might be helpful — if Lewiston could distribute little refrigerator magnets with a list of what is recyclable and not. ~ Louise Mease, Lewiston

Blog: Inequality and Concern for the Environment
Bangor Daily News - Saturday, November 10, 2018
Humans dominating other humans (inequality) and humans dominating nature are just two sides of the same coin. This has broad implications for Americans where inequality has increased steadily for almost a century. It is not surprising then that as we tolerate this increasing inequality we would also accept the climate change denial that persists in our culture. This finding also has implications for how environmentalists talk about what they do and why Americans should support greater protections for the natural world. By focusing on ecosystems service valuation, environmental groups cause less support for protecting nature. ~ Mark W. Anderson

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