Policy
Maine Policy News
Up to $100K Available for Community Forestry Projects in Maine Towns
Project Canopy, the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry’s community forestry program, will award $100,000 in grants to local governments, municipalities, educational institutions, and non-profit organizations that support efforts to develop and maintain long-term community forestry programs.…
Senator Collins Announces $245,000 for Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians to Purchase Snow Removal Equipment
U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the Chairman of the Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee, announced today that the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians have received $245,000 to purchase snow removal equipment, including a loader and snow plow, to maintain the safety of their roads in Aroostook County during inclement weather.…
The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Introduces Refreshed Agricultural Marketing Program
The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) today announced a refresh of its core agricultural marketing program logo. DACF unveiled a modernized logo that aligns with the Department’s updated strategic vision for the branding program. The logo unveiling and announcement come as thousands of agricultural producers, suppliers, and educators gather for DACFs 79th Maine Agricultural Trades Show.…
MaineDOT Releases New Three-Year Work Plan Amid Funding Challenges
The Maine Department of Transportation has released the 2020 Edition of its Three-Year Work Plan. This Work Plan includes all capital projects and programs, maintenance and operations activities, planning initiatives, and administrative functions for calendar years 2020, 2021, and 2022. It includes 2,051 individual work items with a total estimated value of $2.59 billion.…
LUPC Vote Decides NECEC Meets Zoning and Land Use Standards
The Land Use Planning Commission (LUPC) today decided that CMPs proposed NECEC project is an allowed use within the subdistricts in which it is proposed and meets all land use standards established by the Commission that are not duplicative of those considered by the DEP in its review under the Site Location of Development Law.…
Views on New Right Whale Rules & Lobstermen
DMR whale plan reflects practicality, federal reality
As I write this, DMR staff are making final changes to our proposed whale rules that I’ll submit to NOAA Fisheries in early December. These changes are based on…
Lobstermen worry about impact of state’s whale plan
Lobstermen turned out by the hundreds last month to learn about the state’s plan to reduce entanglement risk from the Maine lobster fishery to right whales. In early November……
The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Sends Comments to USDA on Interim Final Hemp Rule
The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry has issued its comments to the USDA on the Interim Final Hemp Rule, expressing concerns with proposed requirements that have the potential to adversely affect the growth of the hemp industry in Maine. The comments come after a thorough analysis by state officials and include feedback from Maine farmers.…
Now Through Mid-April Is The Time To Eliminate Browntail Caterpillars
Browntail caterpillars spend the winter webbed in silken wrapped leaves on the tips of hardwood branches, especially oak and fruit trees. Now through mid-April is when to look for the bright white silk tying a few leaves to the tips of oak and fruit tree branches.
If you see a web, clip it out and destroy it by dropping it in a bucket of soapy water and soaking it overnight; do not leave it on the ground. The caterpillars become active as soon as warmer weather arrives, so do this task as soon as possible. It is also important to clip webs before mid-April because of the increased risk of toxic hair exposure.…