Events & News
Sooner or later, just about any conversation on the future of forestry or conservation in Maine gets around to the topic of climate change. How will our woods and waters change, and what will the impacts be on recreation, wildlife, and our forest economy? Governor Mills has placed a high priority on addressing climate change, and I recently had the opportunity to meet with the Natural and Working Lands Group of the Maine Climate Council to discuss the role of forests and wetlands in a changing climate. We talked about wildlife at risk (e.g., Bicknell’s Thrush and Canada lynx), the impacts of shorter winters on outdoor recreation, and possible changes to Maine’s habitat types. We also talked about the role forests play in mitigating climate change. Forests, as it turns out, act as a great landscape-scale sponge for capturing carbon. In fact, it is estimated that Maine’s forests annually sequester more than half of the state’s carbon emissions from fossil fuels. Because of BPL’s careful, long-term management, the Bureau’s lands are particularly effective at capturing carbon dioxide. We’ve recently estimated that over the past 20 years the Bureau’s Public Lands have sequestered approximately 760,000 tons of carbon -- that’s enough to offset the emissions of more than 6,800 cars every year! Moving forward, we’ll continue to recognize this important role of our forests, as this additional ‘multiple use’ will be balanced with the other important functions of providing recreation, ecological protection, and forest management that supports rural communities. If you are interested in following the work of the Climate Council or the discussions of the Natural and Working Lands Group, follow those links to background, agendas, meeting minutes and more!
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Maine's ATV Task Force, created by Governor Mills to address opportunities and issues associated with increasing ATV registrations, submitted its report and recommendations to the Governor on January 9th, which include limits on ATV sizes and weights, and recognizes the importance of private landowners who allow public use of their land. A report presentation was also given to both the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and the Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Committees on January 27th.
The rising popularity of ATVs provides many economic benefits to towns and business throughout the state, particularly in rural Maine, which is why we must implement collaborative strategy that supports that growth, assists landowners in managing it, and continues to foster Maine's tradition as a premier outdoor recreation destination.
The Task Force met first on September 5, and throughout seven day-long meetings from September to December came up with recommendations designed to manage the growth of ATV use, foster the economic benefits of the outdoor recreation economy associated with ATVs, and protect landowners and the environment. View and download the report and recommendations.
"In a relatively short period of time, this Task Force examined a number of complex issues and provided reasonable and practical solutions that foster the economic growth of ATVs, assists and protects private landowners who allow public use of their lands, and protect and preserve Maine's outdoors," said MDIFW Commissioner Judy Camuso.
"The Governors ATV Task Force is presenting comprehensive recommendations and communications strategies that support ATV owners and private landowners, and maybe most importantly, funds for trail maintenance," said Amanda Beal, Commissioner, Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry.
Maine has over 6,000 miles of trails of ATV trails and registers over 70,000 ATVs annually.
For more information on the:
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The Boating Facilities Fund Grant Program is seeking proposals from local, state or other governmental agencies, as well as other entities for the development and/or renovation of public recreational boating facilities. The 2020-2021 application package is available online now. Please note that a pre-application site inspection must be requested by April 15th.
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Split Pea Soup
• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• 2 cups chopped onion
• 1 cup diced carrot
• 1 cup diced celery
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 1 lb dried split peas, rinsed & sorted
• 1 ham bone, with meat tidbits attached
• 2 large bay leaves
• 2 teaspoons thyme leaves, divided
• 6 cups chicken stock
• 1 cup small diced ham
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1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt butter. Add onion, carrot, celery, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Cook until vegetables are softened and just beginning to brown, 5-8 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more. Stir in split peas.
2. Add chicken stock, ham bone, bay leaves, and 1 teaspoon fresh thyme. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer uncovered for 60-90 minutes, stirring occasionally, until split peas are cooked down and soup is thickened to desired consistency. Make sure you stir more frequently as the soup begins to thicken and add a little additional stock or water if it gets too thick for your taste.
3. Remove ham bone, let cool slightly (until you can handle it or use a fork & knife). Removing any leftover tidbits of meat from the bone, and add that to the pot. Discard bone and bay leaves.
4. Add the diced ham during the last 15 minutes of cooking. When ready to serve, stir in the remaining 1 teaspoon fresh thyme. Season to taste with salt, if needed.
Contributed by Jen Neumeyer, Boating Facilities Secretary, Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands.
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Every 5 years, the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands develops a Maine Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) to remain eligible for the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund program (LWCF). LWCF provides matching funds to states for statewide outdoor recreation planning and acquisition and development of public outdoor recreation areas and facilities. Maine’s SCORP also communicates the top priorities for outdoor recreation in Maine and describes the state of outdoor recreation supply and demand. |
After substantial research and outreach, the Bureau has developed a new Maine SCORP emphasizing 5 themes:
- supporting active, engaged communities;
- addressing workforce attraction and retention through outdoor recreation;
- sustaining and growing tourism;
- promoting ecological and environmental resilience;
- investing in maintenance and stewardship.
These themes guide not only the use of LWCF funds in Maine but also provide a vision for continually improving the quality and supply of outdoor recreation opportunities in Maine.
Read the 2020-2024 SCORP
Learn more about:
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Research has shown that people living in snowy regions see snowmobiling as a great way to:
- Enjoy the beauty of winter
- Have fun with family and friends in the outdoors
- Go to unique places and see amazing sights
- Be physically active during winter
And snowmobile riders tend to be active year-round. They are outdoor enthusiasts who also enjoy: camping/RVing, boating, hunting, fishing, ATV riding, motorcycling, and golfing as well as many other outdoor pursuits.
If you are a snowmobile rider why not introduce one of your outdoorsy non-rider friends to the sport? If you are a snowmobile club member consider helping your club sponsor an area ride in your community to introduce folks to the joys of snowmobiling.
Tips for making a first-time ride fun and safe:
- Stay safe and provide a safety orientation to your passenger; be sure they have a helmet and suitable gear. Let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return. Be very familiar with your route and current trail and weather conditions before you head out. Trail Maps.
- Plan a short and easy looping or up-and-back ride. Consider a 1/2 day, daytime ride that includes a leisurely lunch break, example: 10 a.m. on trail, hot lunch at noon, end ride where started by 3:00 p.m.
If you are a non-rider that would like to get involved, call a local snowmobile club and ask if they are involved in the international Take A Friend Snowmobiling Week, and if they will connect you to an experienced rider that can take you on an introductory ride.
Get resources and learn more about Take a Friend Snowmobiling at snowmobile.org
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These old photos show Lake St. George State Park as it looked over fifty years ago. Did you or your family visit the park back then?
Start combing through your old photos of Maine's State Parks now. In an upcoming newsletter we will let you know how to submit your family's vintage photos of your park visits.
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Today Lake St. George State Park continues to be a a favorite location for lakeside camping, paddling, swimming and family gatherings as well as winter recreation. Located on Route 3 in Liberty, access is easy to the shore of crystal clear spring-fed Lake St. George and the park's amenities. A boat launch is located just west of the park on Route 3 for boaters.
Park brochure (PDF 1MB)
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Traps and Trails, held in partnership with the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, will be on Saturday, February 15th from noon to 4:00 p.m. at Range Pond State Park during the free fishing weekend - no fishing license required!
- The beginner ice fishing clinic for adults includes instruction, equipment, and bait.
- Explore the park's 4.1-mile trail network, including groomed xc-ski trails (weather permitting).
- Ski & Snowshoe Trailer will be on site for free equipment rentals.
- Fat tire bike demos.
- Cornhole boards available for use.
- Local food and drinks will be served.
For More information call Range Pond State Park at (207) 998-4104
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Ski & Snowshoe Trailer Schedule
The Maine State Parks Ski & Snowshoe Trailers continue making their rounds to offer free equipment loans for your Maine State Park adventure! View the full schedule as a flyer (PDF 272KB)
Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park, Freeport
Programs at Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park are held at 2:00 p.m., weather permitting.
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Signature Events Mark Maine's 200 Years
The Maine Bicentennial Commission is sponsoring five major events to celebrate Maine200:
- March 15 - Statehood Day in Augusta
- May 16 - Bicentennial Parade in Lewiston/Auburn
- June 21-July 20 - Sailing Ships Festival up and down the Maine coast
- Fall 2020 - Time Capsule Sealing in Augusta
Read all about these events and more at Maine200.org
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Send article suggestions or newsletter comments to Jocelyn Hubbell, Interpretive Specialist, webmaster, and newsletter editor for the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands.
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