PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • October 28, 2025
Along with lighthouses, lobsters and lakes, it seems like Mainers increasingly want to be known for a more unsightly totem of outdoor life: dog poop bags. I see them almost everywhere I go in our beautiful state, proudly on display as if they’re part of the natural environment. They’re littering hiking trails, strewn about on the side of the road or left on an old stone wall. I know there are some environmental concerns about leaving dog poop in the woods, but leaving it in a plastic bag and forgetting about it is much worse. Mainers’ commitment to protecting and preserving the environment is admirable, and we cherish the beautiful landscapes and public spaces we have. But there’s no special exemption for dog poop bags. ~ Jeremy Bowman, Cape Elizabeth