Testimony in Support of LD 1285, An Act to Extend Funding for the Land for Maine’s Future Program Senator Ingwersen, Representative Pluecker, 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). I appreciate the opportunity to Read More
Forests and Wildlife
LD 1246, An Act to Include Endangered and Threatened Species Habitat in the Definition of “Significant Wildlife Habitat” Under NRPA
Testimony in Support of LD 1246, An Act to Include Endangered and Threatened Species Habitat in the Definition of “Significant Wildlife Habitat” Under Natural Resources Protection Act Senator Brenner, Representative Gramlich, and members of the Joint Standing Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, I am Melanie Sturm, the Forests and Wildlife Director at the Natural Resources Read More
LD 341, An Act to Amend the Maine Tree Growth Tax Law to Encourage Housing Construction
Testimony in Opposition to LD 341, An Act to Amend the Maine Tree Growth Tax Law to Encourage Housing Construction Senator Grohoski, Representative Perry, and members of the Committee on Taxation, I am Melanie Sturm, the Forests and Wildlife Director at the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM), and I appreciate the opportunity to provide testimony Read More
NOAA Ignores Science Showing Extinction Threat for Atlantic Salmon
An analysis released today by NOAA Fisheries ignores the threat to sea-run fish posed by four dams on Maine’s Kennebec River, according to a leading fisheries biologist and local Maine conservationists. The decision specifically understates the potential for extinction of endangered Atlantic salmon if the four dams are allowed to continue operating. “We have Read More
LD 993, An Act to Facilitate Stakeholder Input Regarding Forest Policy in Maine
Testimony in Support of LD 993, An Act to Facilitate Stakeholder Input Regarding Forest Policy in Maine Senator Ingwersen, Representative Pluecker, 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 appreciate the opportunity to Read More
LD 57, An Act to Amend Maine’s Endangered and Threatened Species List
Testimony in support of LD 57, An Act to Amend Maine’s Endangered and Threatened Species List Senator LaFountain, Representative Landry, and distinguished members of the Committee on Inland Fisheries and Wildlife; I am Dr. Jeff Wells. I am a long-time member of the Natural Resources Council of Maine, a Fellow of the Cornell Lab of Read More
New Zoning Plan Charts Positive Path Forward for Maine’s Moosehead Region
Thousands of visitors and residents are drawn to Maine’s Moosehead Lake region every year to experience the spectacular clean waters, forests, and wildlife. The Plum Creek proposal in the early 2000s threatened to damage that unique character with sprawling development and was met with intense opposition. Eventually, the landowner, Weyerhaeuser, withdrew the plan in 2020. Read More
What’s New at Maine’s Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument
As the end of peak summer vacation season draws near, fall adventuring awaits for those who relish crisp temperatures and fewer cars on the roads (and in parking lots). Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument has been buzzing with activity this summer in wonderful ways. Read on for updates from the Friends of Katahdin Woods Read More
Balanced Land Use Plan Will Protect Unique Character of Moosehead Region
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
