The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (Arctic Refuge) is a place of spectacular beauty as well as ecological and cultural significance, but right now it’s vulnerable to oil and gas development. These industries threaten to pollute our air and water, degrade public lands, and ruin an Indigenous way of life. As Mainers we value our public lands and the space they provide for recreation and wildlife conservation just Read More
Endangered Species Act
Five Endangered Species from Maine You Should Know About
Each species has an important ecological role to play in the web of life. Diverse ecosystems are more resilient to change, and collectively, the planet’s array of plants and animals provide valuable services, helping clean our air and water, cycle nutrients, prevent erosion, provide food and fiber, offer recreational opportunities and places of solace, and Read More
May 27, 2021: An Inside Look at Maine’s Threatened and Endangered Species
NRCM and Maine Audubon celebrated the legacy of Rachel Carson on her birthday and shared information about Maine’s threatened and endangered species. Carson’s work inspired the nation to act to protect imperiled species including the Bald Eagle, which has since made a remarkable recovery. Participants learned about ongoing efforts to protect and restore imperiled Piping Read More
Brookfield Faces Lawsuit for Violations of Endangered Species Act on Kennebec River
May 13, 2021 (Augusta, ME) — Three conservation groups have announced they intend to sue the international energy giant Brookfield Renewable Partners (Brookfield) for repeated violations of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) on Maine’s Kennebec River. Brookfield’s four dams located between Waterville and Skowhegan are threatening the survival of endangered Atlantic salmon, according to a Read More
Why Biodiversity Matters to Maine and the World
Spotting a Canada lynx is an exciting, once-in-a-lifetime moment for many in Maine’s North Woods. As is watching a wild Atlantic salmon swim upstream to spawn or a Piping Plover trot across a sandy beach. These inspiring animals have something in common not only because they wow us when we have the opportunity to see Read More
Fearing Changes to Endangered Species Act, Conservationists Point to Bald Eagle’s Soaring Success
The 50th annual Bald Eagle cruise on Merrymeeting Bay highlights the robust comeback of the species. By Deirdre Fleming, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story BOOTHBAY HARBOR — Chris Kenty and Jim Walters came from Philadelphia for Maine Audubon’s 50th annual bald eagle cruise on Merrymeeting Bay, but not for the novelty of seeing Read More
New Rules Place At-risk Species Further in Peril
Proposals favoring industry over conservation won’t improve the Endangered Species Act. By The Editorial Board Portland Press Herald editorial It says something about the politics of the time that in 1973, the Endangered Species Act passed Congress overwhelmingly – 355-4 in the House of Representatives! – before it was signed into law by Republican President Read More
Endangered Species Act Stripped of Key Provisions in Trump Administration Proposal
by Darryl Fears Washington Post news story The proposal [to change the Endangered Species Act], announced jointly by the Interior and Commerce departments, which are charged with protecting endangered wildlife, would end the practice of extending similar protections to species regardless of whether they are listed as endangered or threatened. If the proposal is approved, Read More
Chaplain Grateful for Endangered Species Act
Pray that our congressional delegation recognizes and values the importance of this landmark law. By Macauley Lord, resident of Brunswick, an Episcopal chaplain and a fly-fishing guide Portland Press Herald op-ed BRUNSWICK — When a Republican president signed the Endangered Species Act into law in 1973, he probably could not have dreamed how effective it Read More
