NRCM news release May 10, 2022 (Augusta, ME) – A proposed land use plan for Maine’s Moosehead Lake region would significantly reduce the risk of sprawling development while benefiting the economy and protecting the unique character of the region by concentrating new development closer to existing towns and communities, according to an analysis by the Read More
Forests and Wildlife
New Law Will Expand Maine’s Ecological Reserve System
Maine Audubon and Natural Resources Council of Maine news release A bill that will expand Maine’s network of ecological reserves to protect more habitat for the state’s rich array of plants, animals, and other species was signed into law by Governor Janet Mills on Tuesday March 29, 2022. State-owned ecological reserves cover less than 1% Read More
Testimony in Support Certain Provisions of LD 1995 Related to Dept. of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry
Testimony in Support of LD 1995, An Act To Make Supplemental Appropriations and Allocations for the Expenditures of State Government, General Fund and Other Funds and To Change Certain Provisions of the Law Necessary to the Proper Operations of State Government for the Fiscal Years Ending June 30, 2022 and June 30, 2023 Senator Breen, Representative Pierce, Read More
Role of Maine’s Ecological Reserves More Critical Than Ever
Did you know that the Mahoosuc ecological reserve is one of only a few places in Maine where Cutler’s goldenrod occurs? This delicate yellow flower is endemic to a naturally scarce habitat type. It is also one of many powerful messengers demonstrating why Maine’s ecological reserve system is so vitally important—and should be expanded. Maine’s Read More
Support of LD 736, An Act to Enhance Maine’s Ecological Reserve System
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). I am testifying in support of LD 736, as proposed to be amended by the sponsor. This bill would play a significant role in helping Maine Read More
Resolve, Authorizing the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry To Convey Certain Land in Aroostook County and Penobscot County
Good morning, Senator Dill, Representative O’Neil, and Members of the Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry Committee. I’m Melanie Sturm, Forests and Wildlife Director at the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM). I appreciate the opportunity to provide comments on LD 1756. Regarding Section 1, the proposal for T12 R13 in Aroostook County, we have a couple Read More
Support of the Confirmation of Malcolm “Mac” Hunter for Appointment to Land for Maine’s Future Board
Dear Senator Dill, Representative O’Neil, and Members of the Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry Committee, I’m Melanie Sturm, Forests and Wildlife Program Director at the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM). I’m providing testimony in support of Dr. Mac Hunter to serve on the Land for Maine’s Future (LMF) Board. We enthusiastically support Dr. Hunter’s nomination Read More
Wolfden Withdraws Mining Application after Strong Rebuke from LUPC
In January 2020, Wolfden Resources, a Canadian company in massive debt and with no metal mining experience, submitted a rezoning petition to the Land Use Planning Commission (LUPC) for a metal mine at Pickett Mountain. Wolfden hopes to mine for zinc, lead, and copper on 528 acres near Mount Chase, not far from Baxter State Read More
A Conversation with 2021 Allagash Visiting Artist Martha Kotter
Every year, visiting artists are hosted at the Allagash Wilderness Waterway and Baxter State Park. The program presents exciting opportunities to learn more about these special places through the eyes of creative artists. The Natural Resources Council of Maine’s Forests & Wildlife Director Melanie Sturm has been exploring the intersection of art and environmental protection Read More
