Letter: Reusable packaging is the solution to growing plastic waste problems

MAINE SUNDAY TELEGRAM • January 4, 2026

Plastic waste and debris is a pressing concern for coastal communities. For about a quarter century, China bought much of the U.S.’ plastic recyclables. This changed in 2018 when many U.S. recycling programs switched to single stream and China tightened contamination standards. Transfer stations and sorting plants across the country lost significant revenue and plastic recycling in the U.S. dropped to 5%. Today, the majority of plastics end up in incinerators, landfills or our ecosystems. When plastic is recycled, the processes consume more energy on top of the initial plastic production. Cities across the globe are exploring reuse and finding success. As a food and beverage city, South Portland is well positioned to be among these innovators and to reap the benefits. ~ Katherine Kirk, South Portland

Letter: The silent partner that really has Hannaford protesters so charged up

MAINE SUNDAY TELEGRAM • January 4, 2026

Hannaford Supermarkets, which operates 189 stores in the Northeast, has been the target of protests over an alleged lack of free-range eggs and alleged bad meat. Why is Hannaford being targeted in TV ads in an obvious attempt to disrupt its customer base? Hannaford has a very active renewable energy program, with the goal of being a net-zero carbon business by 2040. Hannaford already has stores with the highest rating for clean energy usage and is investing heavily in regional solar farms. The TV ads are sponsored by the New England Consumer Alliance (NECA), which is linked to Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA). The CEA promotes energy solutions that favor the fossil fuel industry, because it is funded by the major oil producers. ~ Peter Konieczko, Scarborough

A new Maine orchard aims to help bring back American chestnut trees

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • January 4, 2026

For decades, the Viles Arboretum in Augusta played a small part in one plan to bring back American chestnuts, the once-ubiquitous tree almost eliminated by blight. It was home to hybrid trees that scientists tried to cultivate with genes from Chinese chestnuts, which could survive the disease. But the blight got those trees too. Now, the arboretum has made room for a new seed orchard. The seedlings to be planted there represent early steps in a new approach that could produce strong American chestnuts ready for widespread planting in about 15 years. The Maine site is one of just a few supplying a multistate breeding program that aims to restore American chestnuts to eastern forests by using advanced technology to find the very hardiest trees to breed with each other for survival. 

This was the most important lesson of my guiding career

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • January 4, 2026

It was a foggy October morning deep in the North Maine Woods, the second day of the annual Maine cow moose hunt. My clients, a father and his 13-year-old son, were in front of me. The cow moose turned broadside to leave. I gave the young hunter the go sign. The 7mm-08 barked. The cow went down hard behind a big log. The clients started down the open cut toward the moose. After a few moments, I saw a big moose moving at a fast clip halfway up the cut. The hunting party called out, “Is that the same cow?” They hadn’t gone to the moose after all. They had gathered to celebrate, albeit prematurely. I couldn’t risk having the clients shoot another cow. If they shot a second moose, we would be in hot water with the Maine Warden Service. A few minutes later, the confusion cleared up. It was the same cow. Incorrect assumptions were made. First, by the hunters. Second, by me. I should have ensured they went directly to the downed moose. I should never have taken my eyes off the situation. And I should never have assumed prior experience would guarantee proper procedures. ~ John Floyd

Column: Property ownership claims are a downside of Vacationland

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • January 3, 2026

The Maine Supreme Judicial Court may reconsider its Moody Beach decisions of 1986 and 1989, which ruled that Maine’s coastal property owners have exclusive property rights to the “intertidal zone” — the land between high tide and low tide. In most states and on federal lands, public access to ocean and tidal waters was guaranteed by the late 19th century. And in Maine a persuasive reading of the 1641 ordinance holds that it doesn’t confer ownership, only a license to use the land. Until now, the focus has been on beach access, but there’s a lot more to the property ownership claims. Why is Maine’s supply of recreational land growing by leaps and bounds while it appears nearly impossible to site any new industrial or agricultural uses? If the Court upholds Moody Beach, the case will return to federal court. In the meantime, we should consider the balance between Maine as Vacationland and Maine as a place to do business, have jobs and raise families. Something is out of whack. ~ Douglas Rooks

Tropical bird found in northern Maine after being blown off course

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • January 3, 2026

Several off-course tropical birds — what are known as vagrants in the ornithology world — ended up in New England over the holidays. A purple gallinule, a species native to the Caribbean, the southern United States and parts of South America, was found in Houlton and brought to the humane society there before it was transferred to Maine Wildlife Rehabilitation on Dec. 15, and later to Avian Haven in Freedom. The gallinule discovered in Houlton was initially though to be in decent condition, said Avery Berkowitz, veterinarian and executive director of Maine Wildlife Rehabilitation. However, it became evident within a few days that one of its legs had been badly damaged by the cold, and the bird was euthanized Dec. 20 or 21.

Letter: In favor of keeping the mudflats

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • January 3, 2026

Boston’s mudflats were filled in, starting about 1865, and the first structures were built about 1900. There was some filling in by Portland’s Back Cove at about the same time — maybe where the Hannaford is now. South Portland’s mudflats were filled in, to a point, for projects such as the World War II liberty ships, but much remains. Although what is now known as Boston’s Back Bay is a historical district and is well loved, I prefer mudflats. The city of South Portland owns the remaining mudflats now, the former owner having bequeathed the land on condition that it be preserved in perpetuity. Hurray for that! ~ David Kennedy, Portland

Column: Why Maine birders should head south in winter

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • January 3, 2026

Greetings from southwestern Louisiana. It’s sunny and 65 degrees here. I heard that you had a white Christmas. I love birding in Maine this time of year. Winter is one of my four favorite seasons. But I also enjoy getting away once in a while. Sandi and I decided at the last minute that a tour of national wildlife refuges along the Gulf Coast might be a fun way to spend late December. It was. We visited seven refuges. Besides warmer weather, there is an important reason to bird the southeastern United States. During the spring birding season in Maine, migratory birds disperse, set up territories and largely avoid each other. Down south, they congregate, often in spectacular numbers. ~ Bob Duchesne

Why you may want to ditch your fancy snowshoes for wooden ones

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • January 2, 2026

Wooden snowshoes are iconic antiques of the Northeast, hung over fireplaces as decorative displays of traditional craftsmanship and a nod to the region’s long, snowy winters. But to many Maine residents, bent wood frames and woven rawhide decking are not just a thing of the past. Crafted by a handful of businesses throughout the state, wooden snowshoes continue to be worn by a variety of outdoors-people who prefer their age-old designs and natural materials to more modern plastic and metal snowshoes.

Aroostook teen killed in snowmobile crash remembered for ‘positive impact on everybody’

THE COUNTY • January 2, 2026

Larry Worcester, superintendent of MSAD 45 and principal of Washburn District High School, will remember Emmalee Carney for her work ethic, resourcefulness and advocacy for fellow students. Carney, a 17-year-old high school junior from Washburn, died in a Dec. 27 snowmobile crash. She was the passenger on the speeding snowmobile, driven by a 17-year-old boy, when it failed to make a 90-degree turn and struck a curb. The teens were ejected.

Environmental legislation to watch in 2026

MAINE MONITOR • January 2, 2026

Conservation groups and legislators alike are looking to take another bite of the apple on several $50-million bond issues and settle emerging issues with wastewater sludge at the state-owned Juniper Ridge Landfill in Old Town when lawmakers convene again this month. As in 2025, the mitigation of “forever chemicals” is at the forefront of many 2026 legislative proposals, along with support for the wastewater treatment facilities that confront them daily. Forestry industry advocates are also hoping for financial relief amid challenging market conditions.
L.D. 362: An Act to Authorize a General Fund Bond Issue to Replenish the Land for Maine’s Future Program
L.D. 836: An Act to Authorize a General Fund Bond Issue to Upgrade Municipal Culverts at Stream Crossings
L.D. 25: An Act to Authorize a General Fund Bond Issue to Fund Wastewater Treatment Facility Planning and Construction…
L.D. 1904: An Act to Establish the Municipal Shoreline Protection Legal Fund
L.D. 1870: An Act to…Impose Penalties on Climate Polluters
L.D. 1313: An Act…Allowing Commercial Wood Haulers to Be Eligible for Certain Sales Tax Exemptions and Refunds
L.D. 798: An Act to Authorize a General Fund Bond Issue to Fund Mass Timber Manufacturing
L.D. 1696: Resolve, to Study Maine’s Absolute Dominion and Beneficial Use Laws Relating to Water Rights
L.D. 1177: Resolve, to Study the Public Health and Environmental Risks from Synthetic Turf

Orr’s Island lobsterman was a thoughtful and persuasive advocate for industry

HARPSWELL ANCHOR • January 2, 2026

Chris McIntire was content. He had made goals — to live on Orr’s Island, to fish for a living, to raise a family — and by working hard, he had achieved them. Maybe more than anything else, he wanted to make sure his children could also have the life that satisfied him so much, if they wanted it. McIntire, an emerging voice in the community and in Maine’s lobster fishery, died unexpectedly on Nov. 24 at the age of 32. He served on the town’s Fisheries Committee and Aquaculture Working Group. At the state level, he represented part of Harpswell on a regional lobster council. “He’s going to leave a hole. There’s nobody I can think of who can step into his shoes and do what he did,” said Harpswell’s interim harbormaster, Darcie Couture.

New waterfront park and trail coming to Brewer 3

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • January 2, 2026

Brewer is starting construction on a new park and river trail in 2026, the city announced Thursday. The new park will be named Pier Park and will be on North Main Street on 4.2 acres owned by the Brewer Land Trust. The plot is attached to the old dam on the Penobscot River. The city announced the park and trail after receiving a $250,000 Maine Trails grant from the state, which will fund the first of multiple phases. The park will add a green space to north Brewer and extend river access and trails.

Skowhegan’s pollution control superintendent has eye on the future

CENTRAL MAINE • January 2, 2026

Donnie Zaluski sees his job as crucial to the functioning of society. “We clean the water,” said the superintendent of the Skowhegan Water Pollution Control Plant. But as one of the oldest wastewater treatment plants in the state, Skowhegan’s facility, along with its sewer system, are constantly in need of improvement. So with the select board’s approval in August, a facility master plan study is now underway. The planned plant improvements follow more than two decades and millions of dollars’ worth of investments in improving the town’s sewer system.

Maine set another new record for tickborne diseases reported in 2025

MAINE PUBLIC • January 2, 2026

Once again, Maine set a new record in the number of tickborne disease cases reported across the state in 2025. About 3,653 cases of Lyme disease were reported in 2025. That's nearly 400 more cases than in 2024, and breaking another record set the year before. Cases of other tick-borne diseases, including Babesiosis and Anaplasmosis, also increased and set new highs. The data show the rate of tickborne diseases, particularly Lyme disease, was especially high among Mainers in the midcoast. Ticks tend to live in grassy or wooded areas. State officials say people should take precautions to reduce their exposure to ticks during all times of the year, by wearing long-sleeved clothing, using repellant and checking clothing and gear for ticks after being outside.

The major issues likely to shape debate in the Maine Legislature this year

MAINE MORNING STAR • January 2, 2026

When Maine lawmakers return to Augusta in January, they will face an agenda shaped as much by federal policy shifts as by ongoing state issues held over from last session, including rising energy costs and tribal sovereignty.

Opinion: For scientific research to prevail, communication will be vital

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • January 2, 2026

Since World War II, the federal government has been the primary funder of basic scientific research. However, President Donald Trump has gone about dismantling the foundation of federal support for research. More than $9 billion of awarded research grants were terminated. Terminating thousands of grants has disrupted ongoing studies, jeopardized future discoveries and created ripple effects across universities, laboratories and industries. We have felt this in Maine. Underfunded health departments are left unable to detect foodborne illnesses and local climate research programs have been unable to provide farmers with the necessary data for crop and water management. The scientific community must invest time and effort into changing the way that they communicate the importance of their research. By learning how to speak across ideological, educational and cultural lines, young scientists would be better equipped to foster trust and build common ground. ~ Rylan Neem, Colby College freshman

Column: New Year’s resolutions from a naturalist

SUN JOURNAL • January 2, 2026

I want to recommend a few resolutions you can try this year that will benefit both you and Maine wildlife. First up: download the Merlin Bird ID app. This free app acts as a field guide, with photos and audio of all the birds you can encounter, but also has several tools for helping you identify birds. Next, submit a checklist to eBird, a database for bird sightings based on “complete checklists” submitted by community scientists. Learning from someone who knows more than you is often the best way to “level-up,” so joining a local bird walk is one of my top recommendations. Join my “Birding Basics” webinar series that covers many topics from how to identify birds to birding ethically. Register at: maineaudubon.org/events/birding-basics-online/. My last resolution: when the snow is gone, get your hands dirty and help enhance the landscape for wildlife. ~ Doug Hitchcox

Opinion: Think of nature as a sanctuary

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • January 2, 2026

When we think of “holy spaces,” many of us picture stained glass windows, rows of pews, or polished stone floors echoing with hymns. But what if the most profound sanctuaries are not enclosed by walls at all? What if a spiritual presence waits not in a building, but in the soil beneath our feet, the rain on the trees or the quiet stillness before dawn? It is time we start recognizing the sacred in the living world around us. The forest isn’t a place you visit to find the sacred. It’s a place where the sacred has always been. We should stop trying to fit religion into a white box with four walls. Go outside and experience the sanctuary that is always there — nature. ~ Kathryn Gatewood, graduating senior at UMaine, studying ecology and environmental sciences

Opinion: New year, new opportunity to break America’s stagnation

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • January 1, 2026

A new year provides the chance for a clean slate, and perhaps this time we’ll get one. 1968 seems a moment very much like our own. A crisis of confidence shattered trust in government and in many of our institutions. Yet 1968 and the era it represents was also a spur to social movements. Yes, national politics since then can seem like one great oscillation between the two major parties. But we can see that Maine on the whole has certainly progressed. If you’re seeking an education or an interesting job, there is far more opportunity than there was back then. Maine is also a cleaner and safer state. The difficult part of history is that periods of progress are followed by years of stagnation, then drift. Discontent is the beginning of change. We’ll know soon whether the young will confound their elders, and decide whether this will truly be a new year. ~ Douglas Rooks