Protecting Maine's Environment

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Old growth forest bathed in afternoon light on the shore of Big Reed Pond

Protecting Maine's North Woods: Explore What's at Stake

The North Woods isn’t just a place. It’s a way of life. Maine’s economy, outdoor traditions, and natural heritage wouldn’t be the same without the North Woods as we know it. It provides globally significant habitat for wildlife like Canada lynx, Bicknell’s Thrush, and native brook trout, and serves as one of the largest carbon sinks east of the Mississippi. But that future is not guaranteed.

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New Podcast: Maine's Environment in the 2025 Legislative Session—Progress & Outcomes

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News from NRCM

Maine Finalizes Nation-Leading EPR for Packaging Program

December 5, 2024 (Augusta, ME) – The Maine Board of Environmental Protection today finalized rules for a first-in-the-nation Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for Packaging law that will save taxpayers money and improve recycling by holding corporations accountable for the wasteful packaging they produce.   “Today’s vote is great news for Maine taxpayers and our environment,” said Read More

NRCM Urges Senators Collins, King Not to Undermine Senate Confirmation Process for Nominees

November 25, 2024 (Augusta, ME) — Maine’s leading environmental advocacy organization today urged Senators Susan Collins and Angus King to insist that the full, deliberative “advice and consent” process be pursued in the U.S. Senate for nominees to federal agencies that play a critical role in helping protect Maine’s environment.   The Natural Resources Council of Read More

Updated Climate Action Plan is Opportunity for Maine to Lead

The Maine Climate Council released its updated Climate Action Plan (view PDF) today as is statutorily required under a bipartisan climate law passed in 2019.   Since the first Climate Action Plan was published in 2020, the impacts of climate change have become more pronounced, causing damage to critical infrastructure, harm to local communities, and interruptions Read More

Potato Chip Birds—Five Cool and Surprising Facts

New Efficiency Maine Plan Will Deliver Hundreds of Millions in Savings

Here's How the Reconciliation Bill is Harmful to Maine

Wood turtle, photo by Pam Wells

Creature Feature

Wood Turtle

According to the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife, the wood turtle is one of Maine’s rarest turtles and is listed as a species of “Special Concern.” It is found statewide, but wild populations are decreasing. On a positive note, it’s a long-lived species: up to 40 years in the wild. Learn more in our newest Creature Feature.

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Protecting the nature of Maine since 1959, by harnessing the power of science, the law, and the voices of people who value Maine's environment.

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Enjoy the Great Outdoors

Find hiking trails, cross-country ski and snowshoeing trails, paddles, bike paths, accessible trails, & more with our interactive Explore Maine Map. View the map & learn more.

Learn about our Maine Sporting Camp & Outdoor Recreation Discount Program.

Shop for NRCM T-shirts, Caps, Totes, & More

Purchase our limited-edition merchandise, with original artwork by local artist Mel Andrel. You can also find made-in-the-USA caps, totes, & more, all in support of our work to protect the nature of Maine.
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Attend an Event

Find out about events & webinars NRCM is hosting or taking part in throughout Maine. Plan to attend!
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My Maine This Week

banner-Tomhegan-wilderness-Dellascio

My Maine This Week: Tomhegan Sunset by Michelle Dellascio

orange sky over mountains at sunset

My Maine This Week: Solon Sunset by Gerard Austin

fish jumping out of the water

My Maine This Week: Leaping Sturgeon by David Preston

Banner photo: The Bubbles, Acadia National Park, by Gerard Monteux