The most comprehensive online source of conservation news and events in Maine and beyond, edited by Jym St. Pierre
BANGOR DAILY NEWS • October 17, 2025
The hiking season is over on Katahdin. Baxter State Park closed all trails up Katahdin, as well as the Traveler loop trails, Friday because snow is falling at higher elevations. The park also anticipates freeze-thaw fluctuations in the coming days, which can heighten the impact of hiking on the fragile alpine ecosystem. The closure also means hikers cannot access the Owl Trail via the Hunt Trail.
PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • October 17, 2025
The Barren-Chairback Range is the first mountain cluster you come to on a northbound hike through the 100-Mile Wilderness. Barren Mountain is the first and highest of the five summits you’ll cross. In order, the rest are Fourth Mountain (2,383 feet), Third Mountain (2,061 feet), Columbus Mountain (2,326 feet) and Chairback Mountain (2,219 feet). Don’t let the modest elevations fool you, however. Hike the 15.7 miles over all five peaks of the range from the Bodfish Farm-Long Pond Tote Road to the KI-Greenville Road near the West Branch of the Pleasant River and you’ll have climbed an impressive 4,000 feet overall on often rough treadway. Thanks to the National Park Service and the Appalachian Mountain Club, the length of the Barren-Chairback is protected. ~ Carey Kish
ASSOCIATED PRESS • October 16, 2025
The attorneys general of more than a dozen states on Thursday sued the Trump administration over the termination of $7 billion in funding intended for affordable solar energy projects across the U.S. The coalition, which also included the District of Columbia and other stakeholders, argued in the lawsuit that the Environmental Protection Agency’s cancellation of the Solar for All program violated the law governing federal agencies and the constitutional separation of powers. The program, introduced in 2022, intended to make the renewable energy accessible to nearly 1 million Americans. The canceled $27 billion is just one example of the efforts the administration has taken against clean energy. Trump has invested in fossil fuels such as oil, natural gas and coal while slashing climate regulation.
PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • October 16, 2025
A section of the Back Cove Trail at Tukey’s Bridge is set to close Monday for utility work, disrupting a vital route used daily by Portland pedestrians and cyclists who commute on the trail, with some saying that they feel caught off-guard by a lack of communication about the closure. The work is part of a project by utility company Unitil to retire a natural gas pipeline that previously served the former B&M Baked Beans plant, now the site of the Roux Institute’s redevelopment. Because the pipe runs through a narrow corridor between the trail and the water, the company says there is no safe way to keep the trail open during construction. The closure, expected to last about a week.
PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • October 16, 2025
Mainers pay some of the highest electricity bills in the country. Now, Central Maine Power wants to raise those bills by another $35 per month by 2031 to fund infrastructure and workforce upgrades. While investments in reliability and resilience are essential, the proposed increase, on top of recent years’ hikes, is a symptom of a deeper problem: Maine lacks a strategic plan for modernizing its electricity grids in a way that ensures affordability, reliability and climate alignment. Without such a plan, we’ll continue to lurch from rate case to rate case, locking in costs for ratepayers while missing opportunities to invest wisely. We support establishing a long-range grid planning group in law, with the authority and independence to chart a more innovative course and put affordability, equity and climate at the center. Done right, this group will provide lawmakers, regulators and utilities with the evidence-based guidance to make smarter choices. It will replace reactive spending with proactive strategy. It will build public trust that facts, not politics, are guiding our energy future. ~ Kay Aikin, member, U.S. Department of Energy Grid Wise Architecture Council, and Rep. Gerry Runte, York
MAINE MORNING STAR • October 16, 2025
With evolving technology and strategic snowmaking, snowmakers say they expect to keep skiers on the trails this winter despite current water shortages. But like warming winters, recurring late-summer droughts are part of a larger climate change-driven pattern that has complicated the task of running a ski resort in the Northeast. While technology upgrades can help, experts said they also recognize that the industry is changing in ways that can’t be circumvented. When water is limited and thaws increasingly common, one team has adapted to making less snow at the beginning of the season, then returning to their trails later in the year to add more. Some resorts engage in “snow farming,” using insulation to preserve heaps of snow through above-freezing temperatures so it can later be put to use for winter sports.
BANGOR DAILY NEWS • October 16, 2025
I’ve enjoyed watching the eagles and loons annoy each other. There are dozens of loons on the lake in front of my house. Every time an eagle flies over, all the loons start wailing. I imagine the eagles are getting frustrated. They have little hope of defeating this early warning system. Black-capped chickadees are so good at spotting trouble, other species pay attention to their calls. Blue jays are ever watchful. They regularly flock together and call out danger when they see it. Warning calls account for only some of the backyard bird noise in autumn. Species that flock together chatter a lot, so they can keep track of each other and stay organized. Some birds are still declaring territories. For instance, last night a barred owl perched above my garage at 3:00 in the morning and called incessantly. ~ Bob Duchesne
PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • October 15, 2025
Maine’s first large-scale artificial intelligence data center could open within six months at the former Loring Air Force Base in Aroostook County. Loring LiquidCool Data Center announced a partnership with Green 4 Maine LLC, a development firm that owns much of the old base in Limestone, to launch the AI center. Massive data centers needed for generative artificial intelligence systems like ChatGPT typically require enormous amounts of electricity, putting new strain on power grids. The data center will use a closed-loop system to cool servers with liquid rather than fans and hydropower from New Brunswick. It’s unclear how it will affect Mainers’ electric bills. Other AI-minded data center plans have fizzled out. After announcing plans in 2021, a California company quietly backed out of building a $300 million data center at a shuttered paper mill in Millinocket.
PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • October 15, 2025
A new report from a left-leaning think tank suggests the state should return land — including Acadia National Park, Baxter State Park, and Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument — to the Wabanaki Nations. To do so, the Maine Center for Economic Policy suggests deploying a statewide property tax targeted at large landowners, a sales tax on tourists or issuing bonds. The center’s new report says there is a need for a dramatic restructuring in state-tribal relations to facilitate the return of stolen land and compensation for lost revenue to the Wabanaki Nations because a 1980 settlement has failed to make the tribes whole.
MAINE PRESERVATION • October 15, 2025
Maine Preservation Executive Director, Tara Kelly, has been named the 2025 William F. King Jr. Downtown Champion. Since joining Maine Preservation in 2021, Tara has launched a residency program to offer hands-on preservation support to communities across Maine—33 towns, 10 counties, and 30 days spent in the field helping Mainers protect and celebrate their built heritage so far. Tara also established Jane’s Walk ME, part of a global movement of walking conversations inspired by activist Jane Jacobs. Thanks to her efforts, more Mainers are exploring their neighborhoods in new ways, deepening their connection to place, history, and each other. Tara will receive this well-deserved honor at the Maine Downtown Center Annual Awards Celebration, November 14, 9AM, at Bath Savings Bank, 105 Front Street in Bath.
PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • October 15, 2025
When Central Maine Power recently asked the Maine Public Utilities Commission for a massive rate hike — just three months after its previous rate increase kicked in — Mainers responded with disbelief. Many struggle to pay surging utility bills amid a flood of rising living expenses. Now CMP wants everyone to cough up another $420 per year on average. CMP says it wants to make the grid more resilient. As Maine’s Public Advocate put it, “While CMP claims that its plan is designed to provide ‘price stability,’ it is actually asking for greater profits and large, automatic rate increases over the next five years.” The PUC should reject CMP’s rate hike request. First, CMP is asking for too much profit. Second, two summers ago, the MPUC asked the company to submit a 10-year, detailed roadmap for how it will improve Maine’s grid. As of late August CMP was still in the “needs assessment” phase. Contact the PUC and tell it to say “No” to the rate hike. ~ Ed Geis, Camden
BANGOR DAILY NEWS • October 15, 2025
It’s the time of year when Mainers are cleaning up yard debris before the first snows come, but homeowners should be cautious. Those toxic little hairs from browntail moth caterpillars could be hiding in the leaves and grass. Raking and mowing could stir them up and the hairs could get on skin and cause a rash similar to poison ivy, according to the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The hairs also can cause breathing problems if inhaled. The hairs shed from the caterpillars, which the Maine Forest Service says are in all 16 counties now, can stay in the environment for up to three years.
PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • October 15, 2025
It was an entirely unexpected opportunity Chris Newell had in 2021, not just to perform with Yo-Yo Ma, but to challenge him. In a field at sunrise near Schoodic Point in Acadia National Park, Newell, who is Passamaquoddy and a member of the internationally known Mystic River Singers, launched into a powwow song. Ma, trained in western classical music, followed. Ma and Newell will reunite for a sold-out performance on the Portland Ovations stage Monday, October 20, alongside several other Wabanaki artists, for an evening titled “We Are Water: A Northeast Celebration.”
PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • October 14, 2025
Mainers condemned Central Maine Power Co.’s request to increase distribution rates and expressed doubt in the company’s ability to improve service at a public hearing at the Hilton Garden Inn Tuesday evening. Speaking to members of the Public Utilities Commission in sworn testimony, more than a dozen attendees charged that the proposed increase — roughly $35 a month by late 2030 — would hurt the state’s most vulnerable residents. They said the request comes as households across southern Maine are already feeling the pinch of increased costs across the board. CMP last month asked the Public Utilities Commission for permission to increase its annual revenue by about $400 million through incremental hikes between 2026 and 2031. For customers, that would mean an additional $420 per year once the plan is fully implemented.
PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • October 14, 2025
A proposal to relocate Portland’s Amtrak station has sparked a dispute between city leaders, the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority and the owner of Maine Medical Center over where a new station should be built — if at all. The rail authority, which operates the Downeaster, wants to move the station from Thompson’s Point to a parcel near the Mercy Hospital campus on St. John Street. But city staff, councilors and transit advocates argue that a different location — behind Union Plaza and near the former Margarita’s restaurant — makes the most long-term sense. The Downeaster runs five trips daily between Brunswick and Boston. In its 2024 fiscal year, Amtrak reported 600,000 riders on the route.
MAINE PUBLIC • October 14, 2025
A new report from the Maine Center of Economic Policy argues that recognizing the full sovereignty of the Wabanaki nations would be an economic boon to the whole state. The tribes' autonomy is currently limited by a 1980s settlement act. Full sovereignty could eventually add $330 million annually to the state's GDP, and create 2,700 jobs, according to the report. Author James Myall said that's because tribes with full sovereignty can invest in more innovative development projects and receive more federal funding. Myall said Maine could start by implementing the recommendations of a 2020 state task force on tribal relations. Those include recognizing tribal jurisdiction over hunting and fishing on tribal land, allowing tribes to operate casinos and making it easier for the Wabanaki nations to acquire land.
SUN JOURNAL • October 14, 2025
This year, Maine saw its sixth-driest summer on record, with nearly 3 fewer inches of rain than the historical average of 11 inches. As of Oct. 9, 30% of Maine was in extreme drought, and the rest of the state was in moderate to severe drought. The drought has caused reductions in hay crops, shortened the season for many row crops, and could hurt next year’s berry and tree fruit. For many Christmas tree farmers, the dry conditions created a need for more irrigation or hand watering of the trees planted over the past two springs. The state’s Christmas tree industry, which includes producing and selling fresh trees and wreaths, creates an estimated $18 million in direct economic impact each year and supports nearly 800 jobs across the state. “Growers are prepared, supply is strong, and most are holding wholesale prices steady this year,” Marsha Gray, of the Real Christmas Tree Board, said.
SUN JOURNAL • October 14, 2025
Poland Spring is scaling back withdrawals at multiple sites this summer as a result of falling groundwater levels. The company said the reductions were voluntary and intended to ensure its pumping remains sustainable. Poland Spring spokesperson Ted Varipatis said the company monitors drought conditions daily and adjusts water collection from its network of springs. Using National Weather Service and drought forecast tools, the company determined beginning Sept. 1 that there would be a significant reduction at sites, including Clear Spring in Hollis and Evergreen Spring in Fryeburg.
BANGOR DAILY NEWS • October 14, 2025
The government shutdown didn't hamper turnout at Acadia National Park this weekend, as eager crowds took in the fall foliage. Some services operated by outside vendors, such as gift shops, are still open to the public. But Eric Stiles with Friends of Acadia said with much of the park staff furloughed, visitors are missing out. "We want everyone to come here and safely and responsibly enjoy the park, but it is a diminished experience for those that are coming during the shutdown." Stiles said there are no staff to collect entry fees or sell passes, and even the self-serve machines are out of order. Friends of Acadia has set up an online fund for visitors to donate the entrance cost instead. Donation will be given to the park after the shutdown.
PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • October 14, 2025
State utility regulators are holding public hearings this week on Central Maine Power Co.’s proposed 5-year plan to upgrade the state’s aging electrical grid and raise rates to fund the work. The company last month asked the Public Utilities Commission for permission to increase customers’ monthly bills by about $35 between 2026 and 2031, using the new revenue to hire hundreds of workers and install stronger poles, upgraded substations and better protected wires. CMP is the largest electric utility in the state, serving about 660,000 residents and businesses. The plan has prompted some of the strongest backlash in years, with Gov. Janet Mills condemning the proposed rate hike as “unacceptable” and more than 700 public comments already filed by Tuesday morning. The Maine Office of the Public Advocate offers information and advice on how to effectively testify at a public hearing online. To provide virtual testimony at Wednesday’s hearing RSVP by emailing PUCPublicHearing@Maine.gov or calling 207-287-3831 by the end of Tuesday.
