The second session of the 128th Maine Legislature is upon us, and Maine Audubon's advocacy team is in full gear. We're prepared to advance protections for water, land, and wildlife, and defend against efforts to undermine existing environmental safeguards. We're going to need your help. In order …
Policy & Advocacy
Is the Endangered Species Act an endangered species?
As a biologist and the director of Maine Audubon's Coastal Birds Project, I see first-hand how essential the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) is for protecting our most at-risk flora and fauna. The Piping Plover is listed as a threatened species under the ESA. As a listed species, that means …
Oil drilling in the Arctic will spoil coastal plains
On November 27, 2017, Maine Audubon's wildlife biologist Susan Gallo wrote an op-ed for the Bangor Daily News on the need to protect the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge from oil drilling. Despite urging from Maine Audubon and the environmental community, Senator Collins voted for a tax bill …
Why the new transportation bond is great news for Maine’s wildlife
We were thrilled to see that Maine voters passed Question 3 in this week's election by a very comfortable margin (72 percent!). This newly-approved transportation bond includes $5 million for municipal culvert upgrades -- which is excellent news for Maine's wildlife. Water resources are vital …
2017 Legislative Summary
The November 2016 elections brought new faces to the Maine Legislature and to the committees that analyze environmental issues, all within a political climate in which vetoes from the Governor have come to be expected. The session was extended beyond its June adjournment date because of stalled …
Maine Audubon receives $97,000 grant to improve habitat in Kennebec River watershed
This month, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) announced $1.2 million in funding to “protect and restore fish and wildlife habitat in New England.” This includes a grant of $96,368 to Maine Audubon to improve mature forest habitat for forest-dwelling birds. Our work through this …
My DC “Fly in” to protect ANWR for wildlife
Although Maine Audubon's lens is usually (and rightly) focused on wildlife and habitat issues within the state of Maine, there are times when issues "from away" warrant our time and attention. The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) is one of those. Maine is an unparalleled fall destination …
Meet Eliza Donoghue, Maine Audubon’s new staff advocate
One of Maine Audubon's key roles in the state is to advocate for policies that are good for Maine's wildlife and habitat. Our staff advocate leads that critical and sensitive work, operating in Augusta and around the state in support of the organization's priorities. We are excited to announce …
Action Alert: Time to override the governor’s solar veto
We are *so close* to having a new solar power law. The full House and Senate enacted LD 1504 (with amendments) by overwhelming majorities. Today, as expected, it was vetoed by the Governor. Please contact your legislators and urge them to override the veto of LD 1504. This solar bill is an …