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.

New Podcast Episode

NRCM's podcast has a brand new format! In the latest episode, he speaks with NRCM Advocacy Director Pete Didisheim about a study in contrasts. On the one hand, there’s GM’s bold commitment to a clean energy future with a huge announcement to go all electric with their cars and trucks, and on the other, Maine’s largest utility, Central Maine Power, failing in a colossal way in doing its job of helping solar projects connect to the grid.

Listen to the podcast

Stop Filling Maine's Landfills with
Out-of-State Waste

Tell Maine legislators to close a loophole in state law that currently allows toxic out-of-state waste to fill up our State-owned landfills. This current practice threatens sites of historical, cultural, and spiritual significance for the Penobscot Nation, neighboring residents, and the Penobscot watershed. It must be stopped.

Sign the petition!

Looking up the Kennebec toward Skowhegan

Take Action to Restore the Kennebec River above Waterville

Atlantic salmon are on the brink of dying out in the Kennebec River. We need your help to restore the lower Kennebec and save this iconic Maine species. Please click the button below to email comments in support of the Department of Marine Resources' new Kennebec River Management Plan Amendment. Deadline for comments: February 26.

Email your comments to DMR

Take Action During the Legislative Session

The 2021 session of the Maine Legislature has begun, and we want to make sure all Mainers have a way to get involved to protect Maine's environment.

Visit Our Brand New Take Action Toolkit

Your voice can make a huge difference for passing new laws to protect Maine’s environment and stopping bad proposals from becoming law. Our toolkit provides Maine people with resources and guidelines for how to participate in the legislative process and speak out in support of Maine’s air, land, water, and wildlife.

Learn how to testify online or submit written testimony
Get tips for writing and delivering effective testimony
Find contact information for legislators as well as Maine newspapers, where you can submit letters to the editor about bills being discussed

Visit Our Take Action Toolkit

New from NRCM's "Nature of Maine" Blog

Black-capped Chickadee at a tube feeder.

Bird-feeding Tips for a Purpose

The Great Backyard Bird Count starts Friday, February 12 and runs through Monday, February 15. It's also National Bird-feeding Month! Learn about feeding wild birds using a variety of feeders and get involved in the GBBC with these tips from NRCM's bird experts Jeff & Allison Wells.

Read Allison's & Jeff's blog

Top 5 Take-Aways from Maine's Latest Waste and Recycling Report

Maine DEP released their annual report on Maine's waste & recycling rates. After reading the report, NRCM Sustainable Maine Director Sarah Nichols shares some facts from the report as well as thoughts about the policies that the Maine Legislature needs to adopt this year in order to put sustainable waste solutions in place.

Read Sarah's blog

Plowing snow at Duck Pond Wildlife Center

Critter Chatter – You Can Make a Difference!

You might think that winter is a time of respite at the Duck Pond Wildlife Care Center, but NRCM member Jayne Winters shares that there's a lot of work to be done — and that help and is constantly needed! Learn more in this month's Critter Chatter.

Read Critter Chatter

News from NRCM

News & Noteworthy — February 2021

February 25, 2021

Read the latest 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. February 25, 2021 The Belfast Bay Watershed Coalition hosted a virtual talk by NRCM's Chrissy Adamowicz last week—the...

George Smith Leaves a Legacy as One of Maine’s Greatest Conservationists

February 13, 2021

NRCM Saddened by Loss of Iconic Outdoorsman NRCM statement Augusta, ME (February 13, 2021) – The Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM) is saddened to hear of the passing of George Smith, and today issued the following statements from its CEO and Advocacy Director in honor of George Smith: “George...

News & Noteworthy — January 2021

January 28, 2021

Read the latest 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. January 28, 2021 Yesterday, President Biden announced a series of climate-related executive orders, and NRCM applauded this effort,...

Read Latest News & Noteworthy

Read NRCM News Releases

Background photo: Ambejesus Lake in Penobscot County, Maine, by Peter Simmons

All of Our Events are
Now Online

To limit potential exposure to the Coronavirus, we’ve moved all events online! Visit our events page to find out about upcoming webinars. Did you miss a recent webinar? Visit our YouTube channel to watch recordings of all of our past webinars, at your convenience.

“See” you online!

Urge Maine's Senators to Confirm Deb Haaland for Secretary of the Interior

Our public lands and wildlife face unprecedented challenges from the effects of climate change and energy development. Rep. Deb Haaland, as Secretary of the Interior, would work to fight those challenges head-on. Please contact Maine's U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King to urge them to confirm her nomination.

Contact Maine's Senators Collins & King

Development Pressures Driven by Pandemic Underscore Importance of Smart Planning for Maine's Future

The message from 2020 is that development pressure is heightening in Maine. We must be prepared to manage it in order to protect the very qualities that are so desirable. Mainers and the natural resources upon which we all depend will be better off for it. Learn more in this blog by NRCM Forests & Wildlife Director Melanie Sturm.

Read Melanie's blog

Regional Transportation Initiative Will Help Mainers Lead Healthier Lives

The majority of Mainers support investing in clean transportation solutions to strengthen our economy, help people lead healthier lives, and better connect our communities. NRCM encourages Maine to continue tracking a regional initiative that would provide much-needed funding to invest in Maine-based solutions like better buses, EVs, and safer walking & biking paths.

Read Sue's blog

NRCM Publications and Maine Environment Newsletters

Person caulking window on Bright Ideas pamphlet

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 these tips can help you become more energy efficient. Download or order our Bright Ideas: Tips for Home Energy Savings brochure 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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