Protecting Maine's Environment

Since 1959

Protecting the nature of Maine since 1959, by harnessing the power of science, the law, and the voices of people who value Maine's environment.

BREAKING: Maine DEP Suspends Permit for CMP Corridor

This evening, November 23rd, Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Melanie Loyzim suspended the permit for CMP’s controversial corridor project. This is a major blow for the project and comes weeks after an overwhelming vote by Maine people to terminate the CMP corridor.

Below is a short statement from NRCM’s Advocacy Director Pete Didisheim:

“This is great news for Maine people and our environment. The Commissioner made the correct decision in suspending CMP’s permit. The facts before the DEP were clear and unassailable given that CMP’s illegal lease to cross public lands has been terminated and an overwhelming majority of Maine voters passed a new law banning the CMP corridor. This project was fatally flawed from the very beginning and it’s time for Massachusetts to choose an alternative option.”

Listen to Latest Podcast Episode

CMP suffered a stunning setback for its controversial corridor project at the ballot box on November 2, and now the project’s future is in doubt. In this episode, NRCM’s Pete Didisheim dissects what’s happened since the overwhelming vote by Maine people to terminate the CMP corridor. November is Native American Heritage Month, and NRCM encourages you to learn more about Maine’s native Tribes and the campaign for Tribal sovereignty by visiting the Wabanaki Alliance website.

Listen to the podcast

NRCM's Online Auction: Place Your Bid Before Nov. 30

Before November 30, you can place your bid on Maine-made products, unique experiences, handmade jewelry, and artwork – items that make great gifts and evoke what is distinctive about this state we love. Generous NRCM members & partners in Maine's business community donated wonderful auction items so that all proceeds benefit NRCM’s Fund for Maine. New items recently added.

View auction items & bid before Nov. 30

Get Congress to Take Climate Action!

Send a message to Maine’s Congressional delegation urging bold investments in clean energy and climate resiliency. There will be key votes on the historic Build Back Better Act over the coming weeks. Now is the time to make transformative investments to tackle the climate crisis and transition to clean energy sources, and this legislation aims to do just that.

Contact Maine's Congressional delegation

Add Your Voice: Support a Free-Flowing Kennebec River

Mainers have played a vital role in bringing life back to our rivers because clean water is so central to Maine’s economy and way of life. Removing four obsolete dams on the Kennebec River is an urgent next step that will improve the health of the Gulf of Maine, enhance riverfront communities, and bring back millions of sea-run fish, including endangered Atlantic salmon. Add your voice in support!

Add Your Voice!

News from NRCM

News & Noteworthy — November 2021

November 26, 2021

Read some highlights from this month’s news stories and opinion pieces related to the environment, including Maine’s air, land, water, and wildlife, in this month’s News & Noteworthy from the Natural Resources Council of Maine. November 26, 2021 During this season of gratitude, we have a lot to be thankful...

US House Votes for Largest Investment in Climate Action and Clean Energy in History

November 19, 2021

NRCM statement by Federal Director Emmie Theberge November 19, 2021 (Augusta, ME) — Today, the U.S. House of Representatives voted in favor of the Build Back Better Act, which includes the largest investment in climate action and clean energy in U.S. history. Below is a statement from Emmie Theberge, Federal Director at...

Mainers Rally at DEP HQ to Call for Immediate Suspension of Permit for CMP Corridor

November 18, 2021

NRCM news release November, 18, 2021 (Augusta, ME) – Voters who supported Question 1 from across Maine gathered today outside the headquarters of Maine’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to call on the agency’s commissioner to immediately suspend the permit for the highly controversial Central Maine Power (CMP) corridor project. Speakers at the rally...

Read Latest News & Noteworthy

Read NRCM News Releases

Background photo: Aerial view of Pleasant Lake and Pickett Mountain by J. Monkman/NRCM

New from NRCM's "Nature of Maine" Blog

Blue Jay on feeder. Photo by Konni Wells

Blue Jays Doing Pull Ups? Sort of

NRCM's bird experts Jeff and Allison Wells write in their latest blog, "We all know birds are clever. How they manage to build those beautiful nests, for example, or find their way during migration are questions posed by poets and prophets—and scientists—for centuries. The more we watch them, the more we find out just how clever they are." Learn about a clever Blue Jay and other birds that recently visited Jeff's Mom's yard.

Read Jeff & Allison's blog

GrowSmart Summit Inspires Confidence in a Better Tomorrow

NRCM's Josh Caldwell writes about the GrowSmart Maine annual summit held last week in Biddeford where Josh and others talked about ways that Maine can face the climate crisis while also improving some shortcomings many Maine communities face, including a lack of public transportation, biking and walking paths, new jobs, and the need for high-speed broadband.

Read Josh's blog

Critter Chatter—Odds & Ends

NRCM member Jayne Winters gives us an update on three fawns and other wildlife being rehabilitated by Don Cote of the Duck Pond Wildlife Center in Vassalboro. Also learn more about Don's work and how you can help him care for injured, ill, and orphaned animals in this latest edition of "Critter Chatter."

Read Critter Chatter

Explore Maine

Enjoy the Great Outdoors

Find hiking trails, beaches, paddles, bike paths, & more with our interactive Explore Maine Map.
View the map & learn more.
Learn about our Maine Sporting Camp & Guide Service discount program.

Attend an Event

Find out about events & webinars NRCM is hosting or taking part in throughout Maine. Plan to attend!
View events

Get NRCM T-shirts, Caps, Totes, & More

Get NRCM t-shirts featuring beautiful artwork by Maine artist Jon Luoma, mugs, NRCM caps, totes, & more.
View online store

NRCM Publications and Maine Environment Newsletters

Featured: Bright Ideas: Tips for Home Energy Savings

Taking steps to improve energy efficiency in your everyday life can save you money, reduce pollution, add to your comfort, and improve your sense of well-being. Around the house, on the road, and in your community, following the tips in our Bright Ideas: Tips for Home Energy Savings brochure can help you become more energy efficient today.

NRCM is dedicated to making information available on issues facing Maine’s environment and the people who rely upon it. Our publications, including our Maine Environment newsletters, will, we hope, help you better understand the topic of interest and provide you with information that you can use in your own work on behalf of the people, wildlife, and environment of Maine.

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My Maine This Week

banner-Clarks-Island-by-Kristen-Lindquist-(2)

My Maine This Week: Kristen Lindquist

By NRCM | November 29, 2021

Spencer Mountain reflected in Spencer Pond

My Maine This Week: Callie Wronker

By NRCM | November 22, 2021

My Maine This Week: Linda Woods

By NRCM | November 15, 2021

My Maine This Week: Kelly Magalis

By NRCM | November 8, 2021

My Maine This Week: David Small

By NRCM | November 1, 2021

Cold Stream Falls waterfall with woman and dog in water

My Maine This Week: David Preston

By NRCM | October 25, 2021

My Maine This Week: Michelle Moody

By NRCM | October 18, 2021

My Maine This Week: Sam Horine

By NRCM | October 11, 2021

My Maine This Week: Betsey Foster

By NRCM | October 4, 2021

Sustain ME

A feature to help you help the planet.

Reduce Your Use: Tips for Reducing Your Footprint on the Environment

Do you know how much food the average Maine family of four wastes each year? Do you want to learn ways to reduce your food waste, plastic bag and foam food container use? This brochure includes tips about how to lessen your impact on the environment and save money by making simple changes to your daily habits. Request a free brochure today!

Piping Plover by David Small

Creature Feature

Creature Feature: Piping Plover

Did you know that a Piping Plover parent will attempt to lure a potential predator away from its nest by feigning a broken wing? This endangered species nests at Maine beaches. Learn more about conservation efforts for Piping Plovers in our latest Creature Feature written by NRCM member Kristen Lindquist.

Banner photo: The Dead River below Flagstaff Dam, by Barbara Heap