Advocating on behalf of public policies that are in the best interest of Maine’s wildlife and habitat is a key pillar of Maine Audubon’s mission.
Our approach is science-based, measured, and inclusive, and it depends in large part on our network of citizen activists, who prove again and again that people are the secret to successful advocacy.
Maine Audubon maintains a constant presence in Augusta, our state capital, where we advocate in front of legislative committees and work collaboratively with natural resource agencies as the state’s leading wildlife conservation organization. We also advocate at the federal level on policies that impact Maine, especially now as our nation’s bedrock environmental laws face increasing threats.
Visit our Take Action page to find your representatives and to be in touch with decision-makers as they face votes that will impact Maine wildlife today. Be sure to sign up for our Action Alerts to keep you informed on wildlife and habitat policy as a part of our community activist network.
Maine’s Environmental Priorities Coalition
As a member of the Maine Environmental Priorities Coalition, Maine Audubon works closely with environmental, conservation, and public health organizations in Maine representing over 100,000 members to protect the good health, good jobs, and quality of life that our environment provides. Learn more at maineepc.org.
Maine Audubon Advocacy Focus Areas
Land for Maine’s Future
Land for Maine’s Future (LMF) is Maine’s most successful land conservation program, responsible for protecting more than 600,000 acres in the state, including more than 325,000 acres of working farms, forests, and waterfronts, miles and miles of recreational trails, and critical wildlife habitat.
Read more and see our latest news about Land for Maine’s Future.
Climate Change and Renewable Energy
Climate change is the most significant threat to Maine’s wildlife and habitat. Impacts to wildlife and habitat due to climate change under a “business as usual” scenario—in which Mainers continue at the same levels of consumption and emission of fossil fuels—are particularly severe.
Read more and see our latest news on Climate Change and Renewable Energy.
Forest Habitat Stewardship
We support policies that support outdoor recreation, sustainable forestry, and wildlife and wildlife habitat protection in Maine’s 18 million acres of working forests represent the largest stretch of nearly unfragmented forest in the eastern United States.
Read more and see our latest news about Forest Habitat Stewardship.
Plastic Pollution
It’s estimated that today that plastic can now be found in up to 90% of seabirds. Maine Audubon supports policies that reduce plastic prevalence and that keep the plastic that we do need out of our natural environment.
Read more and see our latest news on Plastic Pollution.
Clean Water
Clean water is essential for fish, loons, and all wildlife. Maine Audubon supports policies that keep pollution and invasive species out of our waterways and that otherwise maintain or improve this essential resource.
Read more and see our latest news on Clean Water.
North Woods
Maine’s 10.5 million acres of North Woods are the heart and soul of the Northern Appalachian/Acadian Forest—the largest intact temperate forest in North America. This landscape and plant diversity creates a mosaic of habitats for many species of wildlife, including the largest moose population in the lower 48 states, the nation’s largest population of Canada Lynx, and a Common Loon population second only to Minnesota.
Read more and see our latest news on the North Woods.
Habitat Connectivity
Maine Audubon advocates for policies that facilitate fish and wildlife movement across the landscape, such as funding for Stream Smart culverts and directing development to designated growth areas.
Read more and see our latest news about Habitat Connectivity.
Rare, Threatened, and Endangered Species
Maine Audubon advocates for policies that protect and help recover vulnerable species, such as the federal Endangered Species Act and Maine’s Endangered Species Act. The success of these laws and others is incumbent upon functioning, well-funded natural resource agencies at the state and federal level, as well as a public that is committed to wildlife stewardship.
Read more and see our latest news about Rare, Threatened, and Endangered Species.
Read our Legislative Preview for the First Session of the 130th Maine Legislature.
Legislative Preview First Session 130th Legislature