The Kennebec River experienced a dramatic resurgence in sea-run fish populations, water quality, and wildlife with the removal of the Edwards Dam in 1999. The restored river has also helped revitalize riverfront communities. We need to continue this success by restoring access for sea-run fish to the Kennebec above Waterville. Right now, the Federal Energy Read More
Waters
Clean, healthy waterways are vital to our day-to-day lives. They help ensure safe drinking water, suitable habitat for fish and other wildlife, and recreational opportunities that make Maine a special place to live, work, and visit. NRCM has been working on clean water issues since we were founded in 1959 to protect the Allagash.
NRCM continues to advocate for clean and healthy waters across Maine. Read more news & blogs about our work to protect Maine's beautiful rivers, lakes, and streams.
Support of LD 1471 as Amended to Codify Major Substantive Changes to Chapter 200 (Mining Rules)
Good afternoon, Senator Brenner, Representative Gramlich, and members of the ENR Committee. My name is Nick Bennett, and I am the staff scientist for the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM). NRCM is Maine’s largest environmental advocacy group with more than 30,000 members and supporters. I am commenting in support of the Department of Environmental Read More
Pickett Mountain Mining Proposal Rejected
Decision comes after overwhelming opposition from Wabanaki Tribes, local businesses, and conservation groups Penobscot Nation | Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians | Natural Resources Council of Maine | Conservation Law Foundation | Maine Audubon | Earthjustice News release February 14, 2024 (Brewer, ME) The Land Use Planning Commission (LUPC) has firmly rejected a mining proposal Read More
LD 2101, An Act to Strengthen Shoreland Zoning Enforcement
Good afternoon, Senator Nangle, Representative Stover, and members of the Committee on State and Local Government. My name is Nick Bennett, and I am the Staff Scientist with the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM). NRCM is Maine’s largest environmental advocacy group with more than 30,000 members and supporters. I am testifying in support of Read More
Maine Voices Opposed to Wolfden’s Mining
As the Land Use Planning Commission (LUPC) prepares to make its decision regarding Wolfden Resources’ flawed mining proposal, more than a thousand Mainers, local businesses, Wabanaki tribes, government agencies, and conservation and philanthropic organizations have submitted written testimony opposed to the project because it’s too big of a risk for Maine. The broad range of Read More
Your Questions Answered: Wolfden’s Proposed Pickett Mountain Mine
An untested and underfunded company called Wolfden Resources has submitted a second rezoning petition to the Land Use Planning Commission (LUPC) to allow for the development of a zinc mine near Pickett Mountain in the Katahdin region. The Canada-based exploration and development company focused on metallic mining deposits was forced to withdraw its first application Read More
October 16-17, 2023: Pickett Mountain Mine Public Comment Sessions, Millinocket
Public Comment Sessions: The Katahdin Region is No Place for a Mine An untested and underfunded company, Canada-based Wolfden Resources Corporation, Inc. has proposed building a zinc metal mine at Pickett Mountain, in the shadow of Baxter State Park and the Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument. The Land Use Planning Commission (the LUPC) held Read More
Roadmap for Taking Swift Action against the Threat of Residential Mining
In mid-February of 2023, residents in the towns of Union and Warren were stunned when they learned that Canadian company Exiro would be coming to town to pitch a proposal for exploring known nickel deposits in and around Crawford Pond—a body of water that spans both towns. By the time Exiro arrived, trying to persuade Read More
Stepping Back in Time in Maine’s North Woods: Part 1
Part 1: Bradford Camps and Big Reed Pond In honor of the 50th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act, the Natural Resources Council of Maine is partnering with Maine photographer Nathaniel Child on a blog and photography series to bring awareness to some of Maine’s threatened and endangered species and their habitat. His first blog Read More