Column: How to improve your bird identification skills

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • March 1, 2025

When it comes to building bird identification skills, I propose that there are five levels of proficiency. Level one: identification by sight. Tip: Don’t rely on color. Rely on field marks. Color can vary by age, gender and season. Field marks are more consistent. Level two: identification-by-sound. Tip: 20 percent of the birds make 80 percent of the noise. Learn to recognize the bird songs you hear most often. Level three: bird ranges. Tip: Wherever you are going, get familiar with what birds to expect there. Level four: habitats. Tip: Recognize habitat preferences. Level five: bird behaviors. Tip: Observe behavior. Duh. ~ Bob Duchesne

A 50-year-old event helps Maine’s fishing industry hash out its differences

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • March 1, 2025

An annual weekend event that brings together fishermen with scientists, government officials and industry observers is celebrating its 50th anniversary in Rockport. The Maine Fishermen’s Forum, which was first held in 1976, is being held this weekend at The Samoset Resort, overlooking Penobscot Bay. The conference over the years has become both a forum to discuss fisheries policy and management and a place to socialize and get to know other people involved with the industry. And, to longtime attendees, it has morphed into an event where people on different sides of issues can come to agreements that otherwise would remain elusive.

Town officials and homeowners rally in support of bipartisan climate preparedness bill

MAINE MONITOR • February 28, 2025

Maine lawmakers on Thursday heard overwhelming support for a bipartisan bill that would bolster the state’s disaster preparedness efforts and provide millions of dollars in grants to fortify Maine homes and local infrastructure against climate change-fueled storms. The bill, L.D. 1, was received warmly by members of both parties at a public hearing. The bill would create three new initiatives, largely in response to the recommendations of a state climate resilience commission, whose members urged the state to improve emergency communications, help small Maine communities navigate federal disaster assistance, and buttress homes and infrastructure before the next disaster strikes. The third initiative would establish a new state fund with $750,000 matching funds to leverage the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s loan fund.

Trump Says US Doesn’t Need Canada’s Timber, And Wyoming’s Lumber Industry Agrees

COWBOY STATE DAILY • February 28, 2025

Wyoming has a small, struggling lumber industry that has been on life support of late, and it was heartened to hear President Donald Trump say that America doesn’t need lumber from Canada. Neiman Enterprises, Inc., owned by Jim Neiman, is one of Wyoming’s last remaining large lumber production companies. A larger supply would cure many of the ills Wyoming’s lumber industry has faced and would bring his own business back to full vitality, Neiman said.

Lewiston plans to begin $5M in riverfront upgrades next year

SUN JOURNAL • February 28, 2025

The city is nearing the start of major upgrades to the riverfront and Simard-Payne Memorial Park worth more than $5 million, likely to be set in motion during budget talks this spring. The list of projects, including a community pavilion in the park and overlooks and steps down to the canal along Oxford Street, are part of the city’s Riverfront Island Master Plan. In early 2024, the city received nearly $4 million in federal funding toward the improvements. City leaders are hoping to encourage more recreational use on the riverfront, but also new economic activity to capitalize on the coming development of Maine MILL, which stands for Maine Museum of Innovation, Learning and Labor.

Lawmaker wants Maine to help farmers hurt by federal funding freeze

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • February 28, 2025

A state lawmaker has submitted an after-deadline bill to create a state-funded, no-interest loan program to help Maine farmers struggling to survive a federal funding freeze that has left them on the hook for at least $1 million in unreimbursed expenses. Sen. Stacy Brenner, D-Scarborough, says Maine farmers shouldn’t face financial ruin for believing the U.S. Department of Agriculture would honor long-term contracts through agricultural programs that have enjoyed bipartisan support, some of which date to the Dust Bowl era. Maine can’t afford to lose any more farms, said Brenner.

CMP seeks $228 million for 2024 storm repair costs

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • February 28, 2025

Central Maine Power Co. on Friday asked state regulators for approval to collect $228 million from ratepayers to cover the costs of restoring power and cleaning up after more than two dozen storms last year. Public Advocate Heather Sanborn said CMP’s request marks the third consecutive year the utility has had more than $100 million in storm costs and “demonstrates the urgent need for utilities to take comprehensive and cost-effective steps to reduce storm costs.”

Conservation of Wood Turtles in Maine, Mar 13

MAINE ENVIRONMENTAL NEWS • February 28, 2025

Although the state is home to six species of freshwater turtles, the wood turtle is particularly notable for its intelligence, unique life history, and role in Maine’s ecosystems. While populations are declining throughout much of the eastern United States, Maine remains a stronghold for this species. Matt Chatfield, Ph.D., has spent nearly a decade studying wood turtles, uncovering new insights into their ecology and behavior. His presentation will highlight the importance of habitat conservation and ongoing efforts to protect these remarkable turtles. Sponsored by Kennebec Land Trust and Maine Association of Conservation Commissions. At Hallowell City Auditorium, March 13, 2025, 6 pm.

New Forever Stamps Capture the Beauty of the Appalachian Trail

USPS • February 28, 2025

A first-day-of-issue dedication ceremony for the Appalachian Trail Forever stamps was held today. On the first row, is an image of the iconic Mount [sic] Katahdin in Maine. 

A Peace of Forest, Mar 29

MAINE ENVIRONMENTAL NEWS • February 28, 2025

Within 70 acres of Maine forest, in Whitefield, lies a world rarely traversed by humans. This is not a wilderness. There are no grand vistas. This ordinary terrain is unremarkable at first glance. Yet, its subdued riches provide crucial habitat for a vast wealth of plants and animals that are often overlooked. The film makers and producers, Lee Ann and Thomas Szelog will host a Q&A with the audience immediately following the movie. At Univ of Southern Maine, Hannaford Hall, March 29, 2025, 7 pm.

Tides of Change: Climate Action Through Conservation, Mar 27

MAINE COAST HERITAGE TRUST • February 28, 2025

News Center Maine’s evening meteorologist Keith Carson will talk about how the climate change conversation has changed over the last 15 years in his signature style of making complex weather and climate information both accessible and engaging. Info, food, raffle, on-site screenprinting. At Maine Beer Company, Freeport, Maine, March 27, 2025, 6-9 pm, tickets start at $25. Sponsored by Maine Coast Heritage Trust.

Restoration of Maine’s Longest River: The Unprecedented Cleanup of the Mighty Penobscot, Mar 3

UMAINE • February 28, 2025

Lauri Gorton, Program Manager, Greenfield Penobscot Estuary Remediation Trust LLC, will provide an overview of one of the largest environmental cleanups underway in Maine, designed to reduce exposure to mercury in the Penobscot River estuary – the state’s longest river. In 2022, the U.S. District Court in Maine approved a Consent Decree that created and funded two environmental response trusts to settle the 20-year lawsuit. As Greenfield’s Program Manager for the Penobscot Estuary Mercury Remediation Trust, Lauri is responsible for leading the trust’s technical, regulatory, and communications programs designed to address mercury contamination in the Estuary. The talk will be held virtually via Zoom and in-person at 107 Norman Smith Hall, UMaine, Orono, March 3, 2035, 3 pm.

Mingle with wildlife and be inspired, Mar 5

MAINE AUDUBON • February 28, 2025

Maine Audubon’s Wildlife Mingle events at Gilsland Farm features our friends at Center for Wildlife, a wildlife rehabilitation and conservation medicine organization in Cape Neddick. Whether you’re hoping for an inside look at a wildlife rehabilitation clinic—how do you care for a Spotted Salamander who is disturbed midwinter?—or look forward to hobnobbing with birds of prey, you’re bound to have a good time at the Winter Wildlife Mingle on March 5, 6:30 pm, $25 Members/$30 Nonmembers, 21+ only. Tickets are selling fast.

Maine 2024 Commercial Fisheries Value Increases by More than $74 Million

MAINE GOVERNMENT NEWS • February 28, 2025

Maine’s commercial harvesters earned $74 million more in 2024 than in 2023, with landings valued at $709,509,984, according to preliminary data release by the Maine Department of Marine Resources. The jump in overall value was due in large part to a year-over-year increase of more than $46 million earned by lobstermen at the dock. “2024 was a challenging year for Maine’s commercial fishing and aquaculture industries,” said Department of Marine Resources Commissioner Patrick Keliher. “The storms that destroyed docks and piers up and down the coast put these industries at serious risk. But the state has been able help rebuild damaged coastal infrastructure, make it more resilient to the effects of climate change, and protect critically important waterfront access for those who make a living on the water.”

Helping Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument

FRIENDS OF KATAHDIN WOODS & WATERS • February 28, 2025

The National Park Service is facing unprecedented challenges in 2025. With 1,000 NPS employees terminated, the NPS team at Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument may face changes to current staffing and recruitment. A bright spot: hiring of seasonal employees at the National Monument is moving forward, meaning some of the most critical visitor-facing rangers and maintenance jobs in the monument can be recruited. Monument staff are eager to continue providing accesss to these invaluable public lands and the experiences they offer. You can express your concerns to your elected officials directly or using a form like this one from National Parks Conservation Association.

Panel Discussion – Tekαkαpimək Contact Station at Katahdin Woods & Waters, Mar 24

UMAINE • February 28, 2025

Tekαkαpimək Contact Station and 23-acre site atop Lookout Mountain welcomes the global public to Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument within the present and traditional homeland of the Penobscot Nation. This free talk on March 24, 2025, 3 pm, will be held virtually via Zoom and in-person at 107 Norman Smith Hall, UMaine, Orono. Moderator: Darren Ranco, Chair of Native American Programs; Professor, Anthropology and Mitchell Center, UMaine. Panelists: Jennifer Neptune, Penobscot Nation; James Francis, Director of Cultural and Historic Preservation, Penobscot Nation; Gabe Frey, Passamaquoddy; Erin Hutton, Erin Hutton Projects.

Cross-Country Skiing in the Katahdin Region

Katahdin Woods & Waters National Scenic Byway • February 28, 2025

Maine’s Katahdin Region is a winter paradise for cross-country skiing enthusiasts. It offers diverse trails that wind through breathtaking landscapes, from towering pine forests to scenic riverbanks with stunning views of Katahdin, Maine’s highest peak! Here is a comprehensive travel guide to help you plan your trip. It includes details on where to ski, rent gear, book a guided tour, and find the best accommodations for a perfect cross-country skiing getaway.

Maine lobstermen hauled smallest catch in 15 years

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • February 28, 2025

Maine’s commercial fishermen hauled in 86 million pounds of lobster in 2024 — the smallest catch in nearly 15 years, according to data released by the state Friday morning. But the value of fishery increased by $46.4 million to $528.4 million last year. And lobstermen earned an average $6.14 per pound, up from $4.97. It’s the second highest price per pound of lobster in the history of Maine’s fishery.

Republicans push to end Maine solar subsidies, but key lawmaker says it’s unlikely

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • February 28, 2025

Republicans in the Maine Legislature on Thursday urged the repeal of solar and other clean energy subsidies they say are driving up the cost of electricity for Mainers while supporters of the so-called net energy billing program say it cost effectively advances zero-emissions energy. Rebecca Schultz, senior advocate for climate and clean energy at the Natural Resources Council of Maine, said the Republican legislation would end rooftop solar, barring the technology to individuals and households. The committee’s top Republican said it’s unlikely majority Democrats will agree to repeal the net energy billing program and may instead agree to compromise legislation.

‘What’s next?’: Acadia employee loses dream job during National Park Service terminations

MAINE MORNING STAR • February 28, 2025

In December, Ellen Blackwood started her dream as a recreation fee technician at Acadia National Park. Just two months later that dream was cut short. Blackwood was one of 1,000 newly hired National Park Service workers who were fired from their jobs as part of a Trump administration plan to downsize federal spending led by billionaire Elon Musk. “I’m definitely scared. I had just signed a lease for a place,” Blackwood said. “But also it’s very concerning to hear all of these federal agencies losing employees. It’s not just the Park Service.” The layoffs have led to concerns about longer lines into the park and for potentially unsafe conditions for visitors. At least seven of the eight Acadia jobs that were cut were funded from fee donations, not appropriated money. “So it’s not saving the government money. Twelve million dollars was brought in by my position and others like it at Acadia in 2024. Without us there, there’s just no way the park could collect that much in the future.”