Opinion: Protect the lands around western Maine’s Wild River

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • June 9, 2026

The headwaters of the Wild River stretch south into a mountainous landscape including the Wild River Wilderness Area, the Caribou-Speckled Mountain Wilderness Area and the surrounding White Mountains National Forest. For decades, the federal government has protected about 6,000 acres within the watershed. But the U.S. Senate’s Environment and Natural Resources Committee is voting Wednesday on the Wildfire Prevention Act, which was just amended to nullify roadless protections across the country. As a committee member, U.S. Sen. Angus King will have an opportunity to vote against the bill. Sen. Susan Collins has an opportunity to work with her party to withdraw this misguided legislation. Ask Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins to protect the Roadless Rule, and ask Sens. King and Collins to make a commitment to the protection of the Wild River watershed and similarly wild places across the country. ~ Adam Nordell, Environment Maine