downeastlaw

Beech trees overtaking Maine forests, worrying loggers and scientists 

Beech trees are dominating the woodlands of the northeastern United States as the climate changes, and that could be bad news for the forests and people who work in them, according to a group of scientists. The scientists say the move toward beech-heavy forests is associated with higher temperatures and precipitation. They say their 30-year study, published in the peer-reviewed Journal of Applied Ecology, is one of the first to look at such broad changes over a long time period in the northeastern U.S. and

Source: BDN Maine

By downeastlaw, ago

Can Blue Hill be saved by a Main St. program?

Under the auspices of the Maine Development Foundation, Main Street Maine Communities and Maine Downtown Network Communities exist across the state, some with paid staff and others with volunteer labor, but all following a four-point program aimed at creating vibrant, healthy downtowns. Anne Ball, the state’s program director, spoke about the program alongside staff from Main Street programs in Bucksport, Belfast and Rockland. Each program exists independently, but all receive support, resources and training from the Maine Downtown program, which promotes economic development and historic preservation.

Source: Penobscot Bay Press

By downeastlaw, ago

Trump budget would kill funds for many programs in Maine

President Trump released a proposed budget for the next fiscal year Monday that if enacted would have serious consequences across Maine. The sweeping plan again proposes to eliminate the programs that provide heating oil to low-income Mainers, legal aid to indigent citizens, and grants to towns and cities to rehabilitate housing, infrastructure, and services. It also would stop federal funding for Maine Public’s television and radio outlets, the University of Maine’s Sea Grant research program, and the Wel

Source: Portland Press Herald

By downeastlaw, ago

Town tax break allows Belfast shipyard’s $4 million expansion

A $4 million midcoast shipyard expansion cleared one of its final hurdles last week, as city officials put the rubber stamp on a credit enhancement agreement that could allow the business to service superyachts and build ferries.

For the past two years, Front Street Shipyard has been pushing to build Building 6, a 21,700-square-foot hangar-like structure that would allow the company to service and possibly build larger ships.

Source: BDN Maine

By downeastlaw, ago

Lacking clarity from state, towns act to ban pot shops

The Town Council this month unanimously approved a retail marijuana prohibition, joining more than a dozen communities in southern Maine that have said no to pot businesses. Faced with uncertainty about what rules state officials will set up for the recreational marijuana market, other communities are extending moratoriums or waiting to discuss local zoning until there is more clarity about the future of the industry in Maine.

Source: CentralMaine.com

By downeastlaw, ago

Warehouse fire will delay Belfast smoked salmon company’s expansion

“A Belfast seafood products company that was working on an expansion at a vacant warehouse will have to wait a little longer after a fire sparked at the warehouse Thursday morning. Ducktrap River of Maine, based in the city’s business park, purchased a former apparel manufacturing facility across the street last summer. The company then launched a $5 million push to convert the building to produce cold-smoked salmon.”

Source: BDN Maine

By downeastlaw, ago