Maine blueberry industry reels from drought, frost, virus

ASSOCIATED PRESS • September 19, 2020

A late spring frost, a devastating drought and labor troubles wrought by the coronavirus pandemic conspired to make 2020 a difficult year for the wild blueberry producers who harvest the fruit in the nation’s northeastern corner. America’s producers of wild blueberries are largely located in Maine, where the blueberry industry has battled fungal plant diseases and erratic market conditions in recent years. The harvest takes place every summer, and this year’s crop was likely far off last year’s total of about 87 million pounds.

Underwater and on fire: U.S. climate change magnifies extremes

ASSOCIATED PRESS • September 19, 2020

America’s worsening climate change problem is as polarized as its politics. Some parts of the country have been burning this month while others were underwater in extreme weather disasters. The already parched West is getting drier and suffering deadly wildfires because of it, while the much wetter East keeps getting drenched in mega-rainfall events, some hurricane related and others not. Climate change is magnifying both extremes, but it may not be the only factor, according to several scientists.

Early morning fire at Sappi woodyard extinguished in Skowhegan

MORNING SENTINEL • September 19, 2020

A handful of fire departments responded to a structure fire at Sappi North America woodyard just after 5 a.m Saturday in Skowhegan. “It’s an all steel building so damage was very, very limited,” Skowhegan Fire Chief Shawn Howard said. “They were probably back up and running before the end of shift.” There were no injuries. The cause of the fire is unknown at this point, but is believed to be mechanical. At the site, saw dust, wood dust and wood chips “present a danger,” Howard said.

How to better plan your fall foliage outings in Maine

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • September 19, 2020

To truly embrace the season, many people plan special outings to find the most vibrant colors. Whether you’re visiting Maine for the first time or you’ve lived here for many years, leaf peeping is a fun activity that brings joy to all ages. To help you get the most out of the experience, here are a few tips. 

Opinion: Trump EPA deals another blow to the environment

BLOOMBERG • September 19, 2020

To help some of the country’s dirtiest electric-power plants save a little money, the Environmental Protection Agency is willing to imperil the lives and health of Americans who live downstream from them. A new rule that relaxes restrictions on ash pollution is the latest effort by the Trump administration to sustain coal power in the face of crushing competition from renewables. And like the others, it’s sure to prove ineffective, wasteful and hugely damaging to the environment. The U.S. needs new management at the EPA that will place life and the environment above the interests of a dying industry.

Crews battling woods fire in Buckfield

SUN JOURNAL • September x, 2020

Crews from several towns were battling a wild fire early Saturday morning after flames were reported in the woods off East Hebron Road. Firefighters went to the area at about 11 p.m. Friday. Soon after, Oxford firefighters were calling for help from other towns, including Minot, Hebron and Turner, as flames were said to be blowing to the north. Early reports were that at least one acre was burning. There are several homes in the area, though it was not immediately known if flames were threatening any of them. Close to midnight, more calls were going out for additional manpower. By 2 a.m., fire crews were still at the scene.

Feds allow Canadian loggers to threaten Maine jobs, Senate president says in complaint

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • September 18, 2020

Last week, Senate President Troy Jackson, D-Allagash, filed a complaint with the U.S. Department of Labor alleging the agency has failed to enforce immigration law and protect U.S. loggers from illegal Canadian competition along the northern border. Jackson, a former full-time logger, said the agency’s “continued failure” to enforce federal law “has left many Maine loggers and truckers struggling to find work and earn decent wages,” in a letter sent with the complaint.

Eric Trump tells Maine lobstermen: ‘We will never, ever let you down’

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • September 18, 2020

 A “Make America Great Again” rally at Camp Ellis on Thursday featuring President Trump’s son, Eric, as its headliner, drew about 200 people out to the pier, some from as far away as Pennsylvania. They draped themselves in oversized American flags, danced to Toby Keith and Creedence Clearwater Revival tunes and chanted “Four More Years” when Eric Trump bounded up to the stage. “Guys, what I promise you is this: we as a family will never let you down,” he told the crowd.

16 employees at Rumford paper mill test positive for COVID-19

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • September 17, 2020

Twelve more employees at the ND paper mill in Rumford have tested positive for COVID-19, bringing the total number of cases at the mill to 16, officials said Thursday. According to the union representing the employees, the number of confirmed cases could grow because many workers are still awaiting their test results. Around 75 to 80 people at the mill are out of work with health conditions or because of the need to quarantine. If cases continue to grow and there are not enough people to run the equipment, the mill may have to shut down for about a month.

Portland opens new waterfront park

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • September 18, 2020

City officials formally introduced Portland’s newest park on Friday. Tentatively named Park at Amethyst, the city’s 67th public park is located on the eastern waterfront between Ocean Gateway and the Fore Points Marina. The 1.5-acre parcel will provide direct access to fishing, community boating, trails and seating. It also has space where residents, visitors and workers can gather for events, food and programs.

Landslide fills Presumpscot with sediment; impact on fish is murky

It took years of effort and investment to bring migratory fish back to the Presumpscot River as it flows through Westbrook. Now experts and advocates will have to wait to see what impact a landslide that blocked the river this week has on fish migration patterns and the river’s health. Sea-run fish won’t migrate upriver until spring, and advocates hope that will allow enough time to restore the river and allow clear passage. And the impact on the health of other aquatic live could depend on how much of the sediment is removed and how much is left to blanket the riverbed downstream.PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • September 18, 2020

New trails eyed for Lewiston’s Garcelon Bog

SUN JOURNAL • September 18, 2020

A plan eyed by Lewiston officials would create a new trail at Garcelon Bog that would tie existing walkways together to improve the park’s recreational and educational offerings. The city is seeking up to $50,000 for the project from the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands. “This would open up four different neighborhoods” for easy access to the park, said Megan Bates, a Lewiston public works official who’s helping put the request together.

Bear hunters have already surpassed last year’s total tags

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • September 18, 2020

Before bear-hunting season began on Aug. 31, state wildlife officials predicted that a shortage of natural foods would make bears more apt to visit the bait sites where hunters would be waiting. Two guides say that’s exactly what has happened, and more bears have been tagged already this year than were taken in the full season a year ago.

Video: It's Not The First Time A Landslide Has Blocked The Presumpscot River, State Geologist Says

MAINE PUBLIC • September 18, 2020

A landslide blocked the Presumpscot River In Westbrook River Wednesday.  And as the water rose behind it, the city declared a state of emergency, while the National Weather Service put the area on notice that flash floods could result. But so far, so good. An even bigger landslide occurred in 1868, on the other side of the Presumpscot.

Letter: Parking, not park, needed for Hallowell

KENNEBEC JOURNAL • September 18, 2020

The downtown renovation and COVID-19 created many empty storefronts in Hallowell, up to 15 and counting. But the new plan to take downtown parking for a pocket park has caused at least two more businesses to throw in the towel. We already have 12 parks and recreational areas in our 7-square-mile city. Do we really need another park that negatively impacts desperately needed parking? While a nice idea by well-intentioned people, the pocket park has not been a 50-year-old problem begging for a solution. ~ Larry Davis, Hallowell

Hottest average daily temperature recorded in the Gulf of Maine

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • September 17, 2020

The average of surface temperatures taken throughout the day on Aug.14 in the Gulf of Maine, one of the fastest-warming marine bodies of water on Earth, was measured at 69.85 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the Gulf of Maine Research Institute. The prior record, less than a degree lower than the record set last month, was 68.99 degrees Fahrenheit on Aug. 23, 2012. The records date back to 1982. In addition to recording the highest single-day average temperature in the gulf, the data show that a four-day period from Aug. 13 through 16 — which includes the new single-day record — is the warmest four-day period ever recorded in the gulf.

This easy hike leads to Maine’s largest tidal falls and seal stomping ground

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • September 17, 2020

Also known as Cobscook Falls, the Reversing Falls off the coast of Pembroke are the largest set of tidal falls on the Maine coast. Formed as the tide rushes through a narrow channel and over a huge underwater ledge, the falls are constantly changing form, manifesting in water steps, frothing rapids, small whirlpools and swirling currents that make the ocean appear as if it’s boiling. The public can view the falls from the town-owned Reversing Falls Park, which covers 32 acres on the tip of Mahar Point. Located right beside the park is Reversing Falls Preserve, which covers 194 acres and is owned and maintained by the Downeast Coastal Conservancy. Hiking trails connect the two properties.

Petition to end bear baiting in Maine is rejected

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • September 17, 2020

A petition that would have eliminated bear baiting in Maine by 2029 was unanimously voted down on Thursday by the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Advisory Council. The council, which establishes fishing and hunting rules, voted 7-0 that the proposed rule ought not to pass. No one from the public commented on the failed petition – and few commented on two other petitions. One that proposed restricting coyote hunting, such as with a bag limit and a shorter season, and eliminating predator-hunting contests will be heard by DIF&W biologists in a virtual public hearing on Oct. 6. A second petition that would end the trapping of coyotes will be heard by the department in a virtual public hearing on Oct. 7.

Boat launch project underway in Rumford

RUMFORD FALLS TIMES • September 17, 2020

Construction of a new town boat launch is underway, just beyond the McDonald’s on Route 2. The majority of the work for the boat launch will be completed this fall. Part of the project is also adding a couple sections of dock, which will be installed in the spring.  “The river really has been getting used a lot, and steadily increasing, and probably since COVID because people are trying to do outside activities,” said Town Manager Stacy Carter, adding, “But I think (usage) will expand even more with the new launch.”