PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • June 21, 2022
Despite the threats, piping plover populations are thriving, doing better than they have in decades. Last year was yet another record-breaking year for federally threatened and state endangered piping plovers in Maine. Success is due in large part to the Endangered Species Act. Federal protection brought funding for efforts to identify and protect Piping Plover nests, and facilitated the communication and collaboration. It’s been working, but without continued support of the Endangered Species Act other Maine species may not be so successful. Bat populations have dropped by more than 95% in Maine. Sea turtles, Atlantic Salmon, and marine mammals are at grave risk from a changing Gulf of Maine. We must ensure a strong Endangered Species Act to allow us to respond to new threats. ~ Laura Williams, Maine Audubon