Letter: Maine’s tourism economy is in decline

MAINE SUNDAY TELEGRAM • May 17, 2026

Visitor numbers in Maine have declined steadily from a post-pandemic peak of 15.6 million in 2021 to last year’s 14.8 million, an 8% drop. And, accounting for the overall rise in consumer prices, “real” tourist spending in 2025 was 1.6% lower than in 2024 and 2.6% below the 2022 peak. This looks worse than stagnation. The dismal five-year trends suggest that we are not effectively developing or promoting quality “products” and destinations that could make tourism a dynamic part of Maine’s economy. ~ David Vail, Brunswick

What are those beautiful neon pink slime balls in the Maine woods?

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • May 17, 2026

I’ve been wandering the Maine woods since I was a little girl. I’ve become familiar with its flora and fauna. Yet the wilderness keeps surprising me with things I’ve never seen before — like neon pink slime mold. Slime molds aren’t fungi or lichens. They’re single-celled organisms that move around, similar to an amoeba. At that stage, they’re too small for people to see. But sometimes, they congregate to form threads and fruiting bodies that resemble mushrooms. Slime molds play an important role in the ecosystem. Often found on decaying forest litter and rotting wood, they serve as decomposers and recycle nutrients. They feed on bacteria, which decomposes plant matter. They also serve as food for worms, beetles and other creepy crawlies. Slime molds don’t have brains, but they can communicate with chemical signals.

Column: Have a grand time hiking the Down East coast at Petit Manan

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • May 16, 2026

The Maine Coast Islands National Wildlife Refuge, managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, is comprised of five individual refuge units—Petit Manan, Cross Island, Seal Island, Franklin Island and Pond Island—and 76 offshore islands, a 9,478-acre complex that ranges along the coast from the mouth of the Kennebec River to the Cutler Coast. MCINWR protects an incredible ecological diversity of landscapes. Two trails totaling 6 miles of hiking allow visitors to explore the beauty of Petit Manan on foot. ~ Carey Kish

Body of missing paddleboarder found in Ellsworth lake

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • May 16, 2026

The body of a paddleboarder who went missing May 5 on Graham Lake in Ellsworth was recovered Friday evening. Grayson Mote, 20, who had been missing since the morning of May 5, was found Friday at 6:30 p.m. by a family member who was searching the lake for him by boat. Mote was believed to not have been using a personal flotation device. Conditions were windy that day.

Letter: The costly problem with cheap oil

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • May 16, 2026

Fossil fuel use is causing wars, damaging our economy and heating up the planet, causing extreme weather. None of this is necessary. The technology exists to economically switch to renewables. China is way ahead of America in this regard. It costs less to develop renewable sources now than to mine fossil fuels or build gas plants. The major problem is that the American fossil fuel industry is so invested in its infrastructure and makes billions from selling fossil fuels. Consequently these companies do not care if burning fossil fuel causes wars and damages America and the atmosphere. Despite this, 32% of the world’s energy now comes from renewable sources and this percentage is growing. ~ Nancy Hasenfus, Brunswick

Column: The simple trick that makes bird songs easier to recognize

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • May 16, 2026

It’s getting loud out there. The minute songbirds return in the spring, they begin to advertise, singing to attract a mate and establish a territory. For some people, it’s joyful noise. For others, it’s a challenge. Who’s making all that sound? It’s much easier to identify bird songs once you understand a few tricks. The most important thing to know is that most of the sound comes from just a handful of birds. That varies by location and habitat, but rarely are you hearing more than 10 different species at a time. Getting to know the common songs makes learning the rest a lot easier. ~ Bob Duchesne

It’s peak moose collision season in Maine. Here’s what to know on the roads.

CENTRAL MAINE • May 16, 2026

In Maine, May and June bring long, sunny days, blooming flowers — and more moose versus car crashes than any other two-month period during the year. Crashes involving moose happen mostly in the northern part of the state; almost half from 2020-24 were in Aroostook County. But central and southern Maine still see serious incidents every year. Welcome to moose collision season. Peak times for crashes are between 4 and 5 a.m., and 8 and 11 p.m. Deer are hit far more often in Maine than moose — 25 times more often. But per crash, moose are the most expensive and most dangerous animal Mainers collide with on the roads.

Fire unfolded at business that has been part of Maine’s forest industry ‘since forever’

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • May 15, 2026

Forest industry watchers were surprised on Friday as news unfolded of a fire inside a Robbins Lumber facility in Searsmont. Still owned by the same family that founded it on the St. George River in 1881, Robbins Lumber is well respected and well known across the forest industry. Authorities said the explosion and fire, which killed one firefighter and injured at least 10 other people, drew a large emergency response. Robbins Lumber employs more than 200 people. The family-run company has also been involved in advocating for the industry. Former president Jim L. Robbins, whose grandchildren help run the company today, had at one point presided over the Maine Forest Products Council, the New England Lumberman’s Association and the Northeastern Loggers’ Association.

1 firefighter dead, at least 10 people injured in fire and explosion at Searsmont mill

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • May 15, 2026

One firefighter was killed and at least 10 people were injured in a fire and explosion at a Searsmont sawmill on Friday that drew a massive response from first responders on the Midcoast and beyond. Emergency crews from throughout the region rushed to Robbins Lumber, where a large plume of black smoke was visible for miles. Multiple firefighters were injured and their equipment caught fire when a silo exploded. Civilians were also injured.

Invasive emerald ash borer detected in Rumford

SUN JOURNAL • May 15, 2026

The invasive emerald ash borer has been detected in Rumford, as well as in Bangor, Benedicta Township, Benton, Bowdoinham, Buckfield, Dixfield, Greenwood, Harpswell, Hartford, Palermo, Stockholm, Sumner, Topsham, West Paris and Wilton. The beetle kills ash trees within two to five years by boring under the bark. It’s important not to transport out-of-state firewood.

How Do We Save US Forest Service from President Trump’s Restructuring?

UNION OF CONCERNED SCIENTISTS • May 15, 2026

The Trump administration’s plan to slash the US Department of Agriculture Forest Service offices, and relocate and consolidate its research and development facilities would potentially abandon generational investments in critical forestry data, samples, and resources. This would leave land managers, firefighters, and decision makers without the crucial information they need to manage climate risks and protect US forests from wildfires growing in frequency and intensity. We can call or email our congresspeople and tell them to protect critical forest management research. We can demand that Congress reverse the gutting of the US Forest Service. 

Cooke Aquaculture: The Cruelty Continues

ANIMAL OUTLOOK • May 15, 2026

In 2019, Animal Outlook released the first-ever undercover investigation of a U.S. fish farm, exposing shocking cruelty at Cooke Aquaculture's salmon hatchery in Bingham, Maine. Years later, we returned to the same facility — and found that little had changed. For several months in late 2025, an Animal Outlook investigator working as a Hatchery Technician documented conditions at the vertically integrated aquaculture operation that houses millions of Atlantic salmon. The footage reveals that previously documented problems persist alongside new potential violations of food safety and environmental protocols. 

Chop and Drop Fisheries Enhancement Training, May 29

MAINE GOVERNMENT NEWS • May 15, 2026

Large wood in freshwater streams provide habitat features which are vital to the survival of native brook trout, Atlantic salmon and other cold water fish species. Adding large wood to stream channels using the “chop and drop” method in conjunction with a timber harvest can create pools, provide cover for juvenile fish and enhance overall stream function. These trainings are an opportunity for Licensed Foresters and Fisheries Biologists to meet the requirements of Maine Forest Service Rule Chapter 25; Standards for Placing Wood Into Stream Channels to Enhance Cold Water Fisheries. This rule seeks to streamline the permitting process for landowners who wish to undertake voluntary wood addition projects in cooperation with state fisheries resource agencies.

Herring Gut Coastal Science Center seeks nominations for 2026 Phyllis Wyeth Visionary Award

PENOBSCOT BAY PILOT • May 15, 2026

The Herring Gut Coastal Science Center will award the Phyllis Wyeth Visionary Award to individuals who have contributed to the field of aquatic science and/or marine trades in a way that exemplifies Herring Gut Coastal Science Center’s vision and the legacy and innovation of founder Phyllis Wyeth. Phyllis Wyeth founded the Herring Gut Learning Center in 1999. Inspired by her mother, Alice du Pont Mills, who was also an environmental activist and lifelong philanthropist, Wyeth led her life with a dedication to the environment and giving back to her community. Wyeth created the Herring Gut Learning Center with the goal of teaching local children about aquaculture and marine conservation and to help preserve Maine’s traditional fishing communities. Wyeth was later awarded the NOAA Fisheries Environmental Hero award in 2002 for her efforts with the organization. The Center was renamed the Herring Gut Coastal Science Center in 2023. Submit your nomination using the form on their website (herringgut.org) by July 1.

Maine Calling: Endangered Species

MAINE PUBLIC • May 15, 2026

On this Endangered Species Day, hear about animals and plants in Maine that are most in danger of extinction, as well as species that are threatened. Since 1973, the U.S. Endangered Species Act has protected these species—from whales to butterflies to beach plum. But recent changes proposed by the Trump administration would remove some of these protections. What does the future hold for vulnerable flora and fauna in Maine? Panelists: Laura Minich Zitske, wildlife ecologist; associate director of conservation, Maine Audubon; Dr. Alexander Fish, wildlife research biologist, population ecologist, ornithologist, Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife.

Letter: Chellie Pingree is holding chemical companies accountable

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • May 15, 2026

I’m writing to thank Rep. Chellie Pingree for her bipartisan work on stripping immunity for chemical companies out of the Farm Bill. The Farm Bill had contained a provision that would have shielded chemical companies from lawsuits brought by people who had developed cancer as a result of toxic chemicals. Partnering with congresspersons from across the aisle, Congresswoman Pingree led the fight to prevent this gift to the big chemical companies. ~ Taylor Asen, Falmouth

Can a baby boom save the right whale — and Maine’s lobster industry?

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • May 15, 2026

The North Atlantic right whale has spent much of the last decade teetering on the edge of extinction, having to travel farther for food while dodging ships and fishing gear, but a baby boom is offering the species — and lobstermen trying to avoid them — a glimmer of hope. The species has experienced its most successful calving season since 2009. Twenty-three calves were born over the winter, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. That is enough to stabilize a population that numbers roughly 384 individuals. For Maine’s lobstermen, who are currently facing a 2028 deadline to meet new risk-reduction rules, the successful calving season is a potential regulatory reprieve.

ATVs keep getting bigger. It’s putting Maine’s trail system at risk.

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • May 15, 2026

As the season kicks off, tens of thousands of riders are expected take their all-terrain vehicles out in Maine in the next few months. But as ATV clubs work feverishly to wrap up maintenance on the state’s 6,000 miles of trails, there is sharp division over a new generation of popular off-road vehicles that landowners say threatens to force them to shut off access. Some have already done so. With 80% of Maine’s ATV trail system on private property, that’s a problem.

Column: Pure wolves will likely never return to Maine

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • May 15, 2026

Wolves were commonplace when settlers first came to Maine. A “predator” void was left when these wolves were killed off around the turn of the century. In time, our present day coyote migrated eastward and filled the niche. Biologists believe that our Maine coyote came here via Ontario already “hybridized” with the smaller eastern wolf. What about efforts by activists to get gray wolves introduced to Maine? “If an eastern wolf from Ontario or Quebec finds its way to Maine, it will find itself in a sea of eastern coyotes. Any dispersing eastern wolf would readily hybridize with eastern coyotes, and the offspring would be assimilated into an eastern coyote population that already has a genetic legacy of wolf genes,” said retired U.S Fish and Wildlife biologist Mark McCollough. Which seems to say that a wolf reintroduction initiative in Maine just wouldn’t work. ~ V. Paul Reynolds

Letter: Maine being ruined by roadside trash

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • May 15, 2026

One only needs to drive along Maine’s scenic roads and byways, or almost anywhere in the United States, to see bottles, cans, plastic, and assorted trash strewn along the roadside, either carelessly tossed from vehicles or blown from uncovered truck loads. For a state that proudly markets itself as “Vacationland: The Way Life Should Be,” and depends heavily on tourism, Maine’s leaders seem strangely indifferent to the growing litter problem. If we continue allowing our roadsides to become dumping grounds, Maine may eventually need a new slogan: “Trashland: The Way Landfills Should Be.” ~ Charlie Britton, Southport