Senator Dill, Representative O’Neil, and Members of the Committee. I am Melanie Sturm, the Forests and Wildlife Director at the Natural Resources Council of Maine, and I appreciate the opportunity to testify in opposition to LD 1407. LD 1407 is similar to laws that other U.S. states have passed, but different in important ways that Read More
Why Biodiversity Matters to Maine and the World
Spotting a Canada lynx is an exciting, once-in-a-lifetime moment for many in Maine’s North Woods. As is watching a wild Atlantic salmon swim upstream to spawn or a Piping Plover trot across a sandy beach. These inspiring animals have something in common not only because they wow us when we have the opportunity to see Read More
Support of LD 700, An Act To Promote Economic Development and Outdoor Recreation through Investment in State Parks
Senator Dill, Representative O’Neil, and Members of the Joint Standing Committee on Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry, I am Melanie Sturm, the Forests and Wildlife Director at the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM), and I am providing testimony in support of LD 700. Maine State Parks are in critical need of investment. They face $50 Read More
Opposition to LD 324, An Act To Limit Public Land Ownership in Maine
Good morning Senator Dill, Representative O’Neil, and Members of the Joint Standing Committee on Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry. I am Melanie Sturm, the Forests and Wildlife Director at the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM), and I am providing testimony in opposition to LD 324. NRCM opposes LD 324 for a number of reasons. First Read More
Support of LD 125, An Act To Prohibit the Aerial Spraying of Glyphosate and Other Synthetic Herbicides for the Purpose of Silviculture
Greetings, Senator Dill, Representative O’Neil and Members of the Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry Committee. I am Melanie Sturm, the Forests and Wildlife Director at the Natural Resources Council of Maine, and I am providing testimony in support of LD 125. Glyphosate is the world’s most widely used herbicide. With increased use comes increased risk of Read More
Support of LD 322, An Act To Provide Occupants of Motor Vehicles with Gold Star Family Registration Plates Free Entry to State Parks and Historic Sites
Good afternoon Senator Dill, Representative O’Neil, and Members of the Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry Committee. I am Melanie Sturm, Forests and Wildlife Director at the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM), and I am writing to provide comments in support of LD 322. Maine’s public lands, including state parks and historic sites, are cherished places Read More
Development Pressures Driven by Pandemic Underscore Importance of Smart Planning for Maine’s Future
One sure thing about 2020 is this: Maine real estate was red hot. Driven at least in part by the pandemic and its side effects, the Maine Association of Realtors reported that home sales and prices set records in 2020, including in rural and northern Maine. Real estate transactions were up 39.14% in Washington County, Read More
What’s New at Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument?
Like many people, you may have explored Maine’s stunning outdoors this year to decompress and clear your mind. Now in its fourth year, Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument (KWW) is the perfect example of a safe, remote place to recreate during a roller coaster year. As you begin to think about how you’ll spend Read More
Listening to Migratory Birds for a Deeper Connection to the Natural World
Animal migrations are a natural marvel. Seeing the departure and return of birds, like sandpipers, puffins, and a number of songbirds and waterfowl, to and from Maine every year is a joyful way to mark the seasons. But have you ever considered making the journey yourself to take in the sights and sounds of a Read More
