Largest Fine for Logging Law Violations in Maine History and Widespread Damage to Deer Wintering Habitat NRCM news release Documents gathered using Maine’s Freedom of Access Act (FOAA) disclose that this year Plum Creek was charged a $57,000 fine — the largest fine ever assessed in history for breaking Maine’s timber harvesting laws. Other documents Read More
Maine Environmental News
Maine environmental news often comes quickly and with little warning. Stay up to date on Maine environment news.
From issues such as climate change, healthy waters, Maine forests and wildlife, and sustainability—and environmental policy that could impact them—you’ll find NRCM’s up-to-the-minute news releases to see our perspective on the most pressing issues facing Maine’s land, air, waters, and wildlife. This includes findings relating to our role as Maine’s watchdog of activities of state environmental agencies—we stand ready to blow the whistle when regulations are not enforced.
You can also find our news “round up,” News & Noteworthy, which puts the spotlight on media stories that do a particularly good job capturing current news about Maine's environment. We hope you find this part of our website helpful and informative!
Allagash Wilderness Waterway Deserves Stronger Protection
By Dean and Sheila Bennett Maine Sunday Telegram op-ed On the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the creation of the Allagash Wilderness Waterway, it is important to recognize and appreciate what the voters of Maine did in November 1966 when they approved a bond issue to develop the maximum wilderness character of the land Read More
More Mainers Oppose Plum Creek Plan for Moosehead
Poll Shows Growing Opposition Despite Plum Creek Media Campaign AUGUSTA, MAINE – A new public opinion poll reveals that Maine people by a growing and overwhelming margin oppose Plum Creek’s proposed development for the Moosehead Lake region. The survey results are striking because they come after Plum Creek Real Estate Investment Trust has funded a Read More
Extent of Mercury Pollution More Widespread, Report Shows
Maine Wildlife Ranging from Loons to Otters to Bald Eagles at Risk National Wildlife Federation * Natural Resources Council of Maine PORTLAND – Mercury pollution is making its way into nearly every habitat in the U.S., exposing countless species of wildlife to potentially harmful levels of mercury, a new report from the National Wildlife Federation Read More
Maine Coast Could Be Devastated by Global Warming
Analysis Shows Major Impacts to Homes, Economy, and Environment PORTLAND, MAINE – Today, the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM) released one of the most complete depictions ever done of the potential impacts on Maine’s coastline from rising sea levels due to global warming. Using the latest available science, NRCM’s analysis shows that coastal businesses, Read More
Where Global Warming is Projected to Flood Maine Coast
NRCM statement Good morning and welcome. My name is Dylan Voorhees and I’m the Clean Energy Director at the Natural Resource Council of Maine. Today the Natural Resources Council of Maine is revealing what we believe to be the most comprehensive look to date at the impact of sea-level rise on the coast of Maine. Read More
Removal of Dam Ready to Begin
By Larry Grard, Staff Writer Kennebec Journal news story NORRIDGEWOCK — Breaching of the Sandy River Dam, a project designed to restore salmon and other sea-run fish from the Kennebec, is scheduled to begin this morning. Contractors will begin the removal of the dam located between Norridgewock and Starks on the Sandy River. The dam Read More
NRCM Supports Scaled-down Version of Redington Wind Power Project
NRCM news release The Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM) today announced its support for a modified version of a wind power project proposed by Maine Mountain Power for two mountains located near the Appalachian Trail in Western Maine. One week before public hearings are set to begin on the project, NRCM is urging both proponents Read More
Moosehead — Furor in the Forest
By Jeff Clark Down East Magazine Plum Creek is proposing the largest development in Maine history around Moosehead Lake. Is this the end of the North Woods or its economic salvation? Either way northern Maine will never be the same. Luke Muzzy figures that twenty years from now the people of Greenville will either consider Read More
