Maine AG praises ruling declaring Trump’s offshore wind halt unlawful

MAINE MORNING STAR • December 9, 2025

A federal judge on Monday agreed with more than a dozen states that early actions from the Trump administration to halt offshore wind development were unlawful. On day one of his second term President Donald Trump issued an executive order that froze permitting for offshore wind and asked for a federal review of the process. That order was challenged in court by seventeen states, including Maine. The states argued they would be harmed by the pause because of the investments their governments had already made into wind developments and the potential to jeopardize future energy supply. In a statement Tuesday, Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey said he was grateful the court agreed that the Trump administration overstepped with the executive order. “Whatever the federal administration’s position is on wind power, it does not have the right to arbitrarily ban development of this sustainable energy resource,” Frey said,.

Falmouth to pay for half of new land trust parcel

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • December 9, 2025

Forty-two acres of woods and wetlands in Falmouth near Highland Lake are on track to be preserved. On Monday, the Falmouth Town Council unanimously authorized the town to allocate $192,000 toward the Falmouth Land Trust’s acquisition of a parcel off Babbidge Road, called Babbidge Woods. Falmouth last helped the land trust acquire property a decade ago with the purchase of Hurricane Valley Farm. Both the Town Council and Plavsic noted that as the years pass, conserving land in Falmouth becomes more challenging. In 2007, Falmouth voters approved $5 million in appropriations for open space acquisition and has since spent $2 million on land conservation.

Letter: Thanks for Susan Collins for voting to protect ANWR

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • December 9, 2025

I would like to extend a sincere thank you to Sen. Susan Collins for voting to protect the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. In a vote on Thursday, she broke ranks with her party to vote “no” on H.J.Res. 131. This resolution stripped away protections for the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, America’s largest wildlife preserve. While the bill did pass, 49-45 (6 did not vote), I am proud to say that the only Republican senator to break rank, to try and protect my interests, is from my state. ~ Clayton Wilson, Searsmont

Maine Calling: Getting Outside in Wintertime

MAINE PUBLIC • December 9, 2025

As cold as it gets in Maine, there are still plenty of reasons to get outdoors and embrace the season. There are activities for all ages, from snowboarding to birdwatching. Plus, just being outdoors in the brisk, fresh air has benefits for overall well-being. Even taking a quick dip in icy water can be good for you. Panelists: Courtney Holub, executive director, WinterKids; Jeff McCabe, director, Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation; Dr. Tony Owens, attending physician, Department of Emergency Medicine, Maine Medical Center; longtime participant in the Polar Dip & Dash. VIP Callers: Brian Lenberg, donor and events manager, Maine Adaptive; Jill McMahon, program manager, Teens to Trails.

Opinion: Short-term thinking is not the approach we need on climate change

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • December 9, 2025

We feel frustrated, angry, powerless and “stupefied” by the chaos surrounding climate change: hostile politics, coverups, lies, misinformation and conversations stymied by disagreement. Cutting through the noise can help us leave confusion behind, bypass roadblocks and solve our climate problems. We have the necessary knowledge (climate data and scientific consensus on causes, effects and solutions) and technical tools (alternative energy sources, mitigation and adaptation technologies and systems thinking). Moreover, we — as individuals and as a species — can capitalize on our untapped abilities and capacities for successful climate action. We think about our long-term future (but only sometimes), make wise decisions (when we really try), collaborate (when seeing the need) and make changes that forge better futures than the ones we’re heading toward (when we initiate action and keep eyes on the prize). ~ Tom Bateman, Rockport, professor emeritus, University of Virginia’s McIntire School of Commerce

Everything you need to know about snowmobiling in Maine this winter

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • December 9, 2025

With winter setting in, snowmobile enthusiasts across Maine are gearing up for another season on the trails. The Maine Snowmobile Association has announced that the statewide trail system officially opens Dec. 15, though riders with private property can get an early start. The association boasts roughly 15,000 members, mostly Maine residents, with growing numbers from out-of-state riders. Volunteers keep the network running smoothly across 285 snowmobile clubs statewide. New this year, the snowmobiling association also offers a mobile app available on Android and Apple devices that provides turn-by-turn navigation, offline maps, custom route building, points of interest and live trail status updates.

Column: Will Maine finally lift its Sunday hunting ban?

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • December 9, 2025

Over the past 45 years, lawmakers have made at least 39 attempts to either lift the Sunday hunting ban entirely or give hunters half a loaf by allowing limited Sunday hunting in certain regions. Public opinion surveys show hunters strongly support Sunday hunting. The divide is clear: urban and southern Mainers generally oppose it, while rural and northern residents favor it. Opposition to lifting the ban may be softening. Pennsylvania recently repealed its historic Sunday hunting ban under Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro. Only two states still ban Sunday hunting: Maine and Massachusetts. Sunday hunting here will likely become reality sooner or later. ~ V. Paul Reynolds

Federal judge throws out Trump order blocking development of wind energy

ASSOCIATED PRESS • December 8, 2025

A federal judge on Monday struck down President Donald Trump’s executive order blocking wind energy projects, saying the effort to halt virtually all leasing of wind farms on federal lands and waters was “arbitrary and capricious” and violates U.S. law. Judge Patti Saris of the U.S. District Court vacated Trump’s Jan. 20 executive order blocking wind energy projects and declared it unlawful. Trump has been hostile to renewable energy, particularly offshore wind, and prioritizes fossil fuels to produce electricity.

Skater rescues loon stuck on pond in Smithfield

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • December 8, 2025

John Picone was skating alone on East Pond in Smithfield just after noon Sunday when he passed a rock outcropping known as Loon Island. He spotted a loon stuck in a tiny pool of water surrounded by ice about 800 feet from shore. Picone is a member of a group of skaters who watch ice conditions and share information about good places to skate. He was clad in a dry suit and helmet and armed with safety gear to use for traction if he fell through the ice. Picone skated toward the loon and spoke gently to it, hoping to soothe and calm it. He sat with the loon for some time so it began to trust him. Ann Dorney, also a retired Skowhegan doctor and Avian Haven transport volunteer, soon arrived. “She scooped it into her basket.” Avian Haven staff suspect that the loon was in a late-molting state, in which it couldn’t get its feathers for flying before being iced-in. In the last two days, three loons had been rescued from Pleasant Pond in Turner.

New moose antler wing mural in Millinocket is a must-see photo spot 3

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • December 8, 2025

Wing murals have become popular street art in major cities, inviting people to step in and become part of the piece. Now northern Maine has its own version, and instead of paint, artist Ella Ruiz used about 125 moose antlers to create large wing patterns on the side of a building. It took her only a couple of days to assemble and complete the installation. The antlers were shed by moose throughout the winter and found by avid shed hunters.

Maine Calling: Astronomy

MAINE PUBLIC • December 8, 2025

It’s a busy season in the sky this month, with the Geminid meteor shower peaking. And then there’s the mysterious 3I/ATLAS comet making its closest approach to Earth (could it be aliens?). We talk with astronomy experts about what to look for, where to go—and we’ll even get some astronomical gift suggestions. Panelists: Shawn Laatsch, director, Astronomy Center, University of Maine; John Meader, owner/director, Northern Stars Planetarium; photographer.

New nonprofit buys Nordic Heritage Outdoor Center in Presque Isle

MAINE PUBLIC • December 8, 2025

A local non-profit has purchased the Nordic Heritage Outdoor Center in Presque Isle. The newly formed Northern Maine Community Trails purchased the center for $1 million, from the Libra Foundation and Pineland Farms. Chris Condon, president of the nonprofit, said the group hopes to get the community involved in running the center. "We want to find all kinds of ways to get the entire community out there and make it anything but a select group," he said. "We want a real broad swipe of the community out there enjoying it." The Center was closed last year because of financial issues. The property is 750 acres and includes a 7,000 square foot lodge and trails for mountain biking, cross-country skiing and hiking.

2 alleged night hunters arrested in Brunswick

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • December 8, 2025

Brunswick police arrested two men early Monday morning for allegedly hunting deer at night. Lee Holbrook, 36, of Durham, was charged with operating after suspension, having a loaded crossbow inside a motor vehicle, night hunting, illegal possession of wild animals, hunting without a license, unlawful discharge of archery equipment, and unlawful use of artificial lights. Robert Little, 36, of Lewiston, was charged with night hunting, and unlawful discharge of archery equipment. Two illegally harvested deer were provided to the Maine Warden Service to be given to local food pantries.

L.L.Bean grants to land trusts will stretch from York to Grand Lake Stream

MAINEBIZ • December 8, 2025

Land trusts across Maine were awarded a total of $65,000 through the L.L.Bean Maine Land Trust Grant Program, which Maine Coast Heritage Trust administers. The program is designed to support public access, habitat protection and outdoor recreation. Total funding since 2004 is $558,750 for 129 projects. The latest grants support projects from York to Belgrade to Grand Lake Stream, to provide new recreational access, expand ADA-accessible trails, improve ecological resilience and enhance local connections to the outdoors. Land trusts care for nearly 3 million acres — close to 15% of the state, according to the 2025 Census Report from the Maine Land Trust Network.

Hancock County, Maine: A Leader in Eco-Tourism and Sustainable Travel

TRAVEL AND TOUR WORLD • December 8, 2025

Hancock County, located in Maine, has positioned itself as a leader in sustainable travel. The county’s emphasis on conservation, wildlife protection, and eco-tourism has made it a top destination for travelers who care about the environment. From Bar Harbor to the Acadia National Park, Hancock County is home to some of the most stunning natural landscapes in the U.S. The county offers a variety of eco-friendly activities, including kayaking, wildlife viewing, and sustainable hiking. Hancock County also supports green accommodations and local businesses that prioritise sustainability, ensuring that visitors can enjoy a vacation that aligns with their environmental values.

Help Wanted: NRCM seeks an Executive Director

NATURAL RESOURCES COUNCIL OF MAINE • December 8, 2025

The Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM) seeks an Executive Director to lead one of Maine’s most effective and trusted environmental organizations. 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.

How Piscataquis County became the state’s most popular housing market

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • December 8, 2025

Maine’s most rural county is set to see the most homes sold per capita in the state for the third straight year. Meanwhile, the most populated counties have the most home purchases, but the fewest per capita. Piscataquis’ relative popularity is surprising given how rural the county is. But that’s part of what’s driving interest in the area, as well as its amenities, low cost and availability of seasonal homes. People “from away” moved to Piscataquis County in the wake of the pandemic, which forced many to work from home. The average home in Piscataquis County costs roughly $218,500. That’s about half the median price of a home in Maine. Piscataquis County offers lakes, state parks and the state’s tallest mountain, Katahdin. 

Grant awarded to improve Maine backcountry airstrip

GENERAL AVIATION NEWS • December 7, 2025

The Recreational Aviation Foundation has bestowed a grant to improve Ragmuff Airport (ME26), which is in the heart of the North Maine Woods on private forest land. The airstrip had been closed for decades when RAF Maine Liaisons Andy Rowe and Steve Mason recognized its recreational value. They worked with the landowner to get it reopened and charted with the FAA identifier ME26 in 2023, according to RAF officials. “The west branch of the Penobscot River is just a mile and a half hike and offers good fishing for brook trout and landlocked salmon,” says Rowe. “Fall is the premier time to be there — colors turn, it becomes bug-free, and partridge and fishing seasons overlap.”

Franklin County land conserved with climate, recreation in mind

RANGELEY HIGHLANDER • December 7, 2025

A new conservation project in Dallas Plantation in Franklin County will support a wide range of outdoor recreation activities and sustainable forestry while protecting older forests and sensitive habitats. The South Branch Forest, an ecologically diverse, 3,586-acre parcel at the headwaters of the Kennebec River watershed, has been permanently protected, the Trust for Public Land announced Wednesday. The property serves a conservation corridor in western Maine and Canada, a “critical ecological connector” linking over 200,000 acres of conserved lands, officials said. The land will be managed to support multiple goals, including “guaranteeing public access for residents and visitors; enhancing experiences along the Northern Forest Canoe Trail; and supporting Maine Won’t Wait, the state’s climate action plan, through carbon sequestration, carbon storage and nurturing a mature forested environment.”

Homesteading’s evolution: The Nearings’ influence endures

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • December 7, 2025

The small farm in Brooksville where homesteading icons Helen and Scott Nearing lived has drawn thousands of people, inspired by their model of “living sanely and simply in a troubled world,” even decades after their deaths. Jordan Humphrey and Lucy Marcus, who started work as traveling farmsitters during the pandemic, were hired to serve as its stewards this year. They were initially drawn to the job by the Nearing example of responding to troubled times by working hard, growing food and building, along with their principles of pacifism, vegetarianism and self-reliance. But in recent years, the politics of homesteading has expanded to the right to include more libertarian and conservative views. A new presidential administration has embraced a politically charged approach to healthy living that’s challenged the stereotype of the lifestyle as a mostly left-leaning pursuit.