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Visit a Scenic Byway
When the Federal Government creates a National Scenic Byway or All-American Road, it means something. Only the prettiest, most historic and most enjoyable drives in the country earn these titles. Maine has four:
The 40-mile Acadia All-American Road is so special that it’s been designated an All-American Road, considered the gold standard of scenic routes. The journey begins on Route 3 on the mainland before moving onto Mt. Desert Island and through the town of Bar Harbor. From there, it rolls into the primary section of Acadia National Park.
Old Canada Road National Scenic Byway travels 78 miles along Route 201 through Maine forests from Solon to the Canadian border. Towns such as Bingham and Jackman offer relaxing places to stop. Spectacular foliage, abundant moose and other wildlife make for enjoyable touring.
Rangeley Lakes National Scenic Byway offers many locations for outdoor fun including golfing, boating, fishing, hiking, wildlife watching, skiing and snowmobiling. The 35-mile route winds past clear lakes and tree-covered mountains. The Height of Land on Route 17 is one of Maine’s most picturesque overlooks.
Schoodic National Scenic Byway explores the quieter, less-developed side of Acadia National Park and its neighboring communities. Visitors drive the 29-mile route through small fishing towns, sheltered harbors and dramatic coastline.
In addition to these Federal routes, there are many picturesque Maine state byways as well.
Make a Plan for Fall Foliage Hikes, Rides and Paddles
Autumn in Maine is a glorious time of year. The foliage puts on a spectacular show of colors. Below are resources to help plan your fall foliage hike, ride or paddle.
Recommended locations:
*Foliage Zones correspond to the Maine Foliage Conditions map.
Track Foliage Change & Learn about Trees
Drought Conditions Worsen Across Maine As Little Precipitation Is Expected
Maine's Drought Task Force met virtually today to discuss the worsening drought conditions across the state. Since the Task Force met two weeks ago, more than 56% of the State is now under severe drought conditions. Conditions in parts of Aroostook County have fallen into extreme drought conditions, prompting the Small Business Association to enact a drought declaration for Aroostook County. The Drought Declaration enables applicants across Aroostook and the contiguous counties of Penobscot, Washington, Piscataquis, and Somerset to submit to SBA's Economic Injury Disaster Loans program.
There are currently no mandatory conservation measures, though some are voluntarily conserving. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Drinking Water Program (DWP) and MEMA have received several reports of dry wells.
With little to no relief in sight, we encourage anyone experiencing a dry well to report it via our Dry Well Survey, said MEMA Director Peter Rogers.
MEMA launched the Dry Well Survey last month and has received some feedback of dry wells in Somerset, Waldo, Sagadahoc, Penobscot, Kennebec, Franklin, Knox and Washington Counties. The reported wells range between drilled and dug wells used for residential, irrigation, livestock, and/or "other" purposes. Anyone wishing to complete the survey without internet access can call 2-1-1. Completing the survey does not guarantee any type of assistance but helps the Task Force determine how widespread the problem may be and what resources may be needed.
The U.S. Geological Survey reported that surface water levels are worsening statewide, nearing record low levels during what is already the lowest period of the year, while ground water levels are receding, and slowly worsening.
The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) reported a continued impact to most crops across the state, especially in Aroostook County, noting that special FSA Farm Programs have been triggered to assist farmers, ranchers and small businesses as the drought continues. The Small Business Administration also reported a declaration of disaster, prompting the availability for disaster loan assistance. The FSA Farm Programs automatically trigger once a county has been at D2 drought status for eight consecutive weeks or immediately upon hitting D3 status for any length of time, as reported weekly by the U.S. Drought Monitor. Programs available are:
Citizens who may be experiencing low water levels in wells are also encouraged to take the following steps:
- Avoid filling wells by a water hauler or fire department. This could contaminate the owner's well because water from an unknown source may contain toxins and water would likely leak out in a short amount of time.
- Check water systems for leaks and fix them. This can also save money for those on public water.
- Ensure you have a full load before running dishwashers and washing machines.
- Space out water usage to avoid a temporary shortage that could damage the pump.
- If using drinking water from an outside source, make sure containers and the water source are clean.
- Use a licensed well driller or pump installer to check water levels in wells for the most accurate assessment and advice and to avoid contamination.
WIC Benefits Now Available Through EBT Card Statewide
The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) nutrition program has completed the transition from paper food vouchers to an electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card more than a month before a deadline established by the federal government. The new system is called eWIC.
The WIC program, administered by the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC), works to improve the health and nutrition of women, infants, and children during critical times of growth and development. WIC provides healthy foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support and supplies, and referrals to other services. Participants statewide at nutritional risk receive WIC benefits through local WIC agencies in their communities.
The WIC program serves more than 16,500 individuals. Pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, and infants and children up to age 5 are eligible. Participants must meet income guidelines, live in Maine, and be determined by a health professional to be at "nutritional risk.”
Through the new eWIC system, benefits for WIC-approved foods are automatically entered onto an EBT card similar to a debit card. This card replaces the current paper-based food instruments and cash-value vouchers that were redeemed at WIC-authorized stores statewide.
Maine rolled out eWIC in phases by county. Penobscot and Piscataquis counties went live on June 22. Aroostook, Hancock, Washington, Kennebec and Somerset WIC participants began receiving cards on July 20. Participants in Androscoggin, Franklin, Oxford, Sagadahoc, Waldo, Lincoln, Knox, Cumberland and York counties started receiving cards on August 31.
Recognizing the value of eWIC, the federal Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 mandated that each state WIC agency implement an electronic benefit transfer system throughout the state by October 1, 2020. Benefits of conversion to an electronic system include smoother and faster transactions at the register and automatic electronic payments to vendors.
During the implementation period, Maine WIC paused its enrollment of new vendors. This pause has now been lifted. Enrollment information for stores can be found at www.maine.gov/WIC.
For more information about the benefits of WIC, how to enroll as a new participant, or store locations, please go to www.maine.gov/WIC.
Mainers Invited to Dispose of Unusable Pesticides
Free disposal, pre-registration by October 9 required
Thanks to a project sponsored by the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry's (DACF) Board of Pesticides Control (BPC) and the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Mainers can dispose of unusable and unwanted pesticides for free. The Obsolete Pesticides Collection Program has kept more than 109 tons of pesticides out of the waste stream since its start in 1982.
This free annual program is open to homeowners, family-owned farms and greenhouses. Collections will occur at four sites: Presque Isle, Bangor, Augusta, and Portland. Participants must pre-register by October 9, 2020. Drop-ins are not permitted. Collected pesticides are taken to an out-of-state disposal facility licensed by the federal Environmental Protection Agency. Information to register and fill out your obsolete pesticide inventory form may be found under "Resources" on the BPC website: www.thinkfirstspraylast.org.
Pesticides accepted include: herbicides, insecticides, rodenticides, fungicides and similar products used in agricultural production or around the home. Past participants in the program have reported finding obsolete pesticides in barns of family properties, garages of newly purchased homes and other unexpected places. While removal of these pesticides can seem daunting, it is important for the protection of public, wildlife and environmental health, that they are dealt with properly and not thrown in the trash or poured down the drain, where they can contaminate land and water resources.
Maine Maple Producers Association Announces Plans for Maine Maple Producers Weekend, October 9-11
New recipe contest and virtual components celebrate pure Maine maple
Due to COVID-19, the Maine Maple Producers Association (MMPA) and its members postponed Maine Maple Sunday, traditionally held the fourth Sunday in March. The association announced the event will take place Oct. 9-11, 2020. There will be new virtual elements and in-person experiences at a variety of sugar houses. The event will be held in conjunction with the new North American Maple Tour in the U.S. and Canada.
"Based on guidelines from CDC and local government officials, we are prepared and excited to host Maine Maple Producers Weekend in October. There is no doubt, the pandemic has hit our producers really hard. While the weekend of activities might look and feel a little different, we are confident we can provide the opportunity for people to safely celebrate pure Maine maple and support local producers. October is also perfect timing to raise awareness about the health benefits of maple products. Information about our recipe contest and the producers participating in Maine Maple Producers Weekend can be found at mainemapleproducers.com," said Scott Dunn, president of the MMPA.
During the pandemic and to provide an additional virtual experience, producers have started selling their products online. Several producers also now offer new pick-up options. With the new purchasing options, producers have set a goal to sell more than 10,000 gallons of maple syrup products during the North American Maple Tour from Oct. 9-18. The new 14-day tour includes the promotion of maple products at events, breweries, distilleries and restaurants across the Northeast.
The MMPA represents more than 240 members that are licensed maple producers. Producers range from small artisan producers to bulk syrup providers who serve major grocery store chains, foodservice distributors and retailers.
Maine Maple Producers Association members produce 580,000 gallons annually. Their business operations generate more than $21.6 million for the Maine economy. Members of the association also support more than 560 full-time and part-time jobs that generate more than $17.3 million in wages.
Virtual Financial Aid Information Sessions
Students can apply for financial aid for the 2021-2022 academic year starting on October 1, 2020. Now is a great time to learn more about the financial aid process and how to afford higher education.
Please join FAME for one of our Virtual Financial Aid Information sessions which will be hosted by a member of FAME's College Access Team.
During a Financial Aid Information session you'll learn more about:
- The financial aid process and filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- Types of financial aid and tools for comparing financial aid offers
- Strategies to minimize college costs
- How the financial challenges resulting from COVID-19 impact the financial aid process
- Additionally, you’ll be able to ask questions live!
These sessions will be offered via Zoom webinar. For a list of sessions, click here: FAMEmaine.com/events
Maine DOE Launches an Online Platform of PK-12 Modules as an Open-Access Learning Resource
The Maine Department of Education is excited to announce the official launch of MOOSE (Maine Online Opportunities for Sustained Education) Learning Platform! MOOSE is live and available as a resource to anyone who is interested.
MOOSE features an online library of asynchronous, interdisciplinary, project-based modules aligned to the Maine Learning Results for grades PK-12. Over the summer, over two hundred Maine educators from across the state developed nearly one hundred modules to populate the first quarter of content! Embedded in the modules are elements of social, emotional, and behavioral learning as well as considerations for all learning styles. It is not a curriculum, but a library to choose from, based on interests, content standards, or topics. MOOSE was designed as an optional, educational resource for students, educators, and families to include in their remote learning plans. The platform is open access and does not require users to register.
The Maine Department of Education, in partnership with Maine teachers, curriculum leaders, and educational organization leaders will begin developing modules for Phase II of MOOSE today; the second quarter of content and materials will be available by the end of November 2020.
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