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.

"Above and Below" artwork by Tom Ferrero

Maine’s Great Outdoors is Waiting for You

Summer in Maine offers so many opportunities for exploration. Whether you choose to go out into the great outdoors or prefer a staycation close to home, our Explore Maine 2020 will help you enjoy so much of what our state has to offer. Check out books, blogs, art, music, poetry, and studies by NRCM members, our Explore Maine Map, information about two summer celebrations of the "wild & scenic" Allagash and Ecological Reserves, & much, much more. Download or request your copy today!

Let Us Help You Explore Maine!

Explainer: Why the CMP Corridor is a Bad Deal for Maine and the Climate

NRCM Staff Attorney Sue Ely writes, "Central Maine Power’s proposed transmission corridor through Western Maine is a bad deal for the North Woods, it’s a bad deal for our climate, and it’s a bad deal for our clean energy future. We want to tell you why." Read this blog for more information about how the CMP corridor would harm Maine's forests, wildlife habitat, and renewable energy jobs, all with no benefits for the climate.

Read Sue's blog

Zoom in: Ask the Experts: Driving Electric in Maine
Thursday, August 6 at 6:00 p.m.

Curious about buying, owning, & driving electric in Maine? Join us for a panel of Maine electric vehicle (EV) owners & experts. Learn about the basics of EVs, cold weather performance, available state & federal rebates, & answer your burning EV questions from Mainers who own & drive them. Advance registration is required.

RSVP today.

Protecting Maine's North Woods: The Legacy of Cathy Johnson

As Doug Rooks writes, "For 30 years, there's been no fiercer, more consistent or passionate advocate of protecting the Maine woods, and enhancing its wildness" than Cathy Johnson. After three decades as NRCM's Forests & Wildlife Director, Cathy retired earlier this year. Read more about her accomplishments & advocacy in this story that originally appeared in our 2020 spring Maine Environment newsletter.

Read Doug Rooks' story
Daisies along Allagash Wilderness Waterway
National Wild and Scenic River designation of the Allagash Wilderness Waterway protected 250 miles of natural shoreline. - Photo by Dean Bennett

Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Designation of the Allagash as a "Wild & Scenic" River

In July, 1970, the Allagash River received federal designation as a protected "Wild and Scenic River." Protection of the Allagash was also the issue on which NRCM was founded more than 60 years ago. 

News from NRCM

Maine Environmental Organizations Stand in Solidarity with Striking Bath Iron Works Workers

July 30, 2020
NRCM news release July 30, 2020 (Portland, ME) – The following is a statement from the BlueGreen Alliance, Conservation Law Foundation, Environmental Health Strategy Center, Maine Conservation Voters, Maine People’s Alliance, Natural Resources Council of Maine, and Sierra Club Maine, who are standing in solidarity with the workers on strike...

Hydro-Quebec Dramatically Escalates Campaign to Influence Maine Elections

July 30, 2020
NRCM Urges Lawmakers to Close Loophole in Election Laws Exploited by HQ  NRCM news release July 30, 2020 (Augusta, ME) – Over the past six months, the foreign government-owned corporation Hydro-Quebec has dramatically escalated its political campaign to interfere with the citizen-initiated referendum to block Central Maine Power’s (CMP) controversial...

U.S. House Passes Great American Outdoors Act to Reinvest in Maine’s Outdoor Economy

July 22, 2020
House Bill Sponsored by Congressman Golden and championed by Congresswoman Pingree NRCM news release July 22, 2020 (Augusta, ME) – The United States House of Representatives today overwhelmingly passed the Great American Outdoors Act to expand access to the outdoors and support Maine’s recreation economy. The bill, which was sponsored...
Read Latest News & Noteworthy
Read NRCM News Releases

Background photo: Eagle Lake, Allagash region by David Preston

New from NRCM's "Nature of Maine" Blog

New Tool Helps Make NRCM’s Website More Accessible

We're excited to share with you a new tool that we added to our website to assist more people in accessing information on it. We want to ensure that people who have varying visual abilities, who are non-native English speakers, or people who have difficulty reading text on a screen can now more easily view our website & learn how to get involved to protect the nature of Maine.

Read Beth's blog

Reusable Bags are the New Comeback Kids

Good news! Store managers can now allow customers to bring in reusable shopping bags, according to the COVID19 Prevention Checklist Industry Guidance provided by the Maine Department for Economic and Community Development. Learn more from NRCM Sustainable Maine Director Sarah Nichols.

Read Sarah's blog

A Strange & Mysterious Feathered Creature

What is the strange and mysterious feathered creature that has been flying around Maine’s airspace, for who knows how long? For those in the know, the odd, crossed tips of the bill are a giveaway; for others, it could be up there with the famed “mystery beast of Turner” and other creatures of Maine lore. Read more in the latest Birding with Jeff and Allison blog.

Read Allison's & Jeff's blog

More from NRCM's "Nature of Maine" Blog

Climate Action Recommendations for a Healthier, Stronger Maine

NRCM's David Costello shares recommendations identified by a wide array of Maine organizations, including NRCM, as essential components for Maine’s Climate Action Plan. Please call on the Climate Council to take these steps to secure Maine’s future.

Read David's blog

6 Apps to Help You Explore Maine, Wherever You Are

NRCM Social Media & Creative Services Manager Levi Hahn introduces you to six apps that will help you explore Maine’s environment on your bike, by foot, or while looking for birds & other wildlife.

Read Levi's blog

Allagash River Trip: 9 Advantages to Choosing a Guide for Your Adventure

Mahoosuc Guide Service has joined many sporting camps that are offering a discount to NRCM members. Now, owners Kevin Slater & Polly Mahoney share the top nine reasons why you should consider hiring a guide for your next Allagash or other Maine outdoor adventure.

Read Kevin & Polly's blog

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, a black or khaki NRCM cap, totes, & more.
View online store

Proposed CMP Corridor:
A Bad Deal for Maine

CMP wants to build a 145-mile transmission line though Maine's woods solely to bring hydropower from Quebec to Massachusetts, with no significant benefit to Maine people or our climate. Learn more about this bad idea for Maine people & environment.

Read our new blog post by NRCM Staff Attorney Sue Ely:
"Explainer: Why the CMP Corridor is a Bad Deal for Maine & the Climate"
CMP quote

NRCM Publications and Maine Environment Newsletters

Featured: Clean & Healthy Housekeeping

Find out how to clean, control pests, and dispose of household cleaning products in a way that’s healthy for your family and the environment! Features dozens of easy “recipes” to clean drains, control ants and insects, polish your shoes, and more—the non-toxic way.

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.

Get Your Copy Now
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My Maine This Week

deer on Kennebec River bank

My Maine This Week: Sam Horine

By NRCM | July 27, 2020
Mousam River

My Maine This Week: Mousam River by Laura Pope

By NRCM | July 20, 2020
Fishing at Chandler Lake Camps

My Maine This Week: Chandler Lake Camps by Clayton Kyle

By NRCM | July 13, 2020
lupines

My Maine This Week: Lupines by Steve Cartwright

By NRCM | July 6, 2020
Frog in Bowdoinham

My Maine This Week: Justin Francisco

By NRCM | June 29, 2020
two deer in Tenants Harbor

My Maine This Week: Steve Cartwright

By NRCM | June 22, 2020
Borestone Mountain

My Maine This Week: Linda Woods

By NRCM | June 15, 2020
Landlocked salmon

My Maine This Week: David Preston

By NRCM | June 7, 2020
Hooded Mergansers

My Maine This Week: David Small

By NRCM | May 25, 2020
Person caulking window on Bright Ideas pamphlet

Sustain ME

A feature to help you help the planet.

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 these tips can help you become more energy efficient. Request a free brochure today!

Creature Feature

Creature Feature: Snapping Turtle

Did you know that the shell of a snapping turtle is full of nerve endings and sensitive to scratches? Learn more interesting facts about this Maine animal in our latest Creature Feature.

 

Banner photo: Wassataquoik Lake by Lauren Mier