Manufacturers seek product exemptions from Maine PFAS ban

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • August 21, 2025

A range of industry representatives are asking state regulators to exempt what they sell from the state’s looming forever chemical ban, claiming their products deserve a free pass because they are essential for the health, safety and functioning of society. The makers of products ranging from cookware to massage chairs to air fresheners dominated the Thursday hearing of the Board of Environmental Protection, arguing that Maine consumers would spend more and be less safe without the chemicals used to make their pans, chairs and bottle caps. Sarah Woodbury, of Defend our Health, urged the board, which is the policymaking arm of the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, to reject the exemption requests. “Non-industry scientists do not agree that PFTE is safe,” Woodbury said.

High surf, rip current warnings in effect for Maine coast through Saturday

MAINE PUBLIC • August 21, 2025

The National Weather Service has issued a high rip current risk and high surf advisory for the entire Maine coast until Saturday, as Hurricane Erin makes its way up the East Coast. The system will not bring rain or even cloud cover but will generate large, powerful waves that make swimming dangerous. Derek Schroeter, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Gray, said the hurricane is churning offshore, creating what's known as a long period swell, with larger and more powerful waves than usual. "Looking out on a day where you see waves roll in every five or six seconds, here we're looking at waves rolling in every 15 to 17 seconds," he said. "And so that longer period allows there to be more power with each incoming wave."

Mosquitoes in Portland test positive for West Nile Virus

MAINE PUBLIC • August 21, 2025

Mosquitoes in Portland have tested positive for West Nile Virus. The Maine Center for Disease Control says it's the first mosquito pool to test positive for the disease this year. Four wild birds in Kennebec, Sagadahoc, and York counties have also tested positive this year for West Nile. In humans, the disease can cause flulike symptoms and, in severe cases, brain swelling and meningitis. Last year, an adult in Cumberland County tested positive for the virus. State CDC officials urge people with symptoms to see a health provider, especially if a COVID-19 test is negative. West Nile Virus is spread through mosquitoes, which can also carry Eastern Equine Encephalitis and Jamestown Canyon virus.

Artists use flags at South Portland’s Bug Light Park to promote conservation of public lands

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • August 20, 2025

Kites dotted the overcast sky of Bug Light Park on Wednesday, weaving in and out of two dozen colorful flags that flapped and fluttered in the wind. The message hand-stitched onto half of the flags was clear: “Protect Maine Public Lands.” On the others, geographic blocks of bright greens, sky blues and rustic oranges became islands, meadows and mountains. The public art installation was the second stop in the national Protect Our Lands Campaign, a tour spearheaded by the League of Conservation Voters and its state affiliates to raise awareness about the threat to public lands through art and community. Public lands are increasingly under attack since the start of President Donald Trump’s second term.

Opinion: Maine lobstermen are being punished for the sins of others

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • August 20, 2025

The Sept. 6, 2022 Monterey Aquarium/Seafood Watch American Lobster Report issued a “Red” rating and recommend avoiding trapped lobsters from the Gulf of Maine, Georges Bank and southern New England due to insufficient measures to reduce North Atlantic right whale “entanglements.” However, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration data does not support the accusation. The majority of North Atlantic right whale deaths and entanglements occur outside U.S. lobster fishing areas. Meanwhile, nongovernmental organizations like Seafood Watch are ignoring other major factors and operations, like offshore wind energy development, that have a much larger impact on North Atlantic right whales and their food chain. ~ Leo LaRosa of Rose Solutions Inc., Gloucester, Massachusetts

1 year later, Brunswick residents still fear impacts of PFAS spill

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • August 19, 2025

It was one year ago this week that 1,450 gallons of aqueous film-forming foam concentrate mixed with 50,000 gallons of water and spilled into the area surrounding Brunswick Executive Airport’s Hangar 4. The airport is part of the former naval air station and is known as Brunswick Landing. The foam contains a toxic PFAS compound, one of several so-called “forever chemicals” that have been linked to serious health problems. Statewide, PFAS contamination stemming from the use of sewage sludge as fertilizer has been found in at least 100 farms and 500 residential properties as of this year, and experts say more is likely to be found as testing continues.The environmental disaster in Brunswick prompted outcry from members of the community and beyond and led to new laws aimed at ensuring a similar spill never happens again in Maine. But many nearby property owners like the Carslicks still have questions about the long-term impact.

Brunswick accepts deal to conserve 240 acres in Maquoit Woods

TIMES RECORD • August 19, 2025

The Brunswick Town Council voted Monday night to accept an offer of $2 million from the Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust to create a conservation easement on 240 acres of Maquoit Woods. The town has long considered the future use of Maquoit Woods, a town-owned 280-acre property located south of the intersection of Maquoit and Mere Point roads. The town purchased the property for $3.8 million in the winter of 2022, killing a proposal for a 900-unit subdivision on the property in order to prevent declines in the Maquoit Bay.

Invasive tick species found in Maine for first time

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • August 19, 2025

An invasive Asian longhorned tick’s presence in Maine has been confirmed. It is the first time the species has been officially found in the state. Unlike most ticks, female members of the species can reproduce without mating, which means infestations can come from a single tick. “This discovery underscores the critical importance of continued tick surveillance in Maine,” said Griffin Dill, director of the UMaine Cooperative Extension Tick Lab.

Opinion: Why outdoor learning matters for Maine kids

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • August 19, 2025

WinterKids is a nonprofit helping children across the entire state get outside and get active during the months they need it most. What began as a passport program in 1997 has grown into a statewide movement, reaching over 16,000 Maine kids each year with programs that engage more than 50,000 Mainers in active, joyful outdoor movement and learning. We offer standards-aligned outdoor learning guides and support for programs like the Winter Games, a four-week series of outdoor educational challenges that get entire schools moving, learning and exploring outside, together, having fun in the cold temperatures. Our goal is to help educators bring learning to life outside the four walls of a classroom and get kids to embrace winter. As we celebrate 25 years, we’re not just looking back — we’re doubling down. We’re expanding access, building deeper partnerships with schools and developing new resources to meet this moment. We’re helping teachers feel equipped, encouraged and energized to do what they do best. ~ Courtney Holub

Proposed pedestrian footpath near Sebago Lake in Standish draws mixed opinions

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • August 18, 2025

The Portland Water District and the town of Standish are considering whether to convert 300 feet of Maple Street into a pedestrian footpath. According to planning and concept art, the Portland Water District, which owns the stretch of Maple Street from the lake shore to the former train tracks, plans to remove about 300 feet of paved road leading from the shore of Lake Sebago to the old rail trail and replace it with a footpath. The town, which owns a fishing wharf at the end of the street, would then lease the rest of the property from the water district, and be free to develop it as it sees fit.

Letter: Collins and King must lead on clean energy technologies

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • August 18, 2025

Solar and wind technologies have proven themselves cheaper than fossil fuels, and with increasing amounts of battery storage, are already diversifying our energy supply. Yet President Trump’s funding cuts and bureaucratic delay tactics are, for now, posing a needless obstacle. Getting more clean energy to market faster is the other challenge, but one Republicans and Democrats together should work to solve. The obvious need to rapidly increase our electricity supply is clear. But our cumbersome energy ​​permitting process, hampered by duplication of effort and a lack of clear leadership, is causing unnecessary and unacceptable delay. ~ Sam Saltonstall, Brunswick

Letter: Do not overlook travel’s contribution to climate change

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • August 18, 2025

Thank you for the recent article elucidating how better we can focus our efforts to reduce greenhouse gases with its emphasis on reduced air travel. This has not been a subject of much discussion, despite its being the most destructive thing we can do as individuals (tied with cruises). The U.S. government’s policies now exacerbate the problem, therefore we must take a more active role to save ourselves, future generations and other species in danger of extinction. The U.S. is the country most responsible for the climate change emergency. ~ Joan Stanton, South Portland

Towns Work to Determine Cause of Shellfish Harvesting Closures

LINCOLN COUNTY NEWS • August 17, 2025

The towns of Bremen and Waldoboro are searching for the culprit of recent shellfish harvesting closures. On July 2, the Department of Marine Resources determined there were high enough E. Coli bacterial counts to conditionally shut down clam harvesting in parts of Waldoboro and Bremen. Bremen Select Board member Boe Marsh said his town is “going into full action” to find the cause and resolve the issue. “This is a big shock for us,” he said. “We were on a really good trajectory and then suddenly out of nowhere we get this problem.” In Bremen’s affected waters, Marsh said the bacteria is spreading from some form of animal waste.

At Lewiston Farmers’ Market, federal budget cuts raise fears, uncertainty

SUN JOURNAL • August 17, 2025

It was a nice day recently at the Lewiston Farmers’ Market. But a dark cloud loomed over the weekly event. The budget reconciliation legislation passed into law by Congress — President Trump’s “one, big beautiful bill” — contains deep cuts to federal food assistance. The cuts, and more strict requirements, will be phased in over the next few years. But farmers and others who sell their wares at the market are worried the trickle-down effect is on its way and it could hurt farmers, who depend on every bit of revenue for survival.

Belgrade Boy Scout Camp no longer for sale, but future is in limbo

CENTRAL MAINE • August 17, 2025

Camp Bomazeen, a beloved Boy Scout camp on the shore of Belgrade’s Great Pond, is no longer actively for sale. The Pine Tree Council of the Boy Scouts of America, the owners of the 330-acre camp, say they will listen to anyone interested in the property and have reached out to the the 7 Lakes Alliance to gauge their interest in the site. But regional scouting group officials also say they are no longer actively looking to sell Camp Bomazeen. Instead, they’ve resumed using it for some scouting activities and are currently contemplating the best use of the lakefront property moving forward. That’s in sharp contrast to what the southern-Maine based Pine Tree Council,  said only months ago that “we have made the difficult decision to move forward with the sale of certain properties, including Camp Bomazeen.”

Column: Fall warbler identification: Why these 4 Maine species look identical

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • August 17, 2025

Identifying a warbler in June is relatively easy. They are brightly colored, although many are unhelpful variations on yellow. They establish nesting territories and sing to confirm their locations and identities. They stay put. By mid-August, all bets are off. When neotropical migrants arrive in Maine in springtime, they wear their finest colors to attract a mate. But in the fall, when it’s time to return to a Central American jungle full of predators, bright colors attract trouble. In autumn, drab is fab. The seasonal change is drastic for some warblers. Concede that some fall warblers are more confusing than others, and do the best you can. ~ Bob Duchesne

5 of the best places in Maine to see a moose

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • August 17, 2025

While you never really know where or when you might come across a moose, we have put together a list of five areas of Maine where you have a good chance of seeing one:
1. Moosehead Lake
2. Golden Road
3. Route 11 Corridor
4. Sugarloaf and Rangeley Lakes Region
5. Route 201 Corridor

Firefighters douse blaze sparked by lightning in Acadia

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • August 16, 2025

Firefighters extinguished a fire in Acadia National Park Friday night that likely was caused by two lightning strikes, according to officials. The fire was initially reported by a man riding his bike in the park. Peter Beckett said that he spotted the white smoke in the area of Gilmore Meadow. Beckett called park headquarters to report it. Multiple island and park agencies responded to the area west of Eagle Lake. The entire coast of Maine is in a moderate drought, which accounts for almost one-third of the state. This is the second fire in the park this year. A small fire on Acadia National Park property on July 1 in the Cleftstone Road area of Bar Harbor was believed to be “human-caused.” Five other fires in the park’s woodlands that occurred in a span of about 18 months were arson.

Drought conditions fry Maine gardens

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • August 16 2025

After a mostly cool and wet spring, dry conditions statewide have recently ramped up into a drought and increased fire risk. They’re also threatening crops, leading growers to worry about their water supplies while choosing which crops to water and which to let die. The entire Maine coast is in a moderate drought as of Friday, according to the National Weather Service, with much of the state “abnormally dry” farther north. Conditions are likely to get worse in the next few weeks, without any signs of significant rain ahead, the weather service warned late this week. Down East, blueberries shriveled, tree leaves wilted and grass died, reports said; in greater Bangor, plants wilted, some crops died and fruit appeared dry in what some observers said were the driest conditions they have seen. Moderate drought conditions lead to lower yields for hay and grain growers, stress trees and hinder honey production.

Maine Solar System model expands with two additions

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • August 16, 2025

The Maine Solar System model just got two new additions for the first time since 2008. The dwarf planets Makemake and Haumea were installed in the St. John Valley today to coincide with Madawaska’s multi-day Acadian Festival celebration. With these additions the world’s second-largest three-dimensional scale model of the solar system grew from 100 miles to nearly 160 miles. Makemake was installed at the Madawaska Public Library Saturday afternoon, after which Haumea was put in across from the Musee Culturel du Mont-Carmel in Lille. University of Maine at Presque Isle Emeritus Geology Professor Kevin McCartney worked on the project with the Upper St. John River Organization and Maine Potato Growers.