Bath educator recognized for work in environmental education

TIMES RECORD • May 26, 2024

A teacher at Bath’s Brightfield School has received an award recognizing her efforts in environmental education. Lorna Fake received the Eberhard Thiele Environmental Educator Award on May 10, when educators and students from across Maine were recognized for their contributions to Maine’s environmental educational ecosystem during the Maine Environmental Education Annual Awards Ceremony at Maine Academy of Natural Sciences in Hinckley. Fake, a first- and second-grade teacher at Brightfield School, won the Eberhard Award for being an environmental educator who works outside the formal classroom setting and incorporates environmental education into her hands-on lessons.

Column: Measuring impact of eclipse, aurora on wildlife a difficult task

MAINE SUNDAY TELEGRAM • May 26, 2024

Between the solar eclipse in April and aurora in May, this has been an exciting spring for getting people outdoors and looking up to the skies. There was a lot of hype leading up to the eclipse and a lot of excitement about the aurora, so let’s dig in to both and talk about the effects of these, if any, on wildlife. The eclipse itself was obviously incredible, but the timing may have lessened some of the reactions we were expecting to see from Maine’s wildlife. The magnetic storm that produced the vibrant colors of the aurora was reported as the strongest to hit Earth since October 2003. Earth being bombarded during a magnetic storm would have some effect on our birds. A paper published last fall reported that during space weather events there is a “9 to 17 percent reduction in migration.” ~ Maine Audubon Staff Naturalist Doug Hitchcox

Editorial: Maine tourism can complete ‘pandemic rebound’ in 2024

MAINE SUNDAY TELEGRAM • May 26, 2024

Last year, nearly 15.3 million tourists came to the state. They spent $9.1 million. All told, 2023’s tourists kicked $16.4 billion into Maine’s economy. There’s no reason to expect that this year will be different – and people in the industry are feeling optimistic. Maine has long been the beneficiary of a trend called “slow travel,” where visitors select their destination with longer and more involved stays in mind – stays that are then more lucrative for local economies. Visitors’ tendency to “immerse” themselves in Maine, unlike in other U.S. hot spots. Standing in the way of a full recovery to prepandemic health, however, is the now-chronic labor shortage. Increasing temporary nonagricultural worker visas (H-2Bs) and sensible reform of asylum seeker work authorization are absolutely critical.

What you should know if ATV trails run through your land in Maine

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • May 26, 2024

There are more than 18,000 miles of combined snowmobile and ATV trails in the state. For new landowners or people who want to buy land, the Maine tradition of open access for recreation can come as a bit of a surprise. It can leave them wondering what liability or nuisance issues may arise, and if it’s worth it. Outdoor enthusiasts and officials say the pros far outway the cons. For one thing, landowners are protected by state law.

Giant snails and other small wonders to seek while hiking in Maine

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • May 25, 2024

When observing nature, so much depends on perspective. The more time I spend in the wilderness, the more I’m intrigued by the small things: the snails and dainty wildflowers and tiny mushrooms. When hiking, my eyes are often on the ground, and not just so I don’t trip over roots and rocks. I’m looking for the miniscule things in nature that I adore, and hoping to discover more. Maine is home to more than 70 species of terrestrial snails, according to the paper “Terrestrial snails and slugs of Maine,” written by Scott M. Martin and published by Northeastern Naturalist in 2000.

Scenic section of downeast trail reopens

MAINE MORNING STAR • May 25, 2024

The dike portion of the storm-damaged Down East Sunrise Trail in Machias was repaired this week, again allowing ATV riders and recreational users to connect with the undamaged, farthest east parts of the trail. Although many of the state’s ATV trails remain closed due to storm damage, the Sunrise Trail officially opened earlier this month, but dike erosion and six culvert washouts created a roughly two-mile gap, cutting off what some say is the most scenic part of the trail.

Letter: Gorham bypass not the answer

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • May 25, 2024

The Maine Turnpike Authority’s plan to build a turnpike spur through Gorham/Scarborough is a bad idea. The 3/4-mile long section of Route 22 between the two Route 114 intersections has historically caused a traffic logjam heading into Portland in the morning and toward Buxton and beyond in the evening. Traffic thins out in either direction as soon as it gets through that bottleneck and cars split off. The archaic plan of a turnpike spur from Gorham to Scarborough (through Smiling Hill Farm) will not address this. The spur will cut through the farm’s land and destroy natural habitats while in no way alleviating the traffic on Route 22 heading into and out of Portland. ~ Lisa King, Gorham

Opinion: Climate crisis is worsening homelessness, substance use disorder

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • May 25, 2024

I just graduated from Bates College in Lewiston. During my time at Bates, I often went to Lewiston’s downtown skatepark, where I met with several young people. I learned a lot about their lives and struggles, especially those related to homelessness and substance use. Many of these individuals shared heartbreaking stories of friends and family lost to overdose or living on the streets. This firsthand experience highlighted how the climate crisis is making the challenges of drug abuse and homelessness even worse. The interconnectedness of homelessness, substance use, and the climate crisis requires legislative responses that are interconnected. Policies need to transcend traditional boundaries of public health, urban planning, and environmental protection to address the root causes, especially the reality of the climate crisis. ~ Anders Corey, Yarmouth

Augusta officials move closer toward $18.2 million expansion of Hatch Hill landfill to extend capacity another 14 years

KENNEBEC JOURNAL • May 24, 2024

With the Hatch Hill landfill expected to be full within four years, the city has submitted an application to build an $18.2 million vertical expansion. At current usage rates, that would give the city-owned landfill another 14 years of use. But city officials may seek to extend that lifespan even further to ensure residents have a place to take their trash, on the relative cheap. Doing so could mean the eight surrounding communities that also can send their trash to Hatch Hill would have to find somewhere else to take their trash.

Biden declares April storm disaster for Cumberland, York counties, making $3.5 million available for repairs

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • May 24, 2024

President Biden has approved Maine’s request for a major disaster declaration to help Cumberland and York counties recover from the severe winter storm in April that caused damage estimated at more than $3.5 million. The declaration, announced Friday by Gov. Janet Mills, makes assistance available to help cover the costs of debris removal and repairs to roads, bridges and other public works.

Letter: Maine has a chance to fight climate change

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • May 24, 2024

I’ve been an activist working to fight climate change for more than a decade, and as a grandfather-to-be, I don’t just want to let things keep going down the wrong path. The time to act on climate change is now. Maine has a real chance to fight back against climate change with offshore wind power. We know the damage fossil fuels are causing — and we have the power to move our state to renewable energy with clean, sustainable offshore wind. It’s one of the best things we can do to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but we need to act now. ~ Gary Friedmann, Bar Harbor

Katahdin isn’t the only spectacular hike at Baxter State Park

MAINE PUBLIC • May 24, 2024

Each summer, hikers flock to Katahdin, the tallest mountain in Maine. It’s the most popular destination in Baxter State Park, and for good reason. But it may not always be the best hiking option for you. There are many other spectacular mountains in the park to hike. Baxter is home to more than 220 miles of hiking trails. And they’re all wonderful. All of these treks offer spectacular views of the park: Mount OJI, Doubletop Mountain, The Owl, South Turner Mountain, Sentinel Mountain, Mount Coe and South Brother, North Traveler Mountain, Trout Brook Mountain, Horse Mountain.

Maine physicians see climate change as a health risk, but often don't discuss it with patients

MAINE PUBLIC • May 23, 2024

Most physicians in Maine believe their patients' health is at risk from climate change, but very few communicate it to their patients. The findings come from a new study published this week in the Maine Policy Review. More than 75% of respondents believe climate change is worsening medical issues, including asthma, tick-borne illnesses, and mental health. Researchers surveyed 100 physicians across multiple specialties throughout the state. Physicians identified very young and elderly people as the most vulnerable to climate change. Two-thirds indicated they were "extremely" or "moderately" concerned with the current health impacts of climate change. Nearly 40% said the are already observing the health impacts in their patients.

Recycled Works for ME to open in New Sharon

FRANKLIN JOURNAL • May 23, 2024

Recycled Works for ME, a new store offering a variety of repurposed and handmade items, will open its doors on Friday, May 24, at 31 Lane Road in New Sharon. Owner Nancy Bowden has transformed a large garage into a unique shopping destination filled with woodworking projects, antiques, reupholstered furniture, and various crafts.

Republican CD2 candidates talk energy costs,

MAINE MORNING STAR • May 23, 2024

The candidates running in the Republican primary election for Maine’s 2nd Congressional District, Austin Theriault of Fort Kent and Mike Soboleski of Phillips, participated in their third public debate Thursday morning. As for energy costs, both men agree prices are too high. Soboleski said the U.S. should “drill, baby, drill.” Theriault said the U.S. should utilize diverse energy sources, citing natural gas, nuclear and hydropower. He argued that subsidies for solar power and limiting the use of other energy sources will hurt the economy and businesses in Maine.

Mills announces expansion of Maine Outdoor Learning Initiative

WABI-TV5 • May 23, 2024

Thousands of middle and high school students in Maine will have access to free after-school and summer outdoor learning and career exploration programs. Gov. Mills announced the expansion Thursday morning through a $6.6 million investment of federal funds. She said that will help bring the program to 4,000 students, giving them access to more than 100 after school and summer programs between now and the fall. The expansion triples the total amount of funding invested in the initiative over the last two years.

Federal officials issue record hurricane forecast

MAINE PUBLIC • May 23, 2024

On the eve of atlantic hurricane season, federal officials told reporters Thursday forecasters have issued a record-high forecast for tropical activity. The National Weather Service said it expects between 17 and 25 named storms, 8-13 hurricanes, and 4-7 major hurricanes. But weather service Director Ken Graham said, "It only takes one storm to make landfall, or even one to get close to you, to make a busy season."

Ozone levels rising on the Maine coast Thursday

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • May 23, 2024

Coastal Maine is expected to experience elevated levels of ground-level ozone as temperature rise Thursday and the Maine Department of Environmental Protection issued an “unhealthy for sensitive groups” air quality warning for high elevations at Acadia National Park.

A look at the legislative voting records of the Republican CD2 candidates

MAINE MORNING STAR • May 23, 2024

The Republican candidates looking to unseat Jared Golden in Maine’s 2nd Congressional District, Austin Theriault of Fort Kent and Rep. Mike Soboleski of Phillips, both just wrapped up their first terms in the Maine State Legislature. Soboleski successfully sponsored a bill that requires legislative approval for new rules adopted by the Department of Environmental Protection regarding motor vehicle emission standards. Theriault sponsored a bill that became law to increase Maine’s use of wood waste — like scrap, sawdust and paper mill residue — for energy production, a priority of some in his timber-heavy district.

Developer revives plans for a ski resort in Greenville

CENTRAL MAINE • May 23, 2024

A Maine developer is reviving his plans to redevelop a partially defunct ski resort in Piscataquis County. Perry Williams spent several years trying to create a year-round ski resort in Big Moose Township, but he and partners halted their $126.3 million plans in November 2022 after failing to come to terms with the property owner. Williams said this week he is again working with James Confalone, the property owner, to buy the ski area and redevelop it using a state permit approved in September 2022.