Read Brownie's newsletter column, "A View From My Window"
You Really Can Make a Difference, Winter 2006
Redefining the Impacts of Global Warming in Maine, Fall 2006
The Selective Listening of Plum Creek, Summer 2006
A Vision for Conservation and Community-building, Spring 2006
Green Buying for a Safe Environment, Winter 2006
Energy in Maine: Setting an Example for the Nation, Fall 2005
For
more than two decades, Brownie Carson has served as executive director
of the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM), working to make
the environment healthier and safer for the people and wildlife of
Maine. Many of the state's first-in-the-nation environmental laws
are the product of NRCM's leadership on difficult issues during Carson's
tenure. Such laws include expansion of Maine's Bottle Bill to include
non-carbonated and alcoholic beverages, and a law requiring electronics
manufacturers to collect and safely recycle toxics-laden computer
monitors and television sets. In 1999, a ten-year campaign culminated
in removal of the Edwards Dam from the Kennebec River, a victory secured
by a coalition led by NRCM.
Brownie Carson has become widely known and respected as leader of one of the most effective state-based environmental organizations in the nation. Under his guidance, NRCM has succeeded in inspiring and mobilizing Maine citizens to make their voices heard on issues, decisions about which will determine the future of the Maine they love.
Recently, Carson has drawn from NRCM's 45-year history and extensive institutional knowledge of North Woods issues to focus on protecting Maine's treasured northern forests from the region's latest threat, large-scale land speculation and development. He is a strong leader calling for protection of one of the premier back country recreation areas east of the Mississippi River. The Greenville-Moosehead Lake region has been targeted by Seattle-based Plum Creek Real Estate Investment Trust for massive development; NRCM was the first conservation organization to voice opposition to Plum Creek's plan.
Carson's awards include the 2005 Down East Magazine Environmental Award, the 2005 Common Good Award from Bowdoin College, and the National Wildlife F ederation's Special Achievement Award. He is a graduate of Bowdoin College and the University of Maine School of Law, and he serv ed in the Marine Corps in Vietnam. Prior to coming to NRCM in 1983, Carson spent six years with Pine Tree Legal Assistance, which serves low-income Maine families. He enjoys sailing, hiking, and canoeing. Brownie lives in Brunswick with his wife, Dana Porter, and twin daughters.