This is why wildfire smoke from Canada hasn’t reached Maine

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • June 8, 2023

While some areas of New England and other parts of the United States are seeing orange skies from Canadian wildfires, Maine is likely to be spared, experts say. Thanks to a persistent area of low pressure sitting just south of Maine, the state will avoid the smoke from Canadian wildfires currently blanketing the mid-Atlantic region. Anne Strauser, meteorologist with Caribou NWS, said, “The smoke from Quebec is circling around that big low, and we are like the center of that circle.”

One of these 7 places may be America’s next national park

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC • June 8, 2023

The National Park Service manages more than 400 sites across the United States, but less than 20 percent (63) are national parks. National parks can be a boon for regional tourism and bring federal resources for conserving land that may be vulnerable to development or invasive species. So where could the next national park be? The U.S. is full of worthy candidates. But with strong local and federal support, the following sites stand a good chance of becoming America’s 64th national park. Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, Maine - Open to the public since 2016, Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument is a gateway to more than 87,000 acres of Maine’s interior wilderness. Turning the monument into a national park would expand access to more mountains, bogs, and waterfalls throughout the region while mitigating the visitor strain on Acadia, New England’s only national park.

Maine Calling: Memories of a Maine Wildlife Biologist

MAINE PUBLIC • June 7, 2023

In his new memoir Bald Eagles, Bear Cubs and Hermit Bill, wildlife biologist Ron Joseph recounts his youth in central Maine, the importance of his family's dairy farm, his adventures in the field, and the characters he met over the course of a career working with wildlife and conservation that spanned more than three decades.

Column: Observing birders is part of the fun at Maine’s largest festival

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • June 8, 2023

A birding festival is a good place to see a lot of birds, and birders. The Acadia Birding Festival attracts birders from all over the country. It’s a good chance to take a close look at people who bird. My observations: Many birds look alike. Most birders don’t. Intermediate birders are generally able to recognize birds by sight but are still learning to identify them by sound. Beginning birders benefit the most. Even experienced birders can be inexperienced. While birdering, so-called “experience” varies widely. Birding knowledge is acquired more by experience than education. Birders only get better with time. Until they lose their hearing. One category of birders earns my special respect: SOBs, Spouses of Birders. Birders come in all shapes and sizes, but apparently not races. ~ Bob Duchesne

Why is eastern Canada on fire — and when will the smoke clear?

VOX • June 8, 2023

The summer often brings severe wildfires to western Canada, especially as climate change continues to dry out vegetation and heat up the atmosphere. Provinces in the east — including Quebec and Nova Scotia — are somewhat more safeguarded from fires. Air coming off the North Atlantic Ocean typically keeps the region humid and cooler, making it less likely to burn. But this spring brought the right conditions across parts of the east — namely, low humidity and rainfall, and lots of heat. “What’s unique about this year is that the forests are so dry that the fires are many times larger than they normally are,” said Matthew Hurteau, a biology professor. A large low-pressure system above Nova Scotia that’s swirling counter-clockwise has created winds that flow south from Quebec and then toward east coast cities. It will take a change in weather to clear smoke from eastern cities. Forecasters predict Canada will face dry and, in some places, warmer-than-average conditions this summer, so the recipe for wildfires could persist for months.

Opinion: Offshore wind can benefit our environment and our pocketbooks

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • June 8, 2023

As a retired scientist and educator and member of Third Act Maine, I’m part of a community of Mainers over age 60 determined to fight climate change and rising inequality. The impact of climate change is not a distant threat but a present reality. We fear for the future of our saltmarshes and forests, our celebrated fishing industry, the moose and the butterflies, and our children and grandchildren. Our utilities bills continue to skyrocket and for those of us on a fixed income, everything is at risk. This pressing issue transcends generational boundaries and demands immediate action for the sake of our planet and future generations. Using the best available science and data to inform siting, construction and operations will help ensure that offshore wind coexists with the Gulf of Maine’s unique ecosystem and marine heritage practices. ~ Tom Mikulka of Cape Elizabeth

$30 million project will expand footprint, capacity of Bigelow research center in East Boothbay

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • June 8, 2023

The Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences is undertaking a $30 million expansion of its campus in East Boothbay, saying the build-out will add sorely needed space for the lab’s scientists and broaden its research and teaching capabilities. The planned 25,000-square-foot center for “ocean education and innovation” will increase Bigelow’s footprint off Ocean Point Road by more than 40% and include new lab facilities and classrooms. Also slated is a two-story, 300-seat gathering space for programs and public events. The project breaks ground in October, with a target finish date in spring 2025.

Mills cutting pulpwood orders cause ‘world of hurt’ for Maine loggers

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • June 8, 2023

At least two Maine paper mills that have been major buyers of pulpwood dramatically cut orders in the past couple months, causing headaches for smaller logging contractors. Sappi North America in Skowhegan and ND Paper in Rumford cut back pulpwood orders within the past couple months, citing global market conditions, soft demand for certain papers and high inventories. It is a reversal of the booming business last summer through mid-winter, when the mills were buying as much pulpwood as they could get to make paper and paying a high price. “This is causing a world of hurt throughout the logging industry,” said Harold Burnett, owner of forestry consulting firm Two Trees Forestry in Winthrop.

The history of the Maine moose hunt

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • June 8, 2023

Come late September, more than 4,000 hunters will spread out across the landscape, rifle in hand, hoping to put some meat on the family table. The modern moose hunt is relatively new to Maine, having gotten its start in 1980. Ever since, few hunting pursuits have generated the kind of buzz created by the moose hunt. Here is a look back through the history of the moose hunt and the lottery system used to select hunters.

Celebrate and take action on 8 June, World Ocean Day

MAINE ENVIRONMENTAL NEWS • June 8, 2023

Half of the planet’s oxygen is produced by ocean plants. Our oceans absorb 25% of the carbon dioxide released from burning fossil fuels. We need a strong Global Plastics Treaty, protected sanctuaries, and a strict moratorium on deep sea mining. Support protection at least 30% of our blue planet by 2030.

Letter: Listen to those who know best

SUN JOURNAL • June 8, 2023

I believe the increasing global warming that scientists are warning the human race about is true, as I believed the high blood pressure that my science-educated physician warned me about was true. I accepted the medication and lifestyle changes my physician prescribed for me, and I am living very well into my 80s. However, if I had not believed my science-educated physician…? And, if we do not believe scientists warning us of increasing global warming…? ~ Tom Fallon, Rumford

Lewiston revises park curfews due to vandalism concerns

SUN JOURNAL • June 7, 2023

The City Council approved earlier closing times for the Jude’s Place playground at Marcotte Park and the Franklin Pasture Athletic Complex after city and school staff said there have been repeated problems, including vandalism. However, the council said it may amend the new policy ahead of a final reading June 20 in response to concerns about field access.

Willard Beach in South Portland to reopen Thursday

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • June 7, 2023

Willard Beach in South Portland will reopen to the public on Thursday, one week after the city was forced to close the popular beach following a break in the force main that carries wastewater through the neighborhood. The city closed the beach on June 1 and it remained closed until Wednesday afternoon, when water quality tests showed that the beach could be safely reopened to the public.

Maine air quality to remain good Thursday with low pressure keeping wildfire smoke at bay

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • June 7, 2023

Wildfires that have been raging out of control in Quebec and Ontario have led to smoke-filled skies along the U.S. East Coast and Midwest, but air quality in Maine remained good Wednesday and should stay that way for at least another day thanks to a low pressure system that has been keeping the smoke at bay.

Lewiston man injured in dump truck rollover in Avon

SUN JOURNAL • June 7, 2023

Larry Peaslee, 52, of Lewiston was injured Wednesday afternoon after rolling an Archie’s Waste Disposal dump truck on a winding stretch of Route 4 in Avon. Maine’s Department of Environmental Protection responded to the scene for a fuel leak, and the Department of Transportation responded to address considerable damage to the road surface.

Bills seeking to modify solar program move ahead in Legislature

MAINE PUBLIC • June 7, 2023

State lawmakers are considering proposed modifications to a state program that supports solar energy projects. Environmental organizations and the solar industry support the net energy billing program, but critics claim it's expensive and that electrical ratepayers bear the burden. One bill would limit the size of solar projects that could enroll in the program, and require the Public Utilities Commission to quantify its costs and benefits. It also provides incentives for existing solar projects to enter long-term contracts with the state at lower rates, trading risk for certainty. The Energy, Utilities and Technology committee approved a measure Wednesday to overhaul the program.

South Portland beach re-opening Thursday after sewage spill

MAINE PUBLIC • June 7, 2023

The city of South Portland says that Willard Beach will re-open on Thursday, after a wastewater discharge pipe near the beach burst late last week. The city stopped the flow through the broken pipe and repaired it on Friday. The beach remained closed so the city could conduct water quality tests. Bacteria levels in the water are now below the public safety threshold set by the Department of Environmental Protection’s Maine Healthy Beaches Program.

Rabies cases have jumped in Maine wildlife, state CDC says

MAINE PUBLIC • June 7, 2023

Maine is seeing a surge in animal rabies cases. The state CDC has confirmed 30 rabies cases so far this year, compared to 35 in all of last year. Twelve of this year's confirmed cases were in Cumberland County. The affected animals include raccoons, skunks, bats, a fox, and a woodchuck. Rabies spreads through the bite or scratch from an infected animal and is nearly always fatal once symptoms develop. To avoid exposure, the CDC recommends vaccinating pets against rabies and feeding them indoors, tightly securing garbage cans and other food sources, and refraining from touching, feeding, or adopting wild animals.

Maggots are critical to a healthy environment. Here’s why.

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • June 7, 2023

Our world would be a very different place if not for maggots. Ecosystems would be starved of nutrients. The landscape would be littered with the bodies of the dead — animals and plants. That’s because maggots play a crucial role in decomposition — the process of breaking down dead organic tissue and getting its carbon, water and minerals back into circulation so living plants and animals can use them.

Rabies cases in Maine have skyrocketed this year

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • June 7, 2023

The number of confirmed rabies cases in Maine has sharply increased so far this year, with at least 30 raccoons, skunks and bats, along with one fox and one woodchuck testing positive for the virus since January. That’s compared with 35 confirmed rabies cases reported throughout the entirety of 2022.