By Steve Mistler Maine Public news story Listen to full news story. Democratic Gov. Janet Mills is backing a $95 million bond proposal for the Land for Maine Future program and improvements at state-owned parks and historic sites, although she says the total amount of the package could shrink. The borrowing package was recommended by Read More
state parks
Coalition Calls for State to Borrow $95 Million to Get Conservation “Back on Track”
Legislative approval and a referendum would be needed to borrow the money, which would be allocated under the Land for Maine’s Future program. By Kevin Miller, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story AUGUSTA — Conservation and outdoor recreation groups are recommending that Maine borrow $95 million to dramatically increase land protection efforts and tackle a Read More
NRCM Testimony on LD 233, An Act To Move the Bureau of Parks and Lands from the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry to the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife
Good afternoon Senator Dill, Representative Hickman, and members of the Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry Committee. My name is Cathy Johnson. I live in Alna. I am here today on behalf of the 20,000 members and supporters of the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM). I commend Rep. Skolfield for bringing this issue to the fore. Read More
LePage Plan to Outsource State Park Jobs Questioned
A lawmaker says outsourcing workers because of poor equipment is like eliminating a state trooper whose cruiser is dying. by Kevin Miller, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story AUGUSTA — LePage administration proposals to outsource two dozen state park jobs and eliminate conservation-related positions received a chilly reception from some lawmakers and advocacy groups Read More
NRCM Testimony in Opposition to 2018-19 Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Biennial Budget
Good afternoon Senator Hamper, Representative Gattine, and Members of the Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee, and Senator Davis, Representative Dunphy, and Members of the Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry Committee. My name is Eliza Donoghue. I am here today on behalf of the 19,000 members and supporters of the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM) to Read More
With Maine Parks, Don’t Mess with Success
Privatizing positions would make for a worse experience at state parks. By The Editorial Board Central Maine newspapers Whether they’re delving into Maine’s history at Colonial Pemaquid, collecting shells at Popham Beach or fishing at Lake St. George, residents and visitors alike love Maine’s state parks. And research shows that knowledgeable and helpful staff are Read More
How Would LePage’s Plan to Outsource Park Jobs Affect Visitors?
Conservation advocates believe replacing the current staff would hurt the visitor experience, but the state says the change comes with benefits. by Kevin Miller, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story AUGUSTA — Conservation advocates are raising concerns about Gov. Paul LePage’s proposal to outsource two dozen jobs at Maine’s state parks and to eliminate Read More
Legislature’s Public Lands Commission Slams Forest Door on Governor’s Demands
By George Smith Bangor Daily News column A special Commission organized by the legislature to respond to Governor Paul LePage’s demands that money be diverted from the Public Lands Bureau to fund heating assistance has unanimously rejected those demands, effectively shutting the forest door on the Governor. But the Commission did vote to divert some surplus Read More
Androscoggin Riverlands Offers Wilderness Experience Close to Cities
Maine’s newest state park, in Turner, hopes to attract more visitors. FOR MORE on Androscoggin Riverlands, including a trail map and descriptions, directions and other information: www.maine.gov/dacf/parksearch/PropertyGuides/Maps/FullSize/androscogginriverlandsmap.pdf. By Deirdre Fleming, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald news story TURNER — Imagine taking a canoe trip in Maine that passes undeveloped land with no signs of life Read More
