Maine’s Public Reserved Lands are among our state’s most treasured lands—but many people don’t know it! They include much-loved places like Tumbledown, Grafton Notch, Kennebec Highlands, Bigelow Preserve, and many more. In fact, Maine has approximately 600,000 acres of Public Reserved Lands in more than 30 separate parcels located across the state. They are enjoyed Read More
Outdoor Recreation
Maine's environment offers many opportunities to enjoy outdoor recreation, whether it be paddling, bird watching, hiking, cross-country skiing, hunting, fishing, or other activities, Maine has beautiful lakes, forests, trails, and coastline to explore. Outdoor recreation is an important part of Maine's economy as well as a reason for Maine to preserve and protect as much public land as we can, so it is available for us to enjoy now, as well as for future generations.
Money for Maine Goes Elsewhere When Land Conservation Projects Stall
By The BDN Editorial Board Bangor Daily News editorial With little explanation, the LePage administration has decided not to pursue federal conservation money the state has used for decades to maintain working forestland while ensuring public recreational access. This move comes after Gov. Paul LePage earlier this year essentially shut down the state’s Land for Read More
My Maine This Week: Sandy Holt Snide
Descending Borestone Mountain in Elliottsville, Maine. “I took this photo on October 19, 2014. A group of hikers climbed Borestone on that day with Maine Guide Victor Morin, Director of Connecting With Nature (a program through The JD Foundation). This is a great hike with a beautiful view from the top.” Photo by Sandy Holt Snide of Parkman, Read More
Widespread Support in Maine, Across U.S. for New National Park
Petition Signers in 80% of Maine Towns, 50 States, and 53 Nations News release The petition was signed by more than 13,500 individuals living in 371 Maine towns, all 50 states, and 53 countries. The group also released a list of endorsements from groups, businesses, and individuals, and a compilation of public opinion surveys documenting Read More
LePage’s Strange Grudge Puts Working Forest at Risk
Instead of accepting federal funds to conserve land, Maine will take its chances this year. By The Editorial Board Portland Press Herald editorial The projects that have protected some of Maine’s most cherished areas are the result of complex work that can take years. The one assurance through long negotiations and tedious legal work is that, Read More
Why A National Park Makes Sense for Maine’s North Woods
By The BDN Editorial Board Bangor News editorial A Maine North Woods national park has been the subject of debate for more than two decades. In that time, the economic landscape of the Katahdin region has shifted dramatically — for the worse — and the ownership of much of the timberland stretching from Millinocket to Read More
A Summer Adventure on Maine’s Public Reserved Lands
You could spend both ends of your vacation driving or flying to beautiful spots all over the country or the world. Or you could use those travel days to fit in yet more adventures on Maine’s Public Reserved Lands. These lands belong to us. They are must-see destinations for adventurers from Maine and travelers from all over the Read More
Maine’s North Woods Have Precisely What Most of the World is Missing
By Alexandra Conover Bennett, Special to the BDN Bangor Daily News op-ed Several decades ago, as a young Registered Maine Guide, one of the first canoe trips I led was along the rolling waters of the East Branch of the Penobscot River just east of Baxter State Park. Nowadays, the river and surrounding land is Read More
Photo Contest Puts Focus on “Our Maine Lands”
“I Love Our Maine Lands” contest seeks photos of Tumbledown, Kennebec Highlands, Bold Coast, and other beloved Public Reserved Lands NRCM News Release Augusta, ME—Now through Monday, October 26, the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM) is inviting everyone to participate in the “I Love Our Maine Lands” photo contest. “Participation is fun and simple,” Read More