AUGUSTA - The Joint Standing Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry voted unanimously, of those present, to advance a bill to support Maine's ecological reserve system, sponsored by Rep. Nicole Grohoski, D-Ellsworth, on Tuesday.
The bill, LD 736, An Act To Enhance the Ecological Reserve System, would improve the program to reflect Maine's commitment to protecting unique habitats that support wildlife, sequester and store carbon, provide scenic and recreational value and serve as ecological research sites.
Properties in the ecological reserve system are owned by the state to protect and monitor Maine's natural habitats. Currently, there are 19 ecological reserves, totaling less than 1% of land in Maine, including parts of the Tunk Lake area, Cutler Coast, the Mahoosuc Range and the Bigelows.
The legislation was proposed because the Bureau of Parks and Lands is close to reaching the amount of land that it is statutorily allowed to conserve, but the ecological reserve system does not yet protect a sample of each of Maine's unique habitats.
"Ecological reserves are more than just a system of parcels scattered around the state, they are in the very lifeblood of Maine of its people, its flora and fauna, its long history," said Grohoski. "They are where we can go to find quiet, to learn, to adventure, to be in the wild and similarly, they are invaluable to the many other species that we share this great state with. While I am thrilled my colleagues recognize the value of the ecological reserve system, this bill is only the first step in updating our antiquated law. I look forward to our continued work together on this issue."
Grohoski, a member of the Joint Standing Committee on Energy, Utilities and Technology, is serving her second term in the Maine House of Representatives. She represents the communities of Ellsworth and Trenton.
Contact:
Jackie Merrill [Grohoski], c. 812-1111