Letter: Maine’s 2nd ‘paycheck’ is at risk

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • December 5, 2025

Talking about conservation during times of economic stress is difficult, but how to bring more folks to support the future of Maine’s woods, waters, and wildlife assets? A concept that resonates with rural voters is the outdoors as a “second paycheck.” Going duck hunting before breakfast, going skiing or snowmobiling after dark and after work, and maybe wading into most any stream with your kids and fishing it. In Maine, where wages are often substandard, the idea that we have this precious, invaluable “second paycheck” hits home because people know it from their lives. It needs to get better framed up by the enviro-community as a real-life-asset. Big money is buying up and posting access to our woods, waters, and wildlife assets; inequality is reaching deep into what matters daily to us. We might create more support for Land for Maine’s Future Program and public lands acquisition if the threat to our “second paycheck” was a clear message. ~ Sandra Neily, Greenville

Frigid cold breaks decades-old records in Portland, Augusta

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • December 5, 2025

Many parts of Maine were blasted with frigid air Thursday night into Friday morning, and meteorologists say the overnight cold temperatures broke decades-old records. Portland reported a low of 2 degrees, and Augusta reported a low of 3 as of 7 a.m. Friday, according to the National Weather Service. Gusty winds made those single-digit temperatures feel even colder. First, a disruption in the polar vortex is helping build atmospheric pressure over the Arctic and Greenland. Another potential factor Butler pointed to is a high-pressure system building over the Pacific Ocean near Alaska.

This short hike leads to a series of waterfalls in Nahmakanta Public Lands

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • December 5, 2025

Traveling along the bank of Musquash Stream in Nahmakanta Public Lands, a scenic hiking trail visits a series of small waterfalls before turning back into the forest and forming a small loop. This 0.9-mile trail is one of the many hikes located on the state-owned property, which encompasses 43,000 acres about halfway between Moosehead and Millinocket. Constructed in 2013 by the Maine Conservation Corps, the trail will be a part of a longer trail that is being developed in the region.

NOAA scientist says polar vortex disruption will impact weather patterns in Maine for weeks

MAINE PUBLIC • December 4, 2025

The bitter cold temperatures and wind chills Thursday night into Friday are the result of a disruption in the polar vortex, according the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The polar vortex is located in the stratosphere about 30 miles above the Earth. A sudden stratospheric warming broke the polar vortex on November 28. At the same time, a large high pressure ridge over Alaska is driving Arctic air down into northern states including Maine. Dr. Amy Butler, Research Scientist for NOAA Chemical Sciences Laboratory, said we're likely to see bigger impacts from the polar vortex disruption in the next week or two.

As erosion worsens, state considers future of Popham Beach State Park

MAINE PUBLIC • December 4, 2025

A few dozen volunteers have been transplanting grass from Popham's eroding sandbanks into its imperiled dunes. The hope is the grass can help reinforce the beaches' dune system against further erosion. Popham Beach is one of Maine's most popular day-use state parks, attracting about 200,000 visitors a year. It's also eroding faster than other beaches in the state losing more than 91 feet of beach a year since 2017. A shift in the Morse River is mostly to blame for severe erosion. Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands Director Andy Cutko said the agency intends to hire a consultant to develop a range of options for the long term future of the park. Meanwhile, it is trying projects like the dune grass replanting to shore up the dunes in the near-term.

Unusual oyster farm heist leaves Portland couple reeling

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • December 4, 2025

Boating through familiar waters near The Brothers islands in Casco Bay, Michael Scafuro and Rachel White were excited. After two years of work, they were going to sample for the first time oysters that they had grown in their aquaculture operation. “We pulled up and it was completely gone. There was nothing there. We were just shocked, and it felt surreal,” said White, 40. “It still does. It was a lifelong dream that we had just finally started.” Maine Marine Patrol, assisted by the anti-poaching nonprofit Maine Operation Game Thief, is investigating the possible theft of the 40,000 oysters and 14 aquaculture cages from Falmouth waters. The missing gear and shellfish are valued at nearly $20,000. 

What will a new comprehensive plan mean for Brunswick?

TIMES RECORD • December 4, 2025

Brunswick’s town councilors will soon consider a plan that will guide the town’s land use and growth over the next decade. The 2025 comprehensive plan, titled “One Brunswick, Beautifully Balanced,” designates areas for growth, limited growth and rural protection, and serves as an outline for protecting natural resources, investing in infrastructure and maintaining town character. Notably, the plan reduces the designated growth area and discourages development in the rural parts of town to protect the characteristics of existing neighborhoods from state-mandated density increases while still allowing flexibility in areas of the town for guiding future uses that complement the surrounding context where they can be supported.

Trump administration rolls back fuel economy standards

NATIONAL PUBLIC RADIO • December 3, 2025

The Trump administration has started the process of dramatically easing fuel economy requirements for new vehicles, part of a broad pivot away from cleaner cars. At the White House on Wednesday, surrounded by the executives from several major car companies, President Trump said the move would make cars cheaper. "We're officially terminating Joe Biden's ridiculously burdensome, horrible CAFE standards that impose expensive restrictions," Trump said. Previous research from Consumer Reports has challenged the argument that regulations make cars more expensive. Stringent fuel economy standards also carry an economic benefit in the form of lower fuel costs over time.

Gulf of Maine Research Institute and City of Portland announce formal climate partnership

MAINE PUBLIC • December 3, 2025

The city of Portland is partnering with the Gulf of Maine Research Institute to prepare for the effects of climate change. The city council and the research organization will share data and collaborate on climate resiliency work. The formal partnership commits both organizations to data sharing, collaborative grant applications and joint work on coastal resilience and working waterfront protection. The collaboration will focus on protecting Portland's working waterfront and coastal areas from sea level rise, as well as meeting sustainability goals like electrification.

Over 3,500 acres on the South Branch of the Dead River permanently protected

MAINE PUBLIC • December 3, 2025

A five and a half square mile parcel of privately owned, ecologically diverse land in Western Maine's High Peaks region on the South Branch of the Dead River, at the headwaters of the Kennebec River, has been permanently protected. The Trust for Public Land says the conservation easement on the South Branch Forest was secured in partnership with the State, U.S. Navy, U.S. Forest Service, and a number of foundations and individuals, including the landowner. “In the past 20 years, Trust for Public Land has protected 213,000 acres of forestland in Maine, one-third of which is in Western Maine and the High Peaks region," TPL Maine state director Betsy Cook said. The land will be managed for public outdoor recreation like hiking, hunting, birding and fishing. Timber harvest will continue on about half of the area, and the other half will be dedicated to preserving older forests and sensitive habitats.

The Best Good Climate News of 2025: States Lead the Way on Clean Energy and Lower Bills

LEAGUE OF CONSERVATION VOTERS • December 3, 2025

This year, states across the country acted to tackle the energy affordability crisis. While Republicans in the federal government jammed through partisan policies that are raising costs and giving handouts to polluters, states defended clean energy progress, led on climate action, and fought to lower energy bills. During the 2025 legislative session, Maine focused on moving toward a clean energy future and protecting residents from the impacts of climate change. Maine legislators:

• Sped up the state’s timeline for achieving 100% clean energy with a new target of 2040.

• Established the Department of Energy Resources to create more opportunities to bring clean energy online.

• Mandated implementation of the state’s climate plan prioritizing reducing climate pollution, promoting clean energy, and protecting communities from climate change.

• Enacted storm preparedness and climate resiliency legislation to help prepare for climate disasters.

Help Wanted: Executive Director

NATURAL RESOURCES COUNCIL OF MAINE • December 3, 2025

The NRCM Board of Directors has opened the search for a new Executive Director. This leader will guide a dedicated and experienced staff, partner closely with an engaged Board, and serve as NRCM’s primary public voice building strong relationships across communities, policymakers, and supporters. The ideal candidate brings strategic insight, inclusive leadership, and a deep commitment to protecting the nature of Maine. The new Executive Director should build on our 65-plus-year history of protecting the nature of Maine by maintaining NRCM’s leadership role among environmental advocacy organizations in Maine and its position as an exemplar for across the nation.

Maine exports fluctuate dramatically as tariffs drive increased trade volatility

MAINE PUBLIC • December 3, 2025

Maine's exports were down 29% in August, according to the latest report from the Maine State Economist Office. Patrick Woodcock, president of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce, said, "Maine is extremely exposed to exports and imports from Canada, and there has been a lot of modifications with trade policies." Canada is by far Maine's largest trading partner. Forestry products, seafood, and energy account for much of that economic exchange.

Record Maine deer harvest set with nearly 2 weeks left

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • December 2, 2025

Maine hunters have pushed the state’s deer harvest to a new all-time high, and deer season is still ongoing. As of Tuesday morning, the statewide total reached 52,709 deer, surpassing the previous record by providing increased hunter opportunity. The figure includes all seasons to date: archery, youth hunt, firearms and the ongoing muzzleloader season.

With first major snowfall, Saddleback set to open for skiing and riding Friday

SUN JOURNAL • December 2, 2025

As Maine prepared for the first major snow event of the season Monday, Saddleback Mountain officials announced the resort would open for the season Friday, Dec. 5, with top-to-bottom skiing and riding available on at least 8 trails.

Maine Climate Council pledges commitment to meeting 2030 goals

MAINE PUBLIC • December 2, 2025

Maine has made measurable progress towards its 2030 climate goals but leaders of the state's climate council acknowledge advancing its action plan could be challenging under the Trump administration. "Addressing climate change is a marathon," said council co-chair and Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Melanie Loyzim at a council meeting in Augusta Monday. While the state has made strides, including reaching 55% renewable energy usage last year, it is still less than halfway to meeting some of its goals according to a year-end report from the council. Despite new hurdles, Loyzim said the state was not going to stop pursuing its goals.

This is one solution for MDI’s deer problem 31

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • December 1, 2025

There are just too many deer per square mile on the island of Mount Desert. Why not simply reduce the deer numbers by having a hunt? This has been done successfully in other parts of Maine. Conversations with Maine state wildlife biologists and the Maine Bowhunter’s Association would be a good starting point. ~ V. Paul Reynolds

3 Maine hunting laws I hope change in the new year

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • December 1 , 2025

As usual I have a holiday wish list. I already have so much stuff throughout the house that I will never use, I might give some of it away as presents this year. Most of the items on this year’s list are issues my fellow hunters, nonhunters and others across the state can’t agree on. But it doesn’t hurt to dream:
Wish 1: Clarify Maine’s baiting laws so every hunter understands what is legally allowed.
Wish 2: Hunting on Sunday has been illegal in Maine since 1883. End this blue law.
Wish 3: Maine hasn’t had a statewide spring bear season for over 45 years. Bring it back.
~ Al Raychard

Forests Can Be Assets or Liabilities. It's Up to Us

WORLD RESOURCES INSTITUTE • December 1, 2025

The world’s forests are premium assets. They generate priceless benefits — from capturing carbon and generating rain to supplying food, medicine, wood and countless other products. But neglected forests can quickly turn into liabilities. Forests face growing threats from deforestation, encroachment and climate change. With their decline, we not only lose the bounty that healthy forests provide; changes to forest ecology are creating new threats to communities — escalating wildfires, exacerbated droughts and increased vulnerability to storms. We’re already starting to see this shift from assets to liabilities play out in countries around the globe. The question is: Will it trigger action?

A celebrated conservationist’s unwitting role in Maine’s PFAS crisis

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • December 1, 2025

Conservationist Bill Ginn is mad about what happened at the heavily contaminated Hawk Ridge Compost Facility that he started 35 years ago as a recycling center. He sold it three years after he started it. Since then, three large waste management companies have owned it, most recently Casella Waste Systems. Now the largest composting facility in the state, Hawk Ridge has processed 150,000 dump trucks worth of mostly papermill solid waste since 1989. Extensive PFAS contamination on and around it forced the company to announce it will close the facility by June of next year. “What we originally envisioned as a wonderful little organic composting facility that would make great products is now a toxic waste site,” said Ginn, who was chief conservation officer at The Nature Conservancy for 25 years until he retired six years ago. “It’s a terrible tragedy, what’s happened.”