Bipartisan Elected Leaders Rally for Land for Maine’s Future
Monday March 9th, 2009
AUGUSTA – In a broad display of bipartisan support, legislative leaders joined citizens, sportsmen, conservationists, farmers, businesses, and community leaders to encourage the Legislature to replenish the Land for Maine’s Future (LMF) program. Led by Sen. Bill Diamond (D-Windham), nearly 85 like-minded legislators co-sponsored LD 684, which would allocate $87.5 million over four years to the popular Land for Maine’s Future program. Reps. Pat Flood (R-Winthrop) and Herb Adams (D-Portland) have introduced similar bills.
“The program has spent its last dollar,” said Senator Diamond. “For more than two decades, LMF has proven to be a critical tool for protecting special places throughout the state from the north woods to Maine's magnificent rivers to popular recreational areas in our communities to the state’s signature coastline. This program guarantees that our outdoor heritage, the very thing that defines our state and makes it special, will be protected and handed on to future generations."
LMF has supported projects in each of the state’s 16 counties, establishing and guaranteeing public access to thousands of acres and dozens of ponds, streams, lakes and rivers for hunting, fishing, hiking, snowmobiling, biking, camping and many other recreational pursuits. Moreover, it has helped protect mountain summits, working forests and farms, salt marshes, and coastal shoreline. Since its inception, nearly 200 projects have been completed statewide and are open to the public.
“The Land for Maine's Future program has helped protect the character of our communities,” said Speaker of the House Hannah Pingree (D-North Haven). “Through this outstanding program, Maine has shown that a partnership between the public and private sectors can not only accommodate but encourage economic growth while maintaining all that we associate with the great outdoors.”
For more than 20 years LMF has provided a strong economic boost for Maine.
By conserving 25 working farms - supporting family farmers producing diary, vegetables, meat and flowers.
By helping to conserve more than 250,000 acres of working forestland - guaranteeing continued sustainable forest management and public access for hunting, hiking, fishing and many other uses.
By working with communities across the state to establish hundreds of miles of snowmobile trails. LMF funded trails tend to be critical links in the statewide snowmobile system that are difficult to replace.
By protecting more than 1,000 miles of shorefront - guaranteeing access for canoeing, fishing and boating.
By serving all Maine citizens and visitors - those who fish, hike, farm, raft, bike, boat, hunt, snowmobile, camp and picnic.
By protecting coastal sites to ensure clammers and wormers have access to mud flats, ensuring their economic future.
By leveraging nearly $100 million of local, federal and private matching funds.
“Even during difficult times when our state’s primary focus is rightfully redirected toward shorter term impactful bond proposals, it is important that our state’s leaders also maintain a visionary long-term strategy with the Land for Maine’s Future program to address the economic and recreational importance of our unique farmland, waterfront, and forested resources,” said Rep. Patrick Flood (R –Winthrop). “I believe that the People of Maine will agree with that.”
“The bipartisan support for this program clearly demonstrates its appeal and success in conserving the state’s forests, farms, trails and waterways,” said Rep. Herb Adams (D-Portland). “We look forward to continuing the program for future generation.”
Four times – in 1987, 1999, 2004 and 2007 - Maine voters overwhelmingly passed bonds allocating funding for LMF. The LMF board has 11 members, five who hold state offices and six who are private citizens appointed by the governor. The board reviews proposals from Maine citizens, municipalities, agencies and land trusts and decides which provide the greatest public benefits.
“The Land for Maine’s Future program is about making investments in Maine,” said Rep. Jeff McCabe (D-Skowhegan). “So many of our family traditions, recreational activities and livelihoods are tied to the landscape - our farmlands, coast, islands, lakes, mountains, forests and rivers. I look forward to encouraging my colleagues to support additional funding for LMF.”
The Maine Land Bond Coalition is comprised of more than 350 supporting organizations, including sportsmen, business leaders, citizens, health organizations, conservationists, recreational enthusiasts and environmentalists. The program has helped citizens conserve a half million acres distributed across every Maine county. That includes hundreds of thousands of acres of sustainably managed forests, 6,000 acres of farmland, a thousand miles of shorefront and well over 100 miles of multi-use trails. And the state has leveraged more in federal and private funds than it has spent.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Senior Farmshare program
Senior Farmshare program
Rep. McCabe announces applications open for
Senior Farmshare program
AUGUSTA – Rep. Jeff McCabe, D-Skowhegan, announced Wednesday that applications for the Maine Senior Farmshare program will be available beginning March 4. The program is a partnership between the Maine Department of Agriculture and farmers throughout Maine, and is designed to provide seniors with up to $50 in free nutritious local produce during the summer growing season.
"This is a wonderful program that serves as a model, which connects local growers and local seniors,” said McCabe. “Maine Senior Farmshare provides high quality food and important social connections."
To qualify, Maine seniors must be at least 60 years old or 55 if a Native American, and either live independently with an individual yearly income of not more than $19,240 or have a combined yearly household income with a spouse or partner of not more than $25,900.
“This program provides healthy food to seniors and supports local farmers,” McCabe said. “By using local food, this program keeps Maine residents from contributing to the economic and environmental toll of shipping food across country when we’ve got better produce in our own backyards.”
In order to apply for the program, seniors should contact Spectrum Generations for income eligibility. Then, to receive their $50 in shares, they may sign up with a participating local farmer to select the types of produce and arrange pick up and delivery schedules. Farmers are prepaid by the Maine Department of Agriculture, and the program is funded through a permanent grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Participating farms offer at least five different types of produce each week throughout a 10-week growing season. They also must offer the fruits and vegetables at the same price or a lower cost than they charge to the general public.
For more information and to learn more about other programs available, seniors may contact McCabe at or Spectrum Generations at 399-3185. Additional details on the program can be found at http://www.getrealmaine.com/connect/farmshare/senior.html.
Rep. McCabe announces applications open for
Senior Farmshare program
AUGUSTA – Rep. Jeff McCabe, D-Skowhegan, announced Wednesday that applications for the Maine Senior Farmshare program will be available beginning March 4. The program is a partnership between the Maine Department of Agriculture and farmers throughout Maine, and is designed to provide seniors with up to $50 in free nutritious local produce during the summer growing season.
"This is a wonderful program that serves as a model, which connects local growers and local seniors,” said McCabe. “Maine Senior Farmshare provides high quality food and important social connections."
To qualify, Maine seniors must be at least 60 years old or 55 if a Native American, and either live independently with an individual yearly income of not more than $19,240 or have a combined yearly household income with a spouse or partner of not more than $25,900.
“This program provides healthy food to seniors and supports local farmers,” McCabe said. “By using local food, this program keeps Maine residents from contributing to the economic and environmental toll of shipping food across country when we’ve got better produce in our own backyards.”
In order to apply for the program, seniors should contact Spectrum Generations for income eligibility. Then, to receive their $50 in shares, they may sign up with a participating local farmer to select the types of produce and arrange pick up and delivery schedules. Farmers are prepaid by the Maine Department of Agriculture, and the program is funded through a permanent grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Participating farms offer at least five different types of produce each week throughout a 10-week growing season. They also must offer the fruits and vegetables at the same price or a lower cost than they charge to the general public.
For more information and to learn more about other programs available, seniors may contact McCabe at or Spectrum Generations at 399-3185. Additional details on the program can be found at http://www.getrealmaine.com/connect/farmshare/senior.html.
Monday, February 23, 2009
MPBN News Bill Would Steer Stimulus Funds to Maine's Dairy Farmer
Bill Would Steer Stimulus Funds to Maine's Dairy Farmers - 2/23/09 2:19 PM ESTBack
A Skowhegan representative has introduced a bill aimed at steering some of the federal stimulus funds to Maine's beleaguered dairy farmers. Democratic Rep. Jeff McCabe says the state's existing dairy stabilization fund works, but is short of cash--about $5 million short. He says his bill would seek to identify any money among the hundreds of millions coming to the state that could be used for the fund. "Here's a chance to give the tools that are needed to stabilize an industry that works," he says. McCabe says dairy farmers provide jobs and the industry has a significant economic impact throughout the state. He says if money can't be found in the stimulus package, he'll seek state funding for the program.
A Skowhegan representative has introduced a bill aimed at steering some of the federal stimulus funds to Maine's beleaguered dairy farmers. Democratic Rep. Jeff McCabe says the state's existing dairy stabilization fund works, but is short of cash--about $5 million short. He says his bill would seek to identify any money among the hundreds of millions coming to the state that could be used for the fund. "Here's a chance to give the tools that are needed to stabilize an industry that works," he says. McCabe says dairy farmers provide jobs and the industry has a significant economic impact throughout the state. He says if money can't be found in the stimulus package, he'll seek state funding for the program.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Rep. McCabe introduces legislation to support dairy industry
Rep. McCabe introduces legislation to support dairy industry
Bill would work to attract federal funding for Maine’s diary farmers
February 20, 2009
AUGUSTA — State Rep. Jeff McCabe, D-Skowhegan, announced Friday that he has introduced a bill to attract federal stimulus funding for dairy farms in Maine. With the industry struggling, Rep. McCabe has been actively working to support farmers in the Skowhegan area since he took office, and this legislation is his latest effort to help farms through these tough times.
“The dairy industry in Maine is essential to our state’s economy, especially in the agricultural, recreation and tourism sectors,” said Rep. McCabe. “Dairy farms produce jobs, and they represent a sustainable resource in this state that we should make every effort to protect.”
The bill, L.D. 628, is a “concept draft,” meaning it is a work in progress for the Legislature’s Committee on Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry to debate. Rep. McCabe serves on the committee, and he will present a number of options for the group to consider. The goal will be to produce a bill that brings the largest amount of federal resources to the dairy industry in Maine.
“In the past year, Congress passed a new farm bill with a number of useful programs in it, including funding for renewable energy and conservation,” said Rep. McCabe. “Our state should be utilizing every option we have to take advantage of federal programs to help dairy farms in Maine.”
The legislation will have a public hearing the next few weeks.
Contact:
Rep. Jeff McCabe, 399-3185
Rita Furlow, Legislative Aide, 287-1430
Kyle Leighton, Communications Director, 287-1433
Bill would work to attract federal funding for Maine’s diary farmers
February 20, 2009
AUGUSTA — State Rep. Jeff McCabe, D-Skowhegan, announced Friday that he has introduced a bill to attract federal stimulus funding for dairy farms in Maine. With the industry struggling, Rep. McCabe has been actively working to support farmers in the Skowhegan area since he took office, and this legislation is his latest effort to help farms through these tough times.
“The dairy industry in Maine is essential to our state’s economy, especially in the agricultural, recreation and tourism sectors,” said Rep. McCabe. “Dairy farms produce jobs, and they represent a sustainable resource in this state that we should make every effort to protect.”
The bill, L.D. 628, is a “concept draft,” meaning it is a work in progress for the Legislature’s Committee on Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry to debate. Rep. McCabe serves on the committee, and he will present a number of options for the group to consider. The goal will be to produce a bill that brings the largest amount of federal resources to the dairy industry in Maine.
“In the past year, Congress passed a new farm bill with a number of useful programs in it, including funding for renewable energy and conservation,” said Rep. McCabe. “Our state should be utilizing every option we have to take advantage of federal programs to help dairy farms in Maine.”
The legislation will have a public hearing the next few weeks.
Contact:
Rep. Jeff McCabe, 399-3185
Rita Furlow, Legislative Aide, 287-1430
Kyle Leighton, Communications Director, 287-1433
Rep. McCabe submits bill to support state parks
Legislation would help defray operating costs
February 18, 2009
AUGUSTA - A bill sponsored by State Rep. Jeff McCabe, D-Skowhegan, that would permit state parks to sell merchandise and use the funds to support operations and maintenance was introduced yesterday in the Maine House of Representatives.
“This legislation would give the Bureau of Parks and Lands the ability to dedicate revenue directly to the parks,” said McCabe. “In these tough economic times, it is crucial that we find creative ways to support the operation and maintenance of our state parks.”
The legislation, LD 562, would permit the Department of Conservation’s Bureau of Parks and Lands to sell items that are distinctive to the park or historic site, such as t-shirts, hats, mugs or other appropriate items. The Bureau could also rent items to be used for the enjoyment of the site, such as canoes, kayaks or bicycles. The bill would require, whenever possible, that the Bureau contract with Maine vendors in order to support Maine-based businesses.
McCabe currently serves as Director of Lake George Regional Park, a 320-acre park, which is located in the towns of Skowhegan and Canaan. Lake George Regional Park is a day-use park owned by the State of Maine and leased by the towns of Skowhegan and Canaan. The park offers swimming, fishing, picnicking, a public boat launch, a multiuse trail system, playing fields, and group use facilities.
“As the director of a self-supporting park, this is one tool we use successfully to ensure on-going revenue,” said McCabe. “I am pleased to sponsor this bill to enable parks and historic sites to do the same.”
The bill will be scheduled for a public hearing in the Legislature’s Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry in the coming weeks.
Contact:
Rep. Jeff McCabe, 399-3185
Rita Furlow, Legislative Aide, 287-1430
Kyle Leighton, Communications Director, 287-1433
February 18, 2009
AUGUSTA - A bill sponsored by State Rep. Jeff McCabe, D-Skowhegan, that would permit state parks to sell merchandise and use the funds to support operations and maintenance was introduced yesterday in the Maine House of Representatives.
“This legislation would give the Bureau of Parks and Lands the ability to dedicate revenue directly to the parks,” said McCabe. “In these tough economic times, it is crucial that we find creative ways to support the operation and maintenance of our state parks.”
The legislation, LD 562, would permit the Department of Conservation’s Bureau of Parks and Lands to sell items that are distinctive to the park or historic site, such as t-shirts, hats, mugs or other appropriate items. The Bureau could also rent items to be used for the enjoyment of the site, such as canoes, kayaks or bicycles. The bill would require, whenever possible, that the Bureau contract with Maine vendors in order to support Maine-based businesses.
McCabe currently serves as Director of Lake George Regional Park, a 320-acre park, which is located in the towns of Skowhegan and Canaan. Lake George Regional Park is a day-use park owned by the State of Maine and leased by the towns of Skowhegan and Canaan. The park offers swimming, fishing, picnicking, a public boat launch, a multiuse trail system, playing fields, and group use facilities.
“As the director of a self-supporting park, this is one tool we use successfully to ensure on-going revenue,” said McCabe. “I am pleased to sponsor this bill to enable parks and historic sites to do the same.”
The bill will be scheduled for a public hearing in the Legislature’s Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry in the coming weeks.
Contact:
Rep. Jeff McCabe, 399-3185
Rita Furlow, Legislative Aide, 287-1430
Kyle Leighton, Communications Director, 287-1433
Monday, February 9, 2009
Winter Carnival at Lake George Regional Park
Day of winter games
BY DOUG HARLOW
Staff Writer
There was the popular rough-and-tumble box-sled races Saturday, six kinds of homemade chili, marshmallows to roast, cross-country skiing, snow-shoeing and an ice-fishing derby that attracted hundreds of anglers from all over the region.
But mostly the 17th annual Winter Carnival at Lake George Regional Park was fun, everyone said.
And cold.
Colder than predicted.
"It's been a great turnout this year, I think we had perfect conditions as far as the sled-box derby -- there was enough snow," said park director Jeff McCabe. "The ice, it's thicker than it has been in years. We have at least 250 people who signed up for the ice-fishing derby today -- there's probably 500 people out there fishing today."
McCabe said people came out on the ice and snow for the warmth of family fun -- and the food.
"We have a chili cook-off today," he said. "There's some folks who came out today to use our groomed cross-country trails, as well as to go snow-shoeing, and some kids are tying out some kick sleds for the first time."
In the chili cook-off, pots and cast-iron Dutch ovens steamed and bubbled over open fires.
"We have six entries, which is perfect for the amount of space we have in these chili cookers -- barbecues that are made out of a half of the interior of a hot-water heater," organizer Iver Lofving said.
The cook-off winner was Shawn Bixby from Skowhegan Regional Vocational School. Jim Veilleux took second place, with Lofving and Empire Grill sharing third place.
In the box-sled derby, in which ordinary cardboard boxes are transformed into painted, downhill racers, 40 children entered to win the top spot in four categories.
The best looking sled award went to Isaac Curtis for "Red Thunder." The most creative sled was made by Ella Siren, 5, of Skowhegan, riding "Red Baron," with the longest slide going to Evan Wallace, 9, of Cornville.
The best crash of the box-sled derby went to 6-year-old Olivia Shrader of Canaan, who tumbled four times and came up in tears, but a winner.
Dave Daigneault, Skowhegan Police Department's community-resource officer, cub master for Cub Scout Pack 403 and organizer of Saturday's box-sled derby, said little Olivia's winning crash was a real smash.
"She did about four tumbles -- face first -- before she come out and started crying," Daigneault said. "It was quite a crash. She won a trophy."
The annual winter carnival is put on every year through volunteer efforts of the Skowhegan/Canaan community and through the park's leadership team.
And not all of the volunteers are adults, said Josh Ring, 12, of Canaan.
"I'm helping with the food, and I'm helping with the sleds," Josh said. "This is my first year. It's cold."
Out on the lake, scores of ice huts, snowmobiles and pickups dotted the snowy landscape as far as the eye could see.
Young and old set their traps and waited.
Jim MacMichael, a former Lake George intern under lake ranger Bob Hubbard, said the turnout for the ice-fishing derby was up by about 40 people this year.
He said the ice is thick -- between 11/2 to 21/2 feet thick. He said a third of the entrants were children.
MacMichael said the fishing was slow on Saturday.
Derby first-place winners and cash-prize recipients in the fishing derby were: Kristin Cooley, longest yellow perch; Barry Henderson, longest white perch; Jackson Lord, longest trout; Debbie Holt, longest smallmouth bass; and Zack Tondreau, longest pickerel.
Hubbard, the park's ranger for 16 years, said there was a reason Saturday for the slow going of catching fish.
"There is a lot of activity," he said. "You've got snowmobiles, you've got ice augers, you've probably got 1,500 (ice-fishing) holes out here, you've got trucks going across the ice -- it's got to do something to the fish.
"They're hiding."
Doug Harlow -- 474-9534, ext. 342
dharlow@centralmaine.com
BY DOUG HARLOW
Staff Writer
There was the popular rough-and-tumble box-sled races Saturday, six kinds of homemade chili, marshmallows to roast, cross-country skiing, snow-shoeing and an ice-fishing derby that attracted hundreds of anglers from all over the region.
But mostly the 17th annual Winter Carnival at Lake George Regional Park was fun, everyone said.
And cold.
Colder than predicted.
"It's been a great turnout this year, I think we had perfect conditions as far as the sled-box derby -- there was enough snow," said park director Jeff McCabe. "The ice, it's thicker than it has been in years. We have at least 250 people who signed up for the ice-fishing derby today -- there's probably 500 people out there fishing today."
McCabe said people came out on the ice and snow for the warmth of family fun -- and the food.
"We have a chili cook-off today," he said. "There's some folks who came out today to use our groomed cross-country trails, as well as to go snow-shoeing, and some kids are tying out some kick sleds for the first time."
In the chili cook-off, pots and cast-iron Dutch ovens steamed and bubbled over open fires.
"We have six entries, which is perfect for the amount of space we have in these chili cookers -- barbecues that are made out of a half of the interior of a hot-water heater," organizer Iver Lofving said.
The cook-off winner was Shawn Bixby from Skowhegan Regional Vocational School. Jim Veilleux took second place, with Lofving and Empire Grill sharing third place.
In the box-sled derby, in which ordinary cardboard boxes are transformed into painted, downhill racers, 40 children entered to win the top spot in four categories.
The best looking sled award went to Isaac Curtis for "Red Thunder." The most creative sled was made by Ella Siren, 5, of Skowhegan, riding "Red Baron," with the longest slide going to Evan Wallace, 9, of Cornville.
The best crash of the box-sled derby went to 6-year-old Olivia Shrader of Canaan, who tumbled four times and came up in tears, but a winner.
Dave Daigneault, Skowhegan Police Department's community-resource officer, cub master for Cub Scout Pack 403 and organizer of Saturday's box-sled derby, said little Olivia's winning crash was a real smash.
"She did about four tumbles -- face first -- before she come out and started crying," Daigneault said. "It was quite a crash. She won a trophy."
The annual winter carnival is put on every year through volunteer efforts of the Skowhegan/Canaan community and through the park's leadership team.
And not all of the volunteers are adults, said Josh Ring, 12, of Canaan.
"I'm helping with the food, and I'm helping with the sleds," Josh said. "This is my first year. It's cold."
Out on the lake, scores of ice huts, snowmobiles and pickups dotted the snowy landscape as far as the eye could see.
Young and old set their traps and waited.
Jim MacMichael, a former Lake George intern under lake ranger Bob Hubbard, said the turnout for the ice-fishing derby was up by about 40 people this year.
He said the ice is thick -- between 11/2 to 21/2 feet thick. He said a third of the entrants were children.
MacMichael said the fishing was slow on Saturday.
Derby first-place winners and cash-prize recipients in the fishing derby were: Kristin Cooley, longest yellow perch; Barry Henderson, longest white perch; Jackson Lord, longest trout; Debbie Holt, longest smallmouth bass; and Zack Tondreau, longest pickerel.
Hubbard, the park's ranger for 16 years, said there was a reason Saturday for the slow going of catching fish.
"There is a lot of activity," he said. "You've got snowmobiles, you've got ice augers, you've probably got 1,500 (ice-fishing) holes out here, you've got trucks going across the ice -- it's got to do something to the fish.
"They're hiding."
Doug Harlow -- 474-9534, ext. 342
dharlow@centralmaine.com
Encourages dairy farmer participation at forum
For Immediate Release
February 9, 2009
Contact: Rep. Jeff McCabe, 399-3185
Rita Furlow, Legislative Aide, 287-1430
Kyle Leighton, Communications Director, 287-1433
Rep. McCabe encourages dairy farmer participation at forum
AUGUSTA — State Rep. Jeff McCabe, D-Skowhegan, announced Friday that the Legislature’s Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry will be holding a public forum relating to milk pricing and Maine’s Dairy Stabilization Program on Wed., Feb. 18, 2009 in Room # 208 of the Cross Office Building.
Members of the Agriculture Committee have expressed their concern relating to falling milk prices on Maine’s dairy farmers. Maine created a Dairy Stabilization program in 2004 to provide a safety net for dairy farmers during periods of falling prices. The state’s declining revenues have many apprehensive that there may be inadequate funds for the program.
“It is crucial for dairy farmers to voice their opinion and suggestions at the upcoming meeting,” said McCabe. “Committee members need to hear directly from farmers who are trying to make ends meet during difficult financial times.”
Those who cannot attend the public hearing in Augusta may submit written comments to the committee by mailing them to the Joint Standing Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, Maine Legislature, State House Station #100, Augusta, ME 04333. Members of the public may also listen to the forum via the Legislature’s website at http://www.maine.gov/legis/audio/.
February 9, 2009
Contact: Rep. Jeff McCabe, 399-3185
Rita Furlow, Legislative Aide, 287-1430
Kyle Leighton, Communications Director, 287-1433
Rep. McCabe encourages dairy farmer participation at forum
AUGUSTA — State Rep. Jeff McCabe, D-Skowhegan, announced Friday that the Legislature’s Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry will be holding a public forum relating to milk pricing and Maine’s Dairy Stabilization Program on Wed., Feb. 18, 2009 in Room # 208 of the Cross Office Building.
Members of the Agriculture Committee have expressed their concern relating to falling milk prices on Maine’s dairy farmers. Maine created a Dairy Stabilization program in 2004 to provide a safety net for dairy farmers during periods of falling prices. The state’s declining revenues have many apprehensive that there may be inadequate funds for the program.
“It is crucial for dairy farmers to voice their opinion and suggestions at the upcoming meeting,” said McCabe. “Committee members need to hear directly from farmers who are trying to make ends meet during difficult financial times.”
Those who cannot attend the public hearing in Augusta may submit written comments to the committee by mailing them to the Joint Standing Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, Maine Legislature, State House Station #100, Augusta, ME 04333. Members of the public may also listen to the forum via the Legislature’s website at http://www.maine.gov/legis/audio/.
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