UPDATED: Briefs: Mosaic Salon Is NOT Closing, But Denise Is Retiring
Protests Scheduled for March 1, Seasonal Flu Activity Elevated
The Bar Harbor Story is generously sponsored by Acadia Shops.
UPDATED! The salon is not closing and we also have a new update for camp images. We are so sorry for the error! We’ve had a week, but no excuses.
A Quick Note From Us: Each week, we compile briefs and press releases and event images and share them all in one (sometimes very long) story.
Our briefs article is mostly just press releases that we don’t write, or claim to write, but just share from the agencies, businesses, and organizations that send them in.
If things are not a press release, they are labelled “BRIEF” in their headlines. The press releases will not have that label.
MOSAIC SALON IS NOT CLOSING
TOWN HILL—Denise Swan announced this week that she is retiring from Mosaic Salon after twenty years.
“Mosaic Salon has been more than just a career—it has been my passion, my creative space, and most importantly, a place where I’ve had the privilege of building incredible relationships,” she wrote.
FLU FRENZY: Seasonal Influenza Activity Remains Elevated in Maine and Hancock County
AUGUSTA—Influenza (flu) activity remains high across Maine with hospitals admitting over 900 individuals so far this season. The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) encourages everyone to take steps to protect themselves and others from getting sick.
People with flu often experience fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches, and fatigue. Certain groups face a higher risk of developing severe illness and hospitalization, including:
adults 65 years and older
people with certain chronic medical conditions (e.g. asthma, diabetes, or heart disease)
pregnant people
children younger than 5 years (particularly those under 2 years old)
Recent data indicate that one in 10 emergency department visits in Maine are related to flu-like illness. Last week marked the fourth consecutive week with more than 100 flu-related hospital admissions in Maine. Additionally, the Maine CDC has reported 42 flu-related deaths and 109 flu outbreaks so far this season.
Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent the flu or becoming severely ill from the virus and its complications. It is not too late to receive a flu shot this season. Annual flu vaccination can help reduce the risk of illness, lessen the severity of symptoms, and prevent missed work or school.
To protect yourself and others, the Maine CDC recommends the following prevention strategies in addition to getting vaccinated:
Stay home when you are sick.
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Clean and disinfect commonly touched surfaces and objects.
For more information about the flu and prevention tips, please visit www.maineflu.gov. To find the nearest location to get a flu vaccine, contact your local pharmacy or health care provider.
SATURDAY PROTESTS PLANNED
BAR HARBOR—There will be a peaceful demonstration on Bar Harbor’s Village Green on Saturday, March 1, to support Acadia National Park workers.
Other peaceful demonstrations will be held statewide this weekend in support of Governor Mills’ resistance to unconstitutional authoritarian threats and in opposition to the Trump administration's recent actions harming Mainers from farmers to federal workers.
Planned demonstrations organized by concerned citizens throughout the state will take place at the following locations and times, as well as others with details not available at the time of this notice:
Bangor: Saturday, March 1, 12 noon, Federal Building, 202 Harlow Street
Organized by Indivisible Bangor. Contact: indivisiblebangor@gmail.com
Belfast: Saturday, March 1, 2 p.m., Post Office Square, 1 Franklin Street
Organized by: Peace & Justice Waldo County, Alliance of Intervening Citizens, Indivisible Waldo County. Contact: gabeburford@gmail.com
Bucksport: Saturday, March 1, 12:30 - 1:30 p.m., Verona Island Bridge
Organized by Solidarity Bucksport. Contact: solidaritybucksport@gmail.com
Calais: Saturday, March 1, 1 - 2 p.m., 405 Main Street (near Crumbs Cafe)
Organized by Democracy Calais. Contact: democracycalais@gmail.com
Ellsworth: Saturday, March 1, 12 noon, City Hall, 1 City Hall Plaza
Organized by Acadia Action. Contact: acadiaaction@gmail.com
Rockland: Saturday, March 1, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., First Universalist Church, then march to courthouse.
Organized by The Audacity. Contact: contact@audacity.com
Skowhegan: Saturday, March 1, 1:30 - 4 p.m., Margaret Chase Smith Bridge, then March to Baker’s Table.
Organized by Somerset Stands Up!
Portland: 1 p.m.-2 p.m. **Note time change!** Monument Square, End the Madness - Uphold the Rule of Law, Organized by EVERY SATURDAY 11AM MONUMENT SQUARE
Contact: angus-ferguson@every-saturday-11am-monument-square.org
Bridgeton: 11:30 a.m., Shorey Park
Organized by Lakes Region Indivisible lakesregionindivisible@gmail.com 207-653-5465
Waterville: March 2 (not March 1), 1 - 2 p.m., Kennedy Memorial Drive at Messalonskee Bridge.
Island Housing Trust Announces Leadership Transition and Search
MOUNT DESERT ISLAND— Island Housing Trust (IHT) announces an upcoming leadership transition as Executive Director Marla O’Byrne prepares to retire this fall after years of dedicated service. Under Marla’s leadership, IHT has made significant strides in creating and sustaining year-round housing opportunities for MDI’s workforce and families.
“Marla’s vision and commitment have been instrumental in advancing our mission,” said Deedie Bouscaren, board president. “Her leadership has not only shaped the development of neighborhoods like Jones Marsh and Ripples Hill but has also fostered strong partnerships with landowners, donors, and community partners to secure many year-round homes for MDI’s community. Her impact will be felt for years to come as IHT continues on an upward trajectory.”
“I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with wonderfully talented and committed members of the Mount Desert Island community to address one of the island’s greatest challenges, keeping a strong year-round community,” said retiring executive director Marla O’Byrne. “The progress we’ve made together in expanding year-round housing opportunities has been deeply inspiring and the work is truly life changing for our neighbors and our community! I am confident that IHT’s next leader will continue to build on this foundation, and I hope enjoys the possibilities as much as I have.”
IHT has launched a search committee led by board member Joanne Harris to identify the organization’s next executive director. The committee is actively searching for a leader who will build on the momentum that IHT has created.
“IHT has a strong team of engaged board members, experienced staff, and a committed community of supporters. The organization is well-positioned to continue its work without interruption and to grow,” said Joanne Harris. “Our search committee is dedicated to finding a leader who will build on IHT’s successes and help meet the critical housing needs of Mount Desert Island.”
For more information on the transition or to support IHT’s mission, please visit www.islandhousingtrust.org or contact Island Housing Trust at 207-244-8011.
About Island Housing Trust
Island Housing Trust is dedicated to creating and sustaining year-round housing opportunities for Mount Desert Island’s workforce and families. Through collaborative partnerships and community-driven solutions, IHT ensures that MDI remains a vibrant, inclusive place to live and work.
Celebrate Baba Marta
BAR HARBOR—Dance the Bulgarian holiday of "Baba Marta" - "Grandma March" and celebrate a centuries-old tradition of sending off the winter and welcoming spring. The Downeast Folk Dancers will share Bulgarian dances with live music from the Kotwica Band on March 1, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m., at the YWCA 36, Mt. Desert Street, Bar Harbor. Teaching by David and Carolyn Rapkievian - no experience and no partner is needed. Door prizes and traditional Baba Marta "Martenitsa" - making. Admission is $10 at the door. For more information, visit Downeast Folk Dancers on Facebook.
Bar Harbor Bank & Trust Accepting Applications from Graduating High School Seniors for 2025 Career & Technical Education Scholarship
BAR HARBOR—Bar Harbor Bank & Trust is currently accepting applications for the Bank’s 2025 Career & Technical Education Scholarship. The $1,000 scholarship is awarded to income-eligible high school seniors who attend a technical career program as part of their high school curriculum and are planning to attend a college or technical school in the academic year immediately following graduation.
Students must reside in counties in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont where the Bank has a branch location. Applicants selected to receive a 2025 scholarship will be eligible to apply for an additional $1,000 scholarship in 2026 to be used for their second year of college or technical school.
The deadline to apply for the 2025 Career & Technical Education Scholarship is May 1, 2025. Interested students can visit www.barharbor.bank/scholarships for more information about eligibility and to download the application.
The Bank established the Career & Technical Education Scholarship in 2018 and has awarded 94 scholarships to date.
Bar Harbor Bankshares (NYSE American: BHB) is the parent company of its wholly owned subsidiary, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust. Operating over 50 locations across Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust is headquartered in Bar Harbor, Maine and has more than $4 billion in assets. As a leading Northern New England community bank, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust offers a full range of personal and business banking services, as well as wealth management services through its subsidiary, Bar Harbor Wealth Management. For more information about Bar Harbor Bank & Trust, visit www.barharbor.bank or call 888-853-7100. Member FDIC.
Chess Coach Offers Free Workshop In Northeast Harbor
NORTHEAST HARBOR—On Saturday, March 8 from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. the Northeast Harbor Library is hosting a free drop-in chess workshop led by MDI Chess Coach Ezra Sassaman.
“We’ll teach the core principles of the game and how to trick opponents with sneaky tactics!” said Sassaman.
The workshop offers friendly instruction for complete newcomers and beginners ready to learn more, while also holding space for experienced players to practice their skills. MDI Chess is a volunteer group of coaches and players sharing their love of the game. Register at nehlibrary.org/events or by calling 207-276-3333.
Temporary Closures for Peregrine Falcon Nesting in Acadia National Park
BAR HARBOR—To provide peregrine falcons adequate space for nesting, the National Park Service will temporarily close areas including Penobscot East Trail, Jordan Cliffs Trail, Precipice Trail, and Valley Cove Trail in Acadia National Park on March 1 until further notice. In addition, the parking lot for the Precipice Trail will remain closed to vehicles until further notice. These annual closures protect the peregrine falcons from inadvertent human disturbance or harassment during the nesting period.
Research has shown that nesting peregrine falcons are particularly vulnerable to human activities, which can disturb the adults and make them less attentive to the eggs or chicks. Human activities near a nesting area can lead to temporary or permanent abandonment of the nest by the adults leaving chicks susceptible to hypothermia, starvation, and predation.
Signs at trail heads and trail junctions around the closed areas indicate where public entry is prohibited. Public entry into a closed area is a violation of federal regulations, which is punishable by a fine, imprisonment, or both. The closure area will be actively monitored, and violations will be strictly enforced.
The NPS will reopen the closed areas once park resource managers determine it is safe to do so.
In 2024, three breeding pairs of peregrine falcons made their homes on Acadia’s cliffs: one near Valley Cove Trail, one near Jordan Cliffs Trail, and one near Precipice Trail. Two chicks from nests near Precipice Trail and one chick from a nest near Jordan Cliffs Trail survived until they could fly.
To learn more about peregrine falcons at Acadia National Park, please visit go.nps.gov/peregrine.
COMEDY NIGHT!
Posted Roads
MOUNT DESERT—The following roads will be posted for non-exempt vehicles with a registered weight limit of over 23,000 pounds.
As of March 03, 2025, at 7:00 a.m., the following roads in The Town of Mount Desert will be posted for non-exempt vehicles with a registered weight limit of over 23,000 pounds.
Beech Hill Road
Beech Hill Cross Road
Butler Road
Cooksey Drive
Dodge Point Road
Grover Avenue
Hall Quarry Road
Indian Point Road
Jordan Pond Road
Lower Dunbar Road
Millbrook Road
New County Road
Oak Hill Road
Parker Farm Road
Richardson Avenue
Sergeant Drive
Steamboat Wharf Road
Upper Dunbar Road
Wall Street
Whitney Farm Road
Patterson Hill Road
These roads will be posted until further notice. If a permit is needed, please contact Ben Jacobs at 276-5744 or Brian Henkel 276-5743 and one of us can issue you a permit if we deem it necessary.
MAINE DRAMA FESTIVAL AT MDI HIGH SCHOOL
FUNDRAISER FOR ACADIA WILDLIFE
Neighbors To Exchange Supplies at Annual Craft Swap
NORTHEAST HARBOR—On Friday, March 7th from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., the Northeast Harbor Library is hosting their annual Craft Swap; a free drop-in event for crafters and hobbyists to exchange unused art supplies and crafting tools. All are invited to take something home whether or not they have donated items.
The library will accept donations of like-new and gently used materials in advance during open hours. Accepted materials include canvases, beads, yarn, scissors, paintbrushes, fabric, knitting needles and embroidery items. All are invited to take something home whether you have donated or not.
FLASH ADULT PAINT AND SIP
SUMMER CAMP REGISTRATION DATES! (UPDATED)
MARCH ON MOUNT DESERT
BAR HARBOR—After four long years, it's back! Join your neighbors at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, March 19 for the March on Mount Desert Street, a progressive dinner for our local community. Here's the schedule:
5:00 - Cocktails & mocktails at the Abbe Museum
5:30 - Appetizers at Bar Harbor Congregational Church
6:00 - Salads at YWCA MDI
6:30 - Soup at St. Saviour's Episcopal Church, Bar Harbor
7:00 - Dessert & live music at Jesup Memorial Library
This event is completely free and all are welcome. Join us!
Maine Community Foundation scholarships available to student leaders, aspiring journalists
PORTLAND & ELLSWORTH, MAINE—Student leaders and aspiring journalists may be eligible for scholarships from the Maine Community Foundation (MaineCF).
The Guy P. Gannett Scholarship provides support for students majoring in journalism or a field reasonably related, including print, broadcast or electronic media.
The scholarship has awarded more than 170 scholarships totaling $4 million since 2000. In 2024, 21 scholarships totaling $211,000 were awarded.
Graduating high school seniors who have demonstrated leadership skills are encouraged to apply for the Chet Jordan Leadership Award.
Eligible applicants are pursuing post-secondary study for a certificate or undergraduate degree within the University of Maine System, Maine Community College System, Maine Maritime Academy and all vocational and technical schools in the state. Recipients will demonstrate independent thinking, initiative, hard work and the ability to lead others in their communities.
In 2024, eight scholarships totaling $25,000 were awarded.
The application deadline for both scholarships is Tuesday, April 1. For more information and to apply, visit www.mainecf.org/scholarships.
The Maine Community Foundation brings people and resources together to build a better Maine through strategic giving, community leadership, personalized service, local expertise and strong investments. To learn more about the foundation, visit www.mainecf.org.
Exhibit and Reception for Women’s History Month March 2025
SOUTHWEST HARBOR—The Southwest Harbor Public Library is celebrating Women’s History Month in March 2025 with an exhibit featuring works from individuals connected to Mount Desert Island (MDI), all inspired by the theme 'Moving Forward Together! Women Educating and Inspiring Generations.' View the show from March 5-28. The exhibit includes glass collage, fabric appliqué, oils, a digital slideshow, photography, prose, quilting, paper mâché, and more.
On Friday, March 7 from 5:30-7:00 p.m., join us for a reception to celebrate in person and meet the exhibitors. Light refreshments provided. Other MDI library exhibits for Women’s History Month include the Bass Harbor Public Library, the Somesville Library, and the Northeast Harbor Library. For more information about the Southwest Harbor exhibit and reception, visit www.swhplibrary.org, call 207-244-7065.
Paint & Sip for Kids with Mike Duffy
SOUTHWEST HARBOR—Don’t miss the Paint & Sip for Kids with Mike Duffy at the Southwest Harbor Public Library on Saturday, March 8th from 10:00-11:30 a.m. For kids ages 9-13, learn to use watercolors to paint an island scene together while sipping hot chocolate. Explore various watercolor techniques and ways to mix colors. When the class is over, take home a watercolor masterpiece. Space is limited. Registration for each child required. https://tinyurl.com/2h3ewpue.
For more information or to register visit www.swhplibrary.org, call 207-244-7065.
Combatting Pseudoscience Online and in the Classroom
Monday, March 10, 2025 at 5 p.m.
Online event via Zoom
BAR HARBOR—MDI Bio Lab Science Education & Outreach Coordinator Dr. Elisabeth Marnik and Melanie Trecek-King, Associate Professor of Biology at Massasoit Community College and Creator/Founder at Thinking is Power, will come together to explore practical strategies for helping kids, parents, and educators resist pseudoscience in digital spaces and educational settings.
This conversation will delve into actionable ways to empower ourselves and the next generation with critical thinking skills. Whether you’re a teacher, a parent, a grandparent, or simply someone passionate about fostering science-based thinking, Dr. Marnik and Ms. Trecek-King will share their expertise and experiences to help us all navigate misinformation. They’ll provide practical advice on evaluating sources, understanding science, and equipping children with the tools they need to think critically and make informed decisions.
Worthington Scholarship Foundation Welcomes Four New College Partners in Maine
BAR HARBOR—The Worthington Scholarship Foundation (WSF) is excited to announce that College of the Atlantic, Maine College of Art & Design, Saint Joseph’s College of Maine, and University of New England will join its list of partner colleges.
“I am delighted about these new partnerships and what they mean for Maine students,” said Julie Bourgoin, President of the Worthington Scholarship Foundation. “The Foundation was created in 2010 with the vision of supporting the completion of post-secondary education in Maine. We are pleased to advance towards our vision of providing scholarships and support for students to attend nearly any college in Maine.”
WSF provides multi-year scholarships to students graduating from a Maine public high school who will attend one of its partner colleges. In addition to its four new partner schools, WSF partners with Bates, Bowdoin, Colby, Husson, Maine Maritime Academy, Thomas, the University of Maine system, and the Maine Community College system. This year it aims to award 1,000 scholarships to Maine students.
Sylvia Torti, president of College of the Atlantic said, “It is a thrill to be included as a partner college to the Worthington Scholarship Foundation. We are deeply grateful to the Worthington Foundation for their commitment to providing educational scholarships to Maine students who seek higher education at the many wonderful and diverse institutions across the state. We look forward to connecting Maine students to our unique education centered on human ecology.”
“The Worthington Scholarship Foundation has been making a meaningful difference in the lives of Maine students and their families for 15 years,” said President Joseph Cassidy of Saint Joseph’s College of Maine. “The impact of the program on these students and on our state is profound. Saint Joseph’s College is grateful and honored to be included as a partner college in the program. Worthington Scholars represent the very best of Maine. The recipients are dedicated to bettering themselves and are hardworking. They flourish with the support of the Worthington Scholarship Foundation and Saint Joseph’s College is excited to support these scholars as they unlock bright futures for themselves through higher education.”
WSF is now accepting applications for its 2025 scholarship. To complete an application, students must have a high school GPA of a C- or higher and a Student Aid Index (SAI) of 30,000 or less as determined by FAFSA. Additionally, all applicants must graduate from a Maine public high school this year and attend one of its partner colleges the fall semester after their graduation.
Applications are due April 15. To see full eligibility requirements and apply, visit their website worthingtonscholars.org.
United We Stand: Building Community Resilience in Uncertain Times
Thursday, March 13 at 6:30 pm
BAR HARBOR—In a world marked by unpredictability, it’s more important than ever for communities to explore how we can show up for and support each other. Join us for a panel discussion where local leaders will share facts and insights to help our community navigate uncertainty, foster resilience, and build supportive networks.
Featured panelists:
Jackie Davidson, Executive Director, YWCA MDI
Mike Zboray, Superintendent, MDIRSS
Dr. Sylvia Torti, President, College of the Atlantic
MHL Melissa Tozier and Sgt. Soren Sundberg, BHPD
This is the second event in the MDI Racial Equity Working Group Winter Speaker Series. The MDI REWG is a group of Mount Desert Island residents who aim to deepen our understanding of power and privilege and to foster racial justice, equity, and inclusion on MDI and beyond, always recognizing our shared humanity.
Register to attend in-person or online here: https://www.jesuplibrary.org/events/communityresilience
Free Workshop Will Delve Into Mindfulness Tools for Enhanced Well-Being
SOUTHWEST HARBOR—Healthy Acadia and the Southwest Harbor Public Library invite community members to participate in a free workshop, "A Taste of Mindfulness," on Tuesday, March 11th from 5:30-6:30 p.m. The event will feature special guest Sonya Connelly and is part of Healthy Acadia’s Monthly Mindfulness series.
Experience the essence of mindfulness in this introductory session designed for beginners and those curious about cultivating a greater presence in daily life. Through guided meditation, gentle exercises, and practical tips, we'll explore how mindfulness can help reduce stress, enhance focus, and improve overall well-being.
This class provides a relaxed, judgment-free environment to:
Discover the basics of mindfulness practices.
Learn simple techniques to bring awareness into everyday moments.
Understand how mindfulness fosters emotional balance and clarity.
No prior experience is needed—just bring an open mind and a willingness to explore. You will leave with practical tools to support your mindfulness journey.
Sonya Connelly has served as the Communications and Community Outreach Coordinator at Healthy Acadia since 2020. She holds a master’s degree in counseling and has extensive experience in bereavement support and spiritual formation. With decades of experience in mindfulness, meditation, and contemplative practices, Sonya is passionate about simplicity and slow living.
Register for this free event at: https://tinyurl.com/mu5bcn2a, or call 244-7065.
CALLING ALL PERFORMERS
Replacing Hydrant at Intersection of Eagle Lake Road and Cross Street on March 4, 2025
BAR HARBOR—As part of the Priority Infrastructure Bond hydrant replacement program, the Water Division will be replacing hydrants over the next several months. This coming Tuesday, March 4, 2025, the Town’s Contractor will be replacing the fire hydrant near the intersection of Eagle Lake Road and Cross Street. Work is expected to start at 7am and finish by 5pm. No customers are expected to lose any water service. Traffic on Eagle Lake Road will be one-lane, alternating-traffic with flaggers.
If you have questions, contact the Bar Harbor Water Division at 1-207-288-3555 or email water@barharbormaine.gov.
STATE PRESS RELEASES AND INFORMATION
Maine 2024 Commercial Fisheries Value Increases by More than $74 Million
AUGUSTA—Maine’s commercial harvesters earned $74 million more in 2024 than in 2023, with landings valued at $709,509,984, according to preliminary data release by the Maine Department of Marine Resources (DMR).
“During a year shaped by unprecedented storms and damage to our working waterfronts, Maine’s commercial fishermen, aquaculturists, and seafood dealers once again delivered a major economic benefit to our state,” said Governor Janet Mills. “They did so through hard work and their time-honored commitment to producing and delivering the best seafood in the world.”
The jump in overall value was due in large part to a year-over-year increase of more than $46 million earned by lobstermen at the dock.
Maine lobstermen took home $528,421,645 on the strength of a $6.14 per pound price, despite a catch that declined by greater than 10 million pounds. “The boat price paid to fishermen, which is the second highest on record, reflects the continued strong demand for this signature, premium Maine product,” said Governor Mills.
Maine’s softshell clam fishery was the state’s second most valuable in 2024 at $15,461,017, with harvesters earning $58,971 more than in 2023. “Maine’s softshell clam fishery continues to be one of the most lucrative and in 2024 DMR began several projects to improve management this important resource,” said DMR Commissioner Patrick Keliher. “DMR conducted programs to train municipal marine resource officials, held informational meetings, and provided mini grants to support municipal shellfish management and conservation work.”
Maine oysters were once again in high demand in 2024, earning growers and harvesters $14,852,101 on the strength of an eleven-cent price per pound increase for harvesters, which placed the fishery as Maine’s third most valuable.
Menhaden, a favorite bait of lobstermen, earned Maine fishermen $13,203,602 at the dock, ranking it as Maine’s fourth most valuable fishery.
Maine elver harvesters earned $12,201,545, ranking it Maine’s fifth most valuable as a result of a $1,239 per pound price paid to fishermen.
“2024 was a challenging year for Maine’s commercial fishing and aquaculture industries,” said Commissioner Keliher. “The storms that destroyed docks and piers up and down the coast put these industries at serious risk. But thanks to Governor Mills’ success in securing funding, the state has been able help rebuild damaged coastal infrastructure, make it more resilient to the effects of climate change, and protect critically important waterfront access for those who make a living on the water,” said Keliher.
More information on 2024 landings can be found on the DMR website.
Chapter 379: Compensation for Impacts to High-Value Agricultural Land from Solar Energy Development
The Department is proposing a new rule chapter to implement 38 M.R.S.484-C of the Site Location of Development Law. P.L. 2023, ch. 448 directed the Department, in concert with the Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry (DACF), to create a compensation fee program for impacts to high-value agricultural land from solar energy developments that require a Site Law permit. This proposed rule would work in concert with DACF's proposed rule Chapter 575, Permitting Solar Energy Development on High-Value Agricultural Land. DACFs proposed Chapter 575 defines high-value agricultural land, establishes varying tiers based on value, and sets compensation ratios for each tier. The DEPs proposed Chapter 379 addresses the practical components of approving and accepting compensation fees and compensation projects for impacts to high-value agricultural lands identified during the DACF permitting process.
West Boothbay Harbor - With four years of funding totaling $1.6 million from the Research, Education and Development (RED) Fund, the Department of Marine Resources (DMR) is undertaking an expanded lobster research initiative designed to engage more fishermen in data gathering and provide more consistent data characterizing the lobster fishery from federal waters.
Funding will allow more fishermen to participate in DMR’s Sea Sampling Program, which will increase the number of sampling trips and target sampling in both federal and state waters.
This funding will also support a new pilot program, referred to as the Fishery Direct Data (FDD) program, that will allow fishermen to collect and share data from their commercial lobster catch and from ventless lobster traps they deploy in locations of their choosing in federal waters.
SEA SAMPLING PROGRAM
The DMR Lobster Sea Sampling Program is the largest at-sea sampling program for lobster in the northeast. The objective of the program is to characterize the commercial catch of Maine’s lobster fishery including the harvestable and discarded catch. The program, which relies on the participation of industry members, places trained samplers onto commercial lobster boats to record biological data from the harvester’s catch, including carapace length, sex, cull status, v-notch condition, egg development stage, molt status, and presence of shell disease. Data from the Sea Sampling Program contribute directly to the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) American lobster stock assessment.
Prior to the new expanded initiative there were at least 162 sea sampling trips scheduled each year, with three monthly trips in each of the state’s seven lobster management zones between May and November and one trip per month in each of the state’s three National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) statistical areas December through April. The trips sampled both state and federal waters, wherever the commercial boats were fishing.
Under the expanded Sea Sampling Program, DMR samplers will conduct 241 sampling trips per year with participating harvesters. The new design will target four monthly trips per lobster management zone between May and November, with the goal of two trips in state waters and two in federal waters. Three sampling trips will be conducted per month in each statistical area from December through April.
"By expanding the Sea Sampling Program, we will be gathering additional data, including more consistent data from both state and federal waters in all zones, to inform a more robust and accurate assessment of Maine’s valuable lobster fishery,” said Kathleen Reardon, DMR’s Lobster Fishery Biologist.
FISHERY DIRECTED DATA (FDD) PROGRAM
The goal of the FDD program is to better understand the offshore juvenile lobster population through a new data collection effort using ventless traps in federal waters and to capture additional biological data from commercial traps of harvesters participating in the program.
DMR’s FDD program will provide participating fishermen with the small mesh ventless lobster traps used in the DMR’s Ventless Trap Survey. These traps do not have escape vents required on commercially fished traps, which allows for greater retention of small lobsters.
However, unlike the Ventless Trap Survey where fishermen deploy the traps at randomly selected sites within state waters, fishermen participating in the FDD program will fish ventless traps integrated within their existing commercial trawls in locations of their choice in federal waters.
“This pilot program responds to interest we have heard from fishermen in collecting data on juvenile lobsters observed in deeper and more offshore waters to evaluate potential data gaps in existing programs,” said Reardon. "It also allows us to provide another opportunity for fishermen to participate in the science, especially in areas that are logistically more challenging to take a sampler to collect the data, like outside of 12 nautical miles."
Participating fishermen will receive tablets purchased with the RED funds and use them to record biological data from lobsters from both the ventless traps and a subset of commercial traps on an app developed by the Rhode Island-based Commercial Fisheries Research Foundation (CFRF). CFRF is a non-profit established by commercial fishermen to conduct collaborative research and education projects that improve fishery sustainability. The app will link location and other trip data with biological data, providing valuable spatial information on commercial catch and juvenile lobsters. The FDD program will have 10 industry participants in 2025 with at least one participant from each zone, but DMR will be looking to expand the program next year.
“By expanding the Sea Sampling Program and providing additional opportunity through the FDD program, DMR is not only engaging more fishermen directly in gathering data to assess the lobster stock but also working to answer the lobster industry's questions about the offshore lobster population,” said Jesica Waller, Director of DMR’s Division of Biological Monitoring and Assessment. “We are excited to offer new opportunities to collaborate on the science to understand the lobster fishery and thank the RED board for their investment in this important work.”
The Lobster Research, Education and Development Fund is established in law to provide funds that come from the purchase of Maine lobster license plates, for research and education to support the development of Maine's lobster industry.
Do you work with people with disabilities on career exploration, career planning, job development, and/or job coaching?
Would you like to become a Maine Certified Employment Specialist?
You can become a Maine Certified Employment Specialist and get the ACRE National Certificate in Employment Services at the same time with our ACRE Employment Specialist Certificate Training. The ACRE Certificate documents 40 hours of professional development!
ACRE Employment Specialist Certificate Training
This training includes a combination of in-person and virtual training sessions. To get your certificate, you must attend all the following sessions, complete the social security online course, and complete the required fieldwork assignments. The cost of training is $325, space is limited so register today.
Zoom Virtual Live Sessions:
Wednesday, April 9, 9am–12pm
Thursday, April 10, 9am–12pm
Wednesday, April 16, 9am–12pm
Thursday, April 17, 9am–12pm
In-person Sessions at the University of Maine, Augusta:
Wednesday, April 30, 9 am-4 pm
Thursday, May 1, 9 am–4 pm
Wednesday, May 7, 9 am–4 pm
Thursday, May 8, 9 am–4 pm
Paid Family & Medical Leave Authority Hold Public Hearing
AUGUSTA—The Maine Paid Family and Medical Leave Benefits Authority today held a public hearing at the Maine Department of Labor’s office in Augusta. The meeting was to solicit public comments on the implementation and administration of the Paid Family and Medical Leave program, in accordance with Maine Title 26 §850-O.
The public was able to attend either in person or virtually. Nearly 20 people attended in person, and over 370 watched online, with 32 people giving comments. The recording of the hearing can be watched here.
“We were pleased to hear from so many people who took the time to provide comments, which included positive experiences as well as constructive feedback to improve the program," said Authority Chair Maria Fox. "The Authority debriefed following the public comment period and prioritized issues to address in future meetings, as well as educational outreach measures the MDOL can consider."
Maine Revised Statute requires the Authority to annually solicit public comments. While all Authority meetings are open to the public, today’s meeting served as the inaugural meeting dedicated solely to hearing from the public. The Authority and the Department will use the feedback to inform future recommendations and actions related to the program.
Although this is the first public comment meeting for the Authority, the Department of Labor held multiple sessions in 2024, soliciting and responding to Paid Family and Medical Leave questions and suggestions through its rulemaking process. Listening sessions were held in January and February 2024 to garner input from the public prior to drafting the agency’s rules. Two rounds of draft rules were published, and hearings were held at the Department’s headquarters in June and September 2024. Final rules were published in December 2024.
The Paid Family and Medical Leave Benefits Authority is a fifteen-member body with the responsibility of advising on the administration of the Paid Family and Medical Leave program. Eleven of the fifteen members are appointed by the Governor and subject to review by the Legislature’s Joint Standing Committee on Labor and to confirmation by the Maine State Senate. The remaining members represent state agencies. The Authority initially convened in March 2024.
To learn more about Maine Paid Family and Medical Leave, visit www.maine.gov/paidleave. Questions can also be directed to the PFML call center at (207) 621-5024, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.
The Department of Marine Resources announces proposed rulemaking:
Chapter 34 Groundfish - Halibut Measures.
Brief Summary: This proposed regulation seeks to align expected halibut catch in Maine’s territorial waters with the state waters subcomponent established in the New England Fishery Management Council’s Framework 69 to the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan. This regulation proposes to prohibit fishing for Atlantic halibut in Maine’s territorial waters on Wednesdays and Thursdays. It also proposes reducing the number of allowable hooks for commercial vessels from 250 to 200 hooks, and clarifies that individuals fishing for halibut recreationally are limited to 100 hooks both per person and per vessel. Finally, this regulation adds a prohibition on the use of gaffs to land Atlantic halibut.
Public Hearings: Two public meetings have been scheduled. Meeting information and links are available on the DMR Upcoming Meetings webpage.
Monday, March 3, 2025 at 4:00 p.m.: Hybrid Hearing - DMR Conference Room 118, 32 Blossom Lane, Augusta and Join remotely via Microsoft Teams
Wednesday, March 5, 2025 at 4:00 p.m.: In-person Hearing - Yarmouth Town Hall Community Room, 200 Maine Street, Yarmouth
If either hearing is cancelled due to inclement weather, an alternative hearing will be held on March 6 at 4:00 p.m. in the DMR Conference Room 118, 32 Blossom Lane, Augusta and remotely via Microsoft Teams
Comment Deadline: March 17, 2025
How to comment:
1. Send an email to: dmr.rulemaking@maine.gov
2. Mail a written letter to: Deirdre Gilbert, 21 State House Station, Augusta Maine 04333-0021
3. Fax your letter to 207-624-6024
4. Attend the public hearings in person or remotely to offer oral testimony on the proposed rulemaking.
Any questions related to the proposed rulemaking and the halibut fishery, please contact Corrin Flora at corrin.flora@maine.gov or 207-446-8126.
SEA-RUN FISH SPECIES
Augusta—Efforts to restore and improve up and downstream passage for sea-run fish species on five Maine water bodies have provided several Maine towns with the opportunity to have a commercial river herring harvest.
The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s (ASMFC) American Shad and River Herring Management Board has approved commercial fishing opportunities for alewife and blueback herring, collectively known as river herring, on Sewall Pond, Wight Pond, the Pennamaquan River, Chemo pond and Pushaw Lake.
River herring are anadromous (sea-run) fish that spend most of their life at sea but return to freshwater to spawn. They are important to the ecology of freshwater, estuarine, and marine environments and provide important economic opportunity for towns which lease the right to fish to harvesters, and for the commercial harvesters who sell river herring for lobster bait.
To be approved for a new commercial river herring fishery, states are required to submit a Sustainable Fishery Management Plan (SFMP) to ASMFC that outlines management goals, objectives, and actions that will support and expand existing river herring resources in each watershed. Maine’s SFMP was presented to the Board for consideration during its October 2024 meeting.
Under state law, Maine towns that currently have harvest rights must submit both a record of the town’s vote to approve a fishery and a harvest plan to the Department of Marine Resources (DMR) each year to maintain the exclusive right to harvest on a water body that has been approved by ASMFC.
For new fishing opportunities on water bodies approved by ASMFC a town must petition the Commissioner to be awarded the exclusive right to harvest river herring. If approved by DMR, towns are authorized to either conduct the fishery, or to sell harvest rights to an individual through a bidding process.
Because they had approved river herring fisheries from DMR prior to a 2012 ASMFC moratorium, the towns of Arrowsic, Penobscot, and Pembroke will be able to begin harvesting fish this year; Arrowsic on Sewall Pond, Penobscot on Wight Pond, and Pembroke on the Pennamaquan River.
Municipalities near Chemo Pond and Pushaw Lake will have an opportunity to submit a petition and harvest plan to DMR by April 20, 2025, for the right to establish a commercial fishery on those water bodies in 2026.
Efforts in Maine to improve and restore sea-run fish passage have been instrumental in establishing the new river herring fisheries.
“Restoration, monitoring, and cooperative partnership with organizations like the Alewife Harvesters of Maine and with municipalities have all helped to continue to grow and expand alewife and blueback herring populations in Maine,” said Michael Brown of the Maine Department of Marine Resources. “Without the cooperation and dedication of those interested in the continued recovery of these species, the addition of these fisheries would not be possible.”
Through local efforts to improve passage and support river herring restoration activities, the river herring run into Sewall Pond has grown. The largest improvement occurred in 2014 with the installation of a state-of-the-art fishway under Route 127 which crosses the outlet of Sewall Pond.
Fishway improvements on the Pennamaquan River in Pembroke have improved passage into spawning habitat for alewives, and the river herring population has responded positively, with continued returns continuing to increase.
The town of Penobscot replaced a dam on Wight Pond with an improved fishway in 2017 which has resulted in an annual alewife count that has more than doubled since the dam removal.
Fishway installations at the outlet dams of Pushaw Lake and Chemo Pond have improved passage in both water bodies.
“This is a success story for Maine river herring and Maine communities,” said Jeff Pierce, Executive Director of the Alewife Harvesters of Maine (AHOM). “We’re very pleased with this ASMFC decision, and excited to bring as many river herring runs online as possible.”
The Bar Harbor Story is generously sponsored by Acadia Brochures of Maine.
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Who is coordinating the Bar Harbor Parks Protest? Why plan it for the same day as the general political protests? Why split protest participation? It dilutes the impact. (Or is that the point? We know some advocates for the park trend politically 'conservative' on local, state, and national issues.)
Numbers count in protests. People shouldn't have to choose between the park specific protest and the general protest.
To argue with a man who has renounced the use and authority of reason, and whose philosophy consists in holding humanity in contempt, is like administering medicine to the dead, or endeavoring to convert an atheist by scripture. thomas paine