Editorial
“Transparently honest” … “balanced and clear-sighted” … “an inspiration and a crusader, a leader and an agitator” … “Dean of Green” … “Maine’s other Carson” (besides Rachel).
These are some of the things being said about Brownie Carson as friends and colleagues celebrate the 20th anniversary of his becoming executive director of the Natural Resources Council of Maine. To mark the milestone, former Sen. George Mitchell will be the keynote speaker at Maine’s leading environmental organization’s annual meeting Friday.
Guided by Carson, the NRCM has fought to protect our water, air, forests and wildlife for future generations. The 21 major accomplishments credited to Carson’s tenure include:
— Down East Magazine’s Environmental Award in 1985 for being “in the forefront of every major environmental battle in the state.”>/p>
— Establishing Maine’s landmark recycling law in 1989, which has reduced the state’s waste stream by 40 percent.
— Protecting Baxter State Park in 1997 from development northwest of the park.
— Convincing the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to free the Kennebec River by removing the Edwards Dam in 1999.
— Winning significant reductions in air pollution from the smokestacks of Wyman Power Station in Yarmouth in 2001.
— A 2003 deal to restore access to 500 miles of habitat for Atlantic salmon on the Penobscot River through dam removals.
As Joan Benoit Samuelson has said, “He seems to cover all the bases on Maine’s environment, which is so near and dear to those of us who choose to live here.”>/p>
We will salute Brownie Carson for his vigilant leadership with a feature story in Friday’s paper. Don’t miss it!
