The most comprehensive online source of conservation news and events in Maine and beyond, edited by Jym St. Pierre
PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • November 6, 2024
State education officials today unveiled an outdoor learning space they say will make environmental education more accessible for schools across Maine. They say the Maine Outdoor Learning Pavilion on Mackworth Island in Falmouth is the latest addition to the Mill's administration's Outdoor Learning Initiative which is billed as a response to pandemic-related learning loss.
BANGOR DAILY NEWS • November 6, 2024
I am writing to express my deep concern and strong disapproval regarding the proposed construction of a wind turbine manufacturing port on Sears Island in Maine. As a resident of Stockton Springs, I believe that this plan poses significant risks to the unique ecological and cultural values of this protected area. The construction of a manufacturing port would undoubtedly increase traffic, pollution, and noise in an area that has long been valued for its tranquility and natural beauty. This would not only affect wildlife but also diminish the quality of life for residents and visitors who appreciate Sears Island for its recreational opportunities and serene environment. ~ Gentry Davis, Stockton Springs
BANGOR DAILY NEWS • November 6, 2024
Mainers voted Tuesday to pass a $30 million bond proposal that will go toward designing, developing and maintaining trail systems. Half of the money borrowed under the measure will go toward recreational trails, while the rest will be divided about evenly between motorized and non-motorized trails.
MAINE PUBLIC • November 6, 2024
Maine’s trails will get some much-needed attention through a $30 million borrowing package approved by voters. The Maine trails bond on Tuesday’s ballot garnered widespread support from environmental groups, towns, snowmobile and ATV clubs. The bond passed with more than 55% of the vote. Jenny Kordick of Maine Outdoor Brands said the outcome is a sign of how important recreation outside is to people who live in and visit Maine. The state’s outdoor recreation economy is valued at around $3 billion.
BANGOR DAILY NEWS • November 6, 2024
Mainers voted Tuesday to pass $10 million in borrowing aimed at restoring historic buildings owned by local governments and nonprofits. The money borrowed under the will go toward funding the preservation of certain buildings. Any state money approved for a project must be matched at least 25 percent by private or nonprofit funds. Maine voters have approved three historic preservation bonds since 1985. This year’s $10 million proposal is the largest of them.
THE WILDERNESS SOCIETY • November 6, 2024
Trump’s reelection is a crisis for conservation. We will prepare for the fights ahead to protect vital landscapes like the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge from his devastating, destructive attacks.
SIERRA CLUB • November 6, 2024
Sierra Club Executive Director Ben Jealous said, “Donald Trump was a disaster for climate progress during his first term, and everything he’s said and done since suggests he’s eager to do even more damage this time. During Trump’s first term, we fought relentlessly to defend against his administration’s attacks on climate progress and clean air and water, and we are ready to fight again. We will challenge Trump’s dangerous proposals in court, keep the pressure on banks and big corporations to clean up their act, and mobilize our 64 chapters and millions of members and volunteers nationwide to continue to make progress at the state and local levels.”
TNC • November 6, 2024
On November 6th, the Associated Press declared that Donald Trump is the president-elect for the United States. In response, Jennifer Morris, TNC chief executive officer, released a statement: “We will work with the Trump administration on a range of issues: ensuring clean air and water; transitioning to clean energy; enhancing carbon storage in natural and working lands; reducing catastrophic wildfire risks; creating reefs and other natural infrastructure; and restoring wildlife habitat.”
ASSOCIATED PRESS • November 6, 2024
Donald Trump has promised sweeping action in a second administration. Trump, who claims falsely that climate change is a “hoax,” blasts Biden-era spending on cleaner energy designed to reduce U.S. reliance on fossil fuels. He proposes an energy policy – and transportation infrastructure spending – anchored to fossil fuels: roads, bridges and combustion-engine vehicles. “Drill, baby, drill!” was a regular chant at Trump rallies. Trump says he does not oppose electric vehicles but promises to end all Biden incentives to encourage EV market development. Trump also pledges to roll back Biden-era fuel efficiency standards.
MAINE ENVIRONMENTAL NEWS • November 6, 2024
The Antiquities Act has been used by 18 presidents across party lines to protect 164 important spots around the U.S. In Maine, in 1916 President Wilson established Sieur de Monts National Monument, which became Acadia National Park. A century later, President Obama established Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument. Now, activists are urging the Biden-Harris Administration to proclaim the Frances Perkins Homestead in Newcastle a national monument. However, Project 2025 calls for rolling back or removing protections for national monuments by a Trump Administration, and repealing the Antiquities Act so future presidents cannot protect cultural treasures. RESTORE and other conservation advocates are preparing to oppose rollbacks of our public lands protections. You can help by supporting those groups and by urging your representatives in Congress to create new national parks and to uphold federal protections for your national monuments, national parks, and other public conservation lands.
PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • November 6, 2024
Scarborough voters passed by a vote of 8,902 to 5,321 a $6 million bond to replenish the town’s land acquisition fund, which is used to contribute to purchasing land for conservation, preserving wildlife habitats or recreation. It is the fifth time residents have voted on the land fund, created via a $1.5 million referendum in 2000 with nearly 75% of voters approving the bond then. It was replenished in 2003 with $2.5 million with 71.1% of voters in favor; in 2009 with $1 million and 67.6% of voters in favor; and in 2019 with $2.5 million and 57.9% of voters in favor.
MAINE PUBLIC • November 6, 2024
Bar Harbor's contentious cruise ship visitor cap will stay in place after residents voted down a referendum to repeal it. The effort failed by just 63 votes — 1,776 residents voted against the measure and 1,713 voted in favor. The question asked voters to repeal a 1,000-person cap instituted in 2022 after a citizens petition. It would have replaced that policy with a new proposal from the town council, which would have allowed up to 3,200 visitors per day, and was supported by some local businesses that oppose the harsher cap.
UNION OF CONCERNED SCIENTISTS • November 6, 2024
The last Trump presidency saw 207 attacks on science, including censorship, falsified records, political interference, and intimidation of scientists. The president elect has promised an all-out war on science, promising to fire government scientists and dismantle science agencies. Additionally, President-elect Trump is a mis- and dis-information superspreader. UCS is immediately mobilizing the 17,000 scientists in our network and our partners to fight attacks on federal science and scientists.
PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • November 6, 2024
Maine has more than 1,000 dams across its rivers and streams and most of them no longer serve their intended purpose. Instead, these decaying structures continue to damage habitats and ecosystems associated with the rivers they obstruct. Yarmouth’s two dams on the Royal River, built more than 160 years ago, are an unfortunate example of how these relics impede the restoration of precious riverine habitat. After 20 years of studies, we urge the town of Yarmouth to take action and seize this opportunity to remove the dams. Dam removal is the most cost-effective approach to river restoration and will have a lasting positive impact on the river, wildlife and the community. ~ Christine Force, Yarmouth, Royal River Alliance
PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • November 6, 2024
I am writing as a concerned resident of South Portland regarding the comprehensive plan discussions, particularly related to hazardous waste, noise pollution and flooding risks. The claim that “anything can be remediated” regarding hazardous materials like benzene, arsenic and lead is misleading. Any proposed residential development on the Bug Light peninsula would conflict with current FAA noise abatement procedures. Finally, many studies suggest that current models underestimate flooding risks due to climate change. ~ Steven Shane, South Portland
PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • November 5, 2024
The Brickyard Quarry is located remarkably close to downtown Gorham and affects hundreds of residents. Shaw Brothers’ willingness to listen and adjust plans based on neighbors’ concerns about health and safety is a good start. On Oct. 8, the quarry owners sent a letter to the town that laid out two options for the town to consider: Option 1 – a quarry expansion of 26 acres, and Option 2 – a quarry expansion of only 6.33 acres. The remainder would be dedicated to 200 or so manufactured housing units. Gorham and the state should review all quarry regulations before any quarry expansion is approved. What is more important than the health and safety of our citizens? ~ Charles Hamblen, Gorham
MAINE PUBLIC • November 5, 2024
A surge of electric vehicle purchases has nearly emptied a state fund set aside to encourage drivers to buy zero-emission cars and trucks. Efficiency Maine Trust will suspend its rebate program for most EV purchases on Nov. 16. Qualified low-income buyers can still access state incentives. Under the program drivers could get up to $2,000 back for qualified battery-electric vehicles and $1,000 for hybrid models. Battery-electric rebates were steady for years, with 70 to 90 a month. Starting in August, however, rebates more than doubled. In October, the quasi-state agency processed more than 190 rebates.
PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • November 5, 2024
Maine’s GOP and their fossil fuel allies have been using misleading tactics to attack community solar. As chair of the Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee, I’ve witnessed the benefits of community solar firsthand and need to set the record straight: community solar is not the problem; it’s part of the solution. Some opponents claim the net energy billing (NEB) program is out of control and driving up costs. This is simply not true. We have reformed NEB three times in the last four years to ensure it remains fair, efficient and cost-effective for everyone. By participating in community solar, we are investing in our state’s future while saving money today. Don’t let misleading campaigns cloud the truth. ~ Rep. S. Paige Zeigler, Montville
BANGOR DAILY NEWS • November 5, 2024
Maine Wardens receive on the average of 500 missing person calls a year. When a hunter or a dementia patient is reported missing, the search and rescue team swings into action. Concerned relatives or friends of a missing person should not hesitate to make that call. If in doubt, call. With today’s cellphones more outdoor people, especially hikers, are given a false sense of confidence and assume that if they get in trouble, help is a click away. New Hampshire, particularly, has experienced hikers who have had to be rescued in the White Mountains after getting into trouble. New Hampshire, as well as Maine, has a law that allows the state to send a bill to an irresponsible hiker for the cost of search efforts rendered. New Hampshire in a few instances has invoked the law. Maine, to date, has not. ~ V. Paul Reynolds
SUN JOURNAL • October 4, 2024
The City Council is set to vote on the new ordinance amendments later this month, which city staff described as an attempt to further protect water quality for Lake Auburn while still allowing landowners in the area to engage in agricultural or forestry uses.
