Environmental Studies Commons^™

Exploring The Effects Of Dam Removals On Zooplankton In Penobscot Estuary, Erin Bucci, Karen Wilson

Thinking Matters Symposium Archive

Estuaries provide many ecosystem services such as buffering the negative impacts of storms, offering recreation and commercial fishing opportunities, and they serve as a critical habitat corridor for migratory fish. In New England, estuarine habitats have been dramatically altered over the last 200 years due to dam construction; migratory fish such as Atlantic salmon and alewives have suffered. Recently, there have been several dam removal projects in Maine aimed to restore these populations – the largest of these efforts being the Penobscot River Restoration Project. In 2013, two dams were removed from the Penobscot River Estuary, opening more than 2,000 …

Solar Energy On Farmland, Eden Martin

Student Policy Briefs

The large-scale use of agriculture and land alteration has caused the concentrations of greenhouse gases in our atmosphere to rise in the last 250 years (Janke, 2010). The majority of greenhouse gas emissions is caused by the burning of fossil fuels. Fossil fuels are a threat when it comes to the health of our planet but they are also abundant and affordable (Janke, 2010). This threat has caused many to start exploring the use of alternative energy sources that are renewable; solar technology, wind power, geothermal, and ocean energy (Janke, 2010). According to Rebecca Hernandez, “solar energy has one of …

Maine's State Policy For Solar Farms On Agricultural Land., Elliot James Lee

Student Policy Briefs

A change is coming to the Northeast, and Maine is not prepared to handle it. Across the Northeast, agricultural land is being converted to solar farms, with no policy in place to handle it. Opening Maine up to numerous problems with, permitting, regulations, taxes, best management practices, size of these farms, and lack of infrastructure to name a few. All of which need to be addressed, while dealing with the general instability of policies surrounding green energy and green technology like solar panels. This change is coming quickly, and although we need this policy soon, it cannot be rushed, or …

Solar Energy On The Farm, Kate Mccarty

Student Policy Briefs

Solar energy production accounts for less than one percent of energy produced in Maine, but nonetheless, the number of agricultural solar projects in the state is growing (ix, xi). While Maine currently lacks policies that encourage solar installations, such as tax credits and rebates, the next state administration could implement such policies, further resulting in an increase in the number of solar projects. The installation of commercial-scale solar projects is particularly attractive to farmers as it offers diversified income that protects against the unpredictable nature of farming. The Maine Legislature should consider adopting policies around the use of large-scale solar …

Solar Farms On Agricultural Land, Rebecca Pratt

Student Policy Briefs

With farmers today facing economic hardship, many are looking for alternative sources of income. A recent trend has farmers considering turning their agriculture fields into solar farms. While there is a global push for more renewal energy, using agricultural lands to accomplish this goal is being widely debated. The opposition argues that the solar farms may come with unintended consequences including economic, environmental and even social problems (Tromans and Jackson, 2015). One of the most pressing questions is who, if anyone, should regulate the development of solar farms. Currently, there is no legislation in Maine regulating the installation of solar …

Solar Farms & Agriculture – Mutually Beneficial Or Problematic?, Catherine Darragh

Student Policy Briefs

Solar Farming has become increasingly adopted by farmers to diversify their income. This has raised concerns regarding the loss of agricultural land, impact on the environment, and application of policies to land that may have shifted from an agricultural to energy production focus. The following brief examines the benefits and disadvantages of solar farming for farmers and the environment and how new policies might affect the situation.

Protecting The Appalachian Trail In Maine, University Of Maine At Portland - Gorham

Maine Collection

Protecting the Appalachian Trail In Maine

A Handbook Compiled by the Allagash Environmental Institute, Center for Research & Advanced Study, University of Maine Portland - Gorham, 1976.

Directed & edited by Patricia Solotaire.

Contents: The Project Itself / The History of Trail Agreements in Maine / The Landowner's Duty to Hikers and Campers / History and Description of the Statutory Protection of the Appalachian Trail / An Overview of Tax Considerations / Land Protection Devices / Using the Information / Bibliography / Footnotes / Appendices

How To Make A Natural Resources Inventory, Community Natural Resources Inventory Project

Maine Collection

A Handbook How to Make a Natural Resources Inventory for Your Community

Prepared by: James F. Connors, Sterling Dow III & Dean B. Bennett

Community Natural Resources Inventory Project (Title I, Higher Education Act), The University of Maine at Portland - Gorham (Project Sponsor) and The Maine Association of Conservation Commissions (Project Co-Sponsor), 1975.

"This handbook is published as a result of a grant from the U.S. Office of Education, Department of Health, Education and Welfare under the Higher Education Act, Title I. No official endorsement by the U.S. Office of Education should be inferred."

Contents: Preface / Introduction / …