The first session of the 132nd Maine Legislature has officially concluded, producing some big wins for clean energy and conservation, but also some mixed results and a few losses that were hard fought and disappointing. Colin speaks with Advocacy Director Pete Didisheim to break it all down and describe how our experts worked with partners and people like you to deliver results for Maine’s environment.

**Show links: NRCM Bill Tracking webpage, North Woods StoryMap, Summer Meet & Greet Events

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Maine’s lakes are just as iconic as our rocky coastline. But lakes don’t just provide outstanding recreational experiences – they provide essential wildlife habitat and clean drinking water for thousands. Colin talks with Susan Gallo, the executive director of Maine Lakes, to learn more about lakes and ponds in Maine, what makes them so special, why we can’t ignore the risks facing them, and what we can do about it.

**Show links: Maine Lakes website, LakeSmart program

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Too many Mainers lack access to safe, affordable options to get where they need to go but it doesn’t have to be this way. There’s a better path forward. One where more Mainers have better choices for how they get to work, school, local businesses, and essential services. We speak with Zoe Miller, the Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Moving Maine Network to discuss how we can work together to expand opportunities by creating a more equitable, accessible transportation system across the state.

**Show links: https://www.movingmaine.org/

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In March 2025, a group of Mainers including federal workers, business and fishing groups, veterans, and a SNAP participant came together in Brewer, Maine, to speak about the real-world harm being inflicted by the chaotic decision-making of the Trump Administration. In this episode we bring you a recording of the event so you can hear directly from the speakers discussing the impact of ongoing actions by the federal government to block, freeze, and reverse critical federal investments and eliminate staff positions. The participants included:

• Ocean Crawford, EMCC student, SNAP and MaineCare recipient;
• Everal Eaton, Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce;
• Scott Gagnon, former Maine-based U.S. Health and Human Services employee;
• Tessa Corsetti, former Maine-based U.S. Fish & Wildlife employee;
• Allen White, Air Force veteran and former employee at Togus VA Medical Center; and
• Jill Harlow, Maine Coast Fisherman’s Association.

The roundtable discussion was facilitated by Leo Waterston, former Program Director at FocusMaine.

Maine’s 10.4 million acres of Unorganized Territories (UT) are home to the last stronghold of remote, undeveloped ponds and scattered older growth forest stands in the eastern United States. We’re joined by Dr. John Hagan, a scientist and founder of Our Climate Common, to learn more about the vast forests of the North Woods. Hagan helped lead a research team that identified the locations of the last remaining old growth forest stands in the North Woods.

BONUS EPISODE: A recording of our January webinar previewing the legislative priorities for the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM) in 2025, including ways you can get involved. Join NRCM's policy experts as they explain the bills that we'll be supporting to advance progress for climate action, land conservation, and a healthy environment.