State of Maine Disaster Recovery Resources
This week’s storm significantly impacted the State of Maine. Including a tragic loss of life, our communities experienced heavy damage to our infrastructure, both public and private. Some roads were completely washed out, bridges damaged, and countless properties are in urgent financial need due to devastating flooding. Electrical power and internet are still out for many Mainers. All of us appreciate our utility linemen, public works and public safety employees who are working around the clock to assist our neighbors.
As we begin the recovery process, we will ensure that the proper resources are dedicated to assisting those Mainers in need. At the State level, the Maine Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), a Bureau of the Department of Defense, Veterans and Emergency Management, coordinates the mitigation (risk reduction) preparedness, response and recovery from emergencies and disasters.
As the Agency states on their webpage, “the road back from disaster is long, and it is never easy. By working together, we can come back even stronger. Whether you have faced the disaster yourself, or want to reach out to others, it's enormously important to take care of yourself, and to stay in close touch with family and friends.”
MEMA provides an extensive list of Disaster Recovery Resources. Please check out the list below if you are seeking assistance:
https://www.maine.gov/mema/response-recovery/disaster-recovery
As State Representative for New Gloucester and part of Gray, I am working diligently with the Govenor's Office and Federal Officials to ensure our constituents and our communities have access to all appropriate resources as we recover from this storm. The following communication was sent to Governor Mills yesterday regarding a potential Presidential Emergency Disaster Declaration and a recommendation that a portion of the surplus tax revenue in our next budget be used to help in our recovery process.
 Upcoming Open Water and Ice Fishing Derbies
For generations, Mainers have taken to our frozen lakes in the winter to fish. Anglers enjoy the tranquility of winter and the opportunity to fish some of the most beautiful lakes, ponds, and rivers in Maine.
Beginning in early January through early March, Maine has several open water and fishing derbies. The Anson-North Anson Snowmobile Club kicks off the season this January 6, on Sandy Pond in Embden, Maine.
The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife provides a comprehensive list with event contacts for upcoming derbies. Please feel free to check out the list below:
https://www.maine.gov/ifw/fishing-boating/fishing/fishing-derbies.html
Kick off the New Year with Fresh Air and Scenic Walks
Maine’s Bureau of Parks and Lands (BPL) announced a series of guided hikes and self-led hike resources for participants of all ages and skill levels.
According to the Parks Bureau, they are encouraging Mainers to join a nationwide celebration of First Day Hikes, encouraging individuals and families to connect with our outdoors.
Several events are planned for New Year’s Day, including:
Guided Program Listings:
- Camden Hills State Park, Camden - 9:00 a.m. Meet at the visitor center.
- Holbrook Island Sanctuary, Brooksville - 1:00 p.m. Meet at the Backshore Trail parking lot.
- Mount Blue State Park, Weld - 10:00 a.m. Meet at the Park Headquarters.
- Two Lights State Park, Cape Elizabeth - 6:30 a.m. Meet at High Head at the rose garden.
Self-guided Hike Guides:
- Bradbury Mt. State Park, Freeport
- Camden Hills State Park, Camden
- Popham Beach State Park, Phippsburg
- Reid State Park, Georgetown
- Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park
If interested, you can find detailed information and trail guides for First Day Hike locations by visiting www.maine.gov/dacf/first-day-hikes.
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