Appalachian Mountain Club – Maine Chapter

Please join us on Wednesday March 24 for a presentation by Bryan Wentzell, AMC’s Maine Policy Manager, to talk about AMC’s Maine Woods Initiative and plans for 66,000 acres of conservation lands in the heart of the 100-Mile Wilderness region. AMC has permanently protected a 63-mile-long corridor of conservation land—the organization’s largest investment in its 134-year history. Bryan Wentzell will talk about balancing new backcountry recreation, timber harvesting, wilderness lodges, and traditional recreation activities, and will also touch upon the Plum Creek Timber Company’s concept plan and what it means for development and conservation in the Moosehead region. The program is free and open to the public. It will be at the Bangor Public Library, Maine. Come early for the potluck dinner at 5:30 pm followed by the presentation at 6:30 pm. Bring a potluck item to share and your own dinnerware (plate, utensils etc.). Drinks will be provided and plastic-ware will be available. Please contact John Mullens (207-361-1210) for more information, visit our calendar page, or download a flyer

Wolves are as native to Maine as Katahdin, the Kennebec, moose and lobstah. Not long ago, they lived and roamed free throughout the forests and mountains of Maine, the Northeast and much of North America. Many believe the land and nature of our region will not be healed and complete until they return once again, while others are opposed to their restoration or are not so sure. What do you think and feel about the wolf? Come join us on Thursday, February 25 as we together watch the beautifully done, science-based and enlightening one hour video “Lords of Nature: Life in a Land of Great Predators” followed by a discussion and update on the wolf and its status in Maine and the Northeast.

Sponsored by the AMC Maine chapter conservation committee. The event will be Thursday February 25, 2010, at the Curtis Memorial Library, 23 Pleasant St., Brunswick beginning at 7PM. Please contact Bob Goldman(207-831-5929) for more information.

Be sure to join the Maine Chapter for an alpine Ski Day at Mt. Abram on Sunday, February 7, 2010. Meet Leader Carolyn Welch in the Mount Abram lodge at 9:00 am and bring your AMC membership card to get a lift ticket for a $39 corporate rate.

Contact Carolyn at cwel...@gmail.com to sign up and to receive carpooling info.

The opinion piece published on the front page of the Winter 2010 issue of Wilderness Matters, written by Bob Goldman, was not necessarily the opinion or position of the Appalachian Mountain Club or the Maine Chapter. The published piece should have contained a statement clarifying this. We apologize for any confusion or concern that this caused AMC members. You can read about the AMC’s conservation strategy in the Northwoods of Maine or by contacting Bryan Wentzell, AMC’s Maine Policy Manager at 207-725-2248.

Please join us on Monday December 7 as we learn about the proposal for a Maine Woods National Park & Preserve. Ken Burns called the national parks our best idea in his recent Public Broadcasting Service TV series. Is this proposed park a good idea for Maine? Jym St. Pierre, Maine Director of RESTORE: The North Woods will be leading the presentation, which will be colorful and detailed. Light refreshments will be served. The location is the Curtis Memorial Library, 23 Pleasant St., Brunswick beginning at 7PM. Contact Bob Goldman(207-831-5929) for more information.

Please join us on Monday November 9 for a discussion of a landmark Clean Energy bill that will soon be voted on in the United States Senate. This major bill has already passed the U.S. House. A representative from the Repower America organization will explain the details of the bill and its intended positive effects for the U.S. and for Maine, including the vital goal of halting climate change. Light refreshments will be served. The location is the South Portland Public Library at 432 Broadway beginning at 7PM. Contact Bob Goldman(207-831-5929) for more information.

The Land Use Regulation Commission (LURC) is currently revising its 10-year Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP). This document guides development and land use across 10 million acres of Maine’s undeveloped forests, mountains, lakes and streams in the unorganized territories. Three hearings are scheduled and YOUR voice is needed.

- Monday, September 28, 2009 in Augusta, Maine at the Senator Inn (284 Western Avenue). The hearing will be held from 1:00 P.M. – 4:30 P.M. and from 6:00 P.M. – 10:00 P.M.
- Tuesday, September 29, 2009 in Bangor, Maine at the Ramada Inn (357 Odlin Road). The hearing will be held from 1:00 P.M. – 4:30 P.M. and from 6:00 P.M. – 10:00 P.M.
- Wednesday, September 30, 2009 in Presque Isle, Maine at the Presque Isle Inn and Convention Center (116 Main Street). The hearing will be held from 1:00 P.M. – 4:30 P.M. and from 6:00 P.M. – 10:00 P.M.

Can’t make one of the hearings? You can write a letter any time until October 21. More information on LURC and CLUP is available on their website. For questions or more information please contact AMC’s Bryan Wentzell at bwen...@outdoors.org or 207-725-2248.

Would you like to go to the widely acclaimed Common Ground Country Fair in Unity September 25-27? All you have to do is volunteer to staff the AMC booth for a 3-hour shift on any day. It’s a great way to talk with many AMC members, as well as encourage folks to become members. Or, if you are going to the fair anyway, come visit our booth! The fair has been dubbed “Maine’s most authentic country fair.” Events, vendors, and exhibitors promote conservation and sustainable living while enjoying local, delicious organic food. Contact Jeanne Christie or Laura Flight for more information.

Attentional all Maine high school sophomore and juniors! The Friends of Baxter State Park is currently seeking applications to the first Maine Youth Wilderness Leadership Program. This ALL EXPENSE paid week is scheduled for August 9-16, 2009 is designed to introduce participants to the importance of wilderness preservation. This will include activities such as introduction to backcountry camping, safety, map reading, hiking, and paddling- all in the beauty of Baxter State Park! In addition, students will become familiar with outdoor resource occupations and work directly with a geologist, naturalist, wildlife biologist, photographer, journalist, and painter. To learn more and download an application, visit the Friends of Baxter State Park web site!

Be sure to join us for two special presentations at one potluck event on Tuesday, December 2, 2008.

Steve Taylor, of the Environmental Health Strategy Center, will lead a discussion on the risks of BPA (a.k.a. Bisphenol A) in plastic drinking bottles and Julie and Cam Weaver will present on their recent trip to New Zealand. A potluck dinner will be held at 6 pm and the presentations being at 7 pm. Come join us for an evening of knowledge and fun!

For more information, please check out the AMC Maine Chapter Calendar or click here.

You may also download apdf flyer with more information on this event by clicking on this link:

Dec 08 Event: BPA & New Zealand