DoomsdaysCW<p>Bills revive debate over <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/SearsIsland" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>SearsIsland</span></a> port plan</p><p>Maine Public | By Peter McGuire<br>Published March 12, 2025 </p><p>"Lawmakers heard more than five hours of testimony Wednesday from both sides of a debate over preserving Sears Island in the Town of <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Searsport" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Searsport</span></a>.</p><p>"A pair of bills from state representative Reagan Paul would extend a <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/ConservationEasement" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>ConservationEasement</span></a> across the island and restore <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/SandDuneProtections" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>SandDuneProtections</span></a> in a 330-acre parcel set aside for development.</p><p>"The Winterport Republican said it's time to end decades of controversial port proposals for the island in the town of Searsport. The latest plan is a floating offshore wind port by the Maine Department of Transportation that has so far failed to attract federal funding.</p><p>"'And yet <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/MDOT" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>MDOT</span></a> refuses to face reality, doubling down on failure and proving this is not about offshore wind, it is about pushing <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/IndustrialDevelopment" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>IndustrialDevelopment</span></a> at any cost,' Paul told members of the legislature's Environment and Natural Resources Committee.</p><p>"Local <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/conservationists" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>conservationists</span></a> support the proposal and said the highest and best use of the island is as a wild area. Any commercial development, including the wind port, can be done at nearby <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/MackPoint" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>MackPoint</span></a>, a fuel and materials terminal."</p><p>Read more:<br><a href="https://www.mainepublic.org/climate/2025-03-12/bills-revive-debate-over-sears-island-port-plan" rel="nofollow noopener" translate="no" target="_blank"><span class="invisible">https://www.</span><span class="ellipsis">mainepublic.org/climate/2025-0</span><span class="invisible">3-12/bills-revive-debate-over-sears-island-port-plan</span></a> <br><a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/SaveSearsIsland" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>SaveSearsIsland</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/ProtectNature" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>ProtectNature</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Maine" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Maine</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/WindTurbines" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>WindTurbines</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/WindPort" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>WindPort</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/PenobscotBay" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>PenobscotBay</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/ProtectSearsIsland" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>ProtectSearsIsland</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/ProtectTheForest" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>ProtectTheForest</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/ProtectTheDunes" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>ProtectTheDunes</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/WindTerminal" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>WindTerminal</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/SandDunes" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>SandDunes</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/ProtectWahsumkik" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>ProtectWahsumkik</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/EndangeredSpecies" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>EndangeredSpecies</span></a></p>
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DoomsdaysCW<p>Good! Build it on <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/MackPoint" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>MackPoint</span></a>, not <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/SearsIsland" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>SearsIsland</span></a>! Feds reject Maine’s request for $456 million to build proposed wind port at Sears Island</p><p>by Stephen Singer<br>October 22, 2024</p><p>"Rolf Olsen, vice president of the board of <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/FriendsOfSearsIsland" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>FriendsOfSearsIsland</span></a>, which manages a portion of the island set aside for <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/conservation" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>conservation</span></a>, and an opponent of the Sears Island proposed site, said the federal decision 'would appear to be a significant financial blow' to develop the manufacturing facility.</p><p>"'We’re somewhat encouraged that the state’s port development grant application was turned down, especially since it only considered developing Sears Island and not Mack Point,' he said.</p><p>Source:<br><a href="https://www.pressherald.com/2024/10/22/feds-reject-maines-456-million-request-to-build-wind-port-at-sears-island/" rel="nofollow noopener" translate="no" target="_blank"><span class="invisible">https://www.</span><span class="ellipsis">pressherald.com/2024/10/22/fed</span><span class="invisible">s-reject-maines-456-million-request-to-build-wind-port-at-sears-island/</span></a></p><p>Archived version:<br><a href="https://archive.md/ej9E4" rel="nofollow noopener" translate="no" target="_blank"><span class="invisible">https://</span><span class="">archive.md/ej9E4</span><span class="invisible"></span></a> </p><p><a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/SaveSearsIsland" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>SaveSearsIsland</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/ProtectNature" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>ProtectNature</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Maine" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Maine</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/WindTurbines" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>WindTurbines</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/WindPort" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>WindPort</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Maine" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Maine</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/PenobscotBay" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>PenobscotBay</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/ProtectSearsIsland" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>ProtectSearsIsland</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/ProtectTheForest" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>ProtectTheForest</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/ProtectTheDunes" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>ProtectTheDunes</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/WindTerminal" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>WindTerminal</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/SandDunes" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>SandDunes</span></a><br><a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/ProtectWahsumkik" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>ProtectWahsumkik</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/EndangeredSpecies" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>EndangeredSpecies</span></a></p>
DoomsdaysCW<p><a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/MaineNotes" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>MaineNotes</span></a>, October 2, 2024</p><p>In <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/MaineNews" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>MaineNews</span></a>, <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/ScarboroughMaine" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>ScarboroughMaine</span></a> Town Council may put the brakes on the <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/GorhamSpur" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>GorhamSpur</span></a> tonight, and <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/BuxtonMaine" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>BuxtonMaine</span></a> refuses to pay for 1/2 of a separate pedestrian bridge on busy Route 202 over the <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/SacoRiver" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>SacoRiver</span></a> (connecting two trail systems), leaving <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/HollisMaine" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>HollisMaine</span></a> to foot the bill (if they decide to pay for it). Meanwhile, <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Searsport" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Searsport</span></a> voters say "yes" to an offshore wind port, but will it be on undeveloped <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/SearsIsland" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>SearsIsland</span></a>, or already developed <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/MackPoint" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>MackPoint</span></a>? </p><p><a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/SaveSmilingHillFarm" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>SaveSmilingHillFarm</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/ProtectSearsIsland" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>ProtectSearsIsland</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/ProtectWahsumkik" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>ProtectWahsumkik</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Maine" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Maine</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/MaineTrails" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>MaineTrails</span></a></p>
DoomsdaysCW<p><a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Searsport" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Searsport</span></a> information session addresses questions about offshore <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/WindPort" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>WindPort</span></a></p><p>By Marleigha Clipston<br>Published: Aug. 13, 2024 at 9:11 PM EDT</p><p>SEARSPORT, Maine (WABI) - "The Searsport Select Board held an informational meeting with representatives from <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/MaineDOT" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>MaineDOT</span></a> and the Maine Port Authority to discuss the state’s proposed offshore wind port.</p><p>"At Tuesday night’s meeting the select board asked questions that were submitted ahead of time regarding the wind port and the impacts it would have on the area.</p><p>"In February, the state announced the preferred location for the wind port is <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/SearsIsland" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>SearsIsland</span></a>.</p><p>"Many residents have spoken out against the wind port being built on Sears Island suggesting <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/MackPoint" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>MackPoint</span></a> as an alternative location.</p><p>"Representatives from the state say they are still very early in the process which will take years.</p><p>"'Local people should be listened to in this process and heard that we really need to have an undeveloped Island to go to and for the animals and plants,' said Chris Buchanan, Campaign to <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/ProtectSearsIsland" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>ProtectSearsIsland</span></a>.</p><p>“'You know, we talked about carbon sequestration, having mature ecology, like an intact ecosystem, is way more important than building out offshore wind. We could do that on industrial sites that already exist,' said Buchanan.</p><p>“'Its still an ongoing process. I mean, the permitting process here, we anticipate to take a minimum of two years. We hope to do that concurrently with the NEPA process,' said Matthew Burns, Maine Port Authority’s Executive Director.</p><p>“'And I mean, ultimately, you know, the final decision is to find the least <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/environmentally" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>environmentally</span></a> damaging, practical alternative. We’re committed to doing that. and have devoted a lot of resources to make sure we do right,' said Burns.</p><p>"Over 70 questions were submitted and many were not addressed due to time constraints.</p><p>"The town and the state plan to hold more meetings going forward."</p><p><a href="https://www.wabi.tv/2024/08/14/searsport-information-session-addresses-questions-about-offshore-wind-port/" rel="nofollow noopener" translate="no" target="_blank"><span class="invisible">https://www.</span><span class="ellipsis">wabi.tv/2024/08/14/searsport-i</span><span class="invisible">nformation-session-addresses-questions-about-offshore-wind-port/</span></a></p><p><a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/ProtectSearsIsland" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>ProtectSearsIsland</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/WindTerminal" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>WindTerminal</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/SandDunes" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>SandDunes</span></a><br><a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Searsport" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Searsport</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/ProtectWahsumkik" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>ProtectWahsumkik</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/MackPoint" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>MackPoint</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Wahsumkik" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Wahsumkik</span></a><br><a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/EndangeredSpecies" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>EndangeredSpecies</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/ProtectTheDunes" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>ProtectTheDunes</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/GovernorJanetMills" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>GovernorJanetMills</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/ProtectTheForest" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>ProtectTheForest</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/CorporateColonialism" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>CorporateColonialism</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Wassumkeag" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Wassumkeag</span></a></p>
DoomsdaysCW<p>CALL TO ACTION!</p><p>Can you attend this event for<br><a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Wahsumkik" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Wahsumkik</span></a> / <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/SearsIsland" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>SearsIsland</span></a>?</p><p>"Floating Offshore Wind 101 - An Educational Panel with Q&A."</p><p>Wednesday, August 21st<br>Bucksport 5:30-7:30pm</p><p>Center for Professional Mariner Development<br>24 Mariner Way<br>Bucksport, <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Maine" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Maine</span></a></p><p>FMI - <br><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/826271572971739/" rel="nofollow noopener" translate="no" target="_blank"><span class="invisible">https://www.</span><span class="ellipsis">facebook.com/events/8262715729</span><span class="invisible">71739/</span></a></p><p><a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/WindPort" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>WindPort</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/MackPoint" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>MackPoint</span></a> ProtectSearsIsland <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/WindTerminal" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>WindTerminal</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/SandDunes" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>SandDunes</span></a><br><a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Searsport" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Searsport</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/ProtectWahsumkik" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>ProtectWahsumkik</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/EndangeredSpecies" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>EndangeredSpecies</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/ProtectTheDunes" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>ProtectTheDunes</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/GovernorJanetMills" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>GovernorJanetMills</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/ProtectTheForest" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>ProtectTheForest</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/CorporateColonialism" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>CorporateColonialism</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Wassumkeag" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Wassumkeag</span></a></p>
DoomsdaysCW<p>Proposed offshore <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/WindPort" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>WindPort</span></a> on <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/SearsIsland" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>SearsIsland</span></a> raises new conflicts for coastal Mainers, environmental activists</p><p>Residents concerned about both <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/ClimateChange" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>ClimateChange</span></a> and preservation are conflicted over plans for a facility on Sears Island that could be key to launching Maine's offshore wind industry</p><p>Annie Ropeik, The Maine Monitor<br>July 14, 2024</p><p>"Dow and activists like Huber want the port built instead at a <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/SpragueEnergy" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>SpragueEnergy</span></a>-owned oil and logistics terminal across the water known as <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/MackPoint" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>MackPoint</span></a>. It was considered as an alternative in lengthy public processes in recent years, and Sprague and opponents of the Sears Island proposal have continued to urge reconsideration for it so far this summer.</p><p>"Offshore wind has taken some big steps forward in Maine this year. Federal regulators approved a state research array of floating turbines, which generate power in deep waters far offshore, and are nearing leasing for commercial projects. </p><p>"A new state law calls for <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Maine" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Maine</span></a> to procure 3 gigawatts of offshore wind by 2040, using union- standard labor to build the projects and a floating wind-focused port. </p><p>"Formal environmental assessments and site analyses are still pending. But state port authority director Matthew Burns wrote in June that Mack Point’s 'physical and logistical constraints, need for significant dredging, and increased costs to taxpayers for land leasing and port construction would result in an expensive and inferior port for Maine compared to a versatile, purpose-built port on Sears Island.'</p><p>"Still, opponents worry that <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/wetlands" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>wetlands</span></a> and <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/forests" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>forests</span></a> on Sears Island could be disrupted by port construction, even if most of the surrounding <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/ecosystem" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>ecosystem</span></a> remains intact. </p><p>"'Because we have to sacrifice something, let’s sacrifice something irreplaceable, instead of cleaning up a dirty old existing port?' Huber said outside the event. 'That’s just ridiculous.'"</p><p><a href="https://www.pressherald.com/2024/07/14/proposed-offshore-wind-port-on-sears-island-raises-new-conflicts-for-coastal-mainers-environmental-activists/" rel="nofollow noopener" translate="no" target="_blank"><span class="invisible">https://www.</span><span class="ellipsis">pressherald.com/2024/07/14/pro</span><span class="invisible">posed-offshore-wind-port-on-sears-island-raises-new-conflicts-for-coastal-mainers-environmental-activists/</span></a></p><p>Archived version:<br><a href="https://archive.md/HBPgT" rel="nofollow noopener" translate="no" target="_blank"><span class="invisible">https://</span><span class="">archive.md/HBPgT</span><span class="invisible"></span></a><br><a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/ProtectSearsIsland" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>ProtectSearsIsland</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/WindTerminal" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>WindTerminal</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/SandDunes" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>SandDunes</span></a><br><a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Searsport" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Searsport</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/ProtectWahsumkik" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>ProtectWahsumkik</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/MackPoint" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>MackPoint</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Wahsumkik" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Wahsumkik</span></a><br><a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/EndangeredSpecies" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>EndangeredSpecies</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/ProtectTheDunes" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>ProtectTheDunes</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/GovernorJanetMills" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>GovernorJanetMills</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/ProtectTheForest" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>ProtectTheForest</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/CorporateColonialism" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>CorporateColonialism</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Wassumkeag" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Wassumkeag</span></a></p>
DoomsdaysCW<p>Common <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Wildlife" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Wildlife</span></a> of <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Wassumkeag" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Wassumkeag</span></a> Island (<a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/SearsIsland" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>SearsIsland</span></a>)</p><p>"This is an ongoing list of the types of wildlife found on Wassumkeag (Sears) Island. It is based on reported observations. There are many other animal species on Sears Island, however, that have not been seen so are not included in this list. The list does not include most aquatic or tidal organisms. Please see our other guide for birds. New species will be added in future updates so check back. </p><p>American Mink</p><p>American Red Squirrel</p><p>American Toad</p><p>Common Garter Snake</p><p>Common Porcupine</p><p>Common Raccoon</p><p>Deer Mouse</p><p>Eastern Chipmunk</p><p>Eastern Cottontail</p><p>Eastern Gray Squirrel</p><p>Harbor Seal</p><p>Moose</p><p>Northeastern coyote</p><p>Ribbon Snake</p><p>Smooth Greensnake</p><p>Spring Peeper</p><p>Striped Skunk</p><p>White-tailed Deer</p><p>Wood Frog</p><p>Yellow-Spotted Salamander"</p><p>Source:<br><a href="https://www.inaturalist.org/guides/3233" rel="nofollow noopener" translate="no" target="_blank"><span class="invisible">https://www.</span><span class="">inaturalist.org/guides/3233</span><span class="invisible"></span></a></p><p>"We welcome your submissions of observations! Please visit our website at <a href="http://friendsofsearsisland.org/explore-the-island/" rel="nofollow noopener" translate="no" target="_blank"><span class="invisible">http://</span><span class="ellipsis">friendsofsearsisland.org/explo</span><span class="invisible">re-the-island/</span></a> to log observations. You may also add species to our Inaturalist Project, 'Plants and Animals of Sears Island.'"</p><p><a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/SaveSearsIsland" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>SaveSearsIsland</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/ProtectNature" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>ProtectNature</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/WednesdaysForWildlife" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>WednesdaysForWildlife</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Maine" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Maine</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/WindTurbines" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>WindTurbines</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/WindPort" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>WindPort</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/PenobscotBay" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>PenobscotBay</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/ProtectSearsIsland" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>ProtectSearsIsland</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/ProtectTheForest" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>ProtectTheForest</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/ProtectTheDunes" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>ProtectTheDunes</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/WindTerminal" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>WindTerminal</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/SandDunes" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>SandDunes</span></a><br><a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/ProtectWahsumkik" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>ProtectWahsumkik</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/EndangeredSpecies" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>EndangeredSpecies</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/GovernorJanetMills" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>GovernorJanetMills</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/GreenEnergy" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>GreenEnergy</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/MackPoint" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>MackPoint</span></a></p>
DoomsdaysCW<p><a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/SearsIsland" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>SearsIsland</span></a> Bird Images<br>by Karl Gerstenberger</p><p>"To date, birders have spotted 222 species of birds on Sears Island, representing 47% of all bird species recorded in <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Maine" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Maine</span></a>. In Derek Lovitch’s 2017 book <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Birdwatching" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Birdwatching</span></a> in Maine, he states that 'Sears Island…is by far the shining gem of Maine coastal birding' in the area of <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/coastline" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>coastline</span></a> between Rockland and Mount Desert Island..'"</p><p><a href="https://friendsofsearsisland.org/explore/bird-gallery/" rel="nofollow noopener" translate="no" target="_blank"><span class="invisible">https://</span><span class="ellipsis">friendsofsearsisland.org/explo</span><span class="invisible">re/bird-gallery/</span></a></p><p><a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/ProtectSearsIsland" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>ProtectSearsIsland</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/WindTerminal" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>WindTerminal</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/SandDunes" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>SandDunes</span></a><br><a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Searsport" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Searsport</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/ProtectWahsumkik" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>ProtectWahsumkik</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/MackPoint" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>MackPoint</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Wahsumkik" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Wahsumkik</span></a><br><a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/EndangeredSpecies" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>EndangeredSpecies</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/ProtectTheDunes" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>ProtectTheDunes</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/GovernorJanetMills" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>GovernorJanetMills</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/ProtectTheForest" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>ProtectTheForest</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/CorporateColonialism" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>CorporateColonialism</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Wassumkeag" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Wassumkeag</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/WednesdaysForWildlife" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>WednesdaysForWildlife</span></a></p>
DoomsdaysCW<p><a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/SearsIsland" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>SearsIsland</span></a>: The Answer to Green Energy, Or Home to <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Biodiverse" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Biodiverse</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Wildlife" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Wildlife</span></a>?</p><p>by Freyja Grey<br>Jul 16, 2024 </p><p>"The <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Wabanaki" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Wabanaki</span></a> people indigenous to the area named Sears Island <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Wassumkeag" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Wassumkeag</span></a>, or Shining Beach. The tribes used the island to hunt and fish for centuries.</p><p>"McCarthy said, 'They've been documented archeologically to have had a presence here for at least thirty-five hundred years.... There's a bio-regional perspective that considers all the relations: the <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/insects" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>insects</span></a>, the <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/grasses" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>grasses</span></a>, the <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/trees" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>trees</span></a>, the <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/eelgrass" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>eelgrass</span></a>, the <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/birds" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>birds</span></a>, the critters that roam these woods — if you really want to speak for Sears Island, it's incumbent, not just for poets and photographers and old hippies, it's incumbent for all of us to be mindful of all that is happening here.'</p><p>"McCarthy said he gets why the island is an attractive place for development. 'We're in a time where wind energy is important,' he said. 'We need to find green sources of power, but the narrowness of that human perspective needs to be challenged.'</p><p>"Both McCarthy and Lawless join the group <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/FriendsOfSearsIsland" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>FriendsOfSearsIsland</span></a> in maintaining that <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/MackPoint" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>MackPoint</span></a> is better situated for development. </p><p>"Even though 600 acres of the island are protected by a conservation easement, industrial disruption to the peaceful island could lead to <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/environmental" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>environmental</span></a> impacts that may not be fully realized until after development, according to McCarthy."</p><p>Read more:<br><a href="https://www.freepressonline.com/news/sears-island-the-answer-to-green-energy-or-home-to-biodiverse-wildlife/article_b9f01324-3ed0-11ef-8f73-2f4dbf7e4a56.html" rel="nofollow noopener" translate="no" target="_blank"><span class="invisible">https://www.</span><span class="ellipsis">freepressonline.com/news/sears</span><span class="invisible">-island-the-answer-to-green-energy-or-home-to-biodiverse-wildlife/article_b9f01324-3ed0-11ef-8f73-2f4dbf7e4a56.html</span></a></p><p><a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/SaveSearsIsland" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>SaveSearsIsland</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/ProtectNature" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>ProtectNature</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/WednesdaysForWildlife" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>WednesdaysForWildlife</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Maine" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Maine</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/WindTurbines" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>WindTurbines</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/WindPort" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>WindPort</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Maine" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Maine</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/PenobscotBay" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>PenobscotBay</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/ProtectSearsIsland" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>ProtectSearsIsland</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/ProtectTheForest" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>ProtectTheForest</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/ProtectTheDunes" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>ProtectTheDunes</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/WindTerminal" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>WindTerminal</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/SandDunes" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>SandDunes</span></a><br><a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/ProtectWahsumkik" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>ProtectWahsumkik</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/EndangeredSpecies" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>EndangeredSpecies</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/GovernorJanetMills" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>GovernorJanetMills</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/GreenEnergy" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>GreenEnergy</span></a></p>
DoomsdaysCW<p>Letter: Save <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/SearsIsland" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>SearsIsland</span></a><br> <br>by Opinion Contributor <br>June 17, 2024</p><p>"The article '<a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/SpragueEnergy" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>SpragueEnergy</span></a> pushes <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/WindPort" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>WindPort</span></a>' in the June 15 Bangor Daily News Business section highlights the perfectly reasonable argument that <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/MackPoint" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>MackPoint</span></a> should be reconsidered as the site for the proposed wind port. According to Jim Therriault, vice president of materials handling for Sprague, new information is available from research and studies. Things have changed since the state first targeted Sears Island. The arguments of dredging, construction costs and environmental concerns all have new facts and figures since the state (prematurely?) made the executive decision to use Sears Island for the wind port.</p><p>"Those who want to save Sears Island from the wind port construction that I believe would be the destruction of that beautiful local treasure sincerely hope that the state will do the responsible and reasonable thing. That they will take a good, strong look at what Sprague is offering. </p><p>"Hopefully, the decision to use Sears Island is not cast in stone and is reversible if facts warrant it.</p><p>"Too much is at stake to allow the state to stubbornly refuse to reconsider a decision this important. Someone in an impartial position needs to come to the table and study the facts. The new facts. If possible, let’s save Sears Island!"</p><p>- Sue Shaw<br>Penobscot, Maine</p><p><a href="https://www.bangordailynews.com/2024/06/17/opinion/letters/save-sears-island-wind-port-mack-point/" rel="nofollow noopener" translate="no" target="_blank"><span class="invisible">https://www.</span><span class="ellipsis">bangordailynews.com/2024/06/17</span><span class="invisible">/opinion/letters/save-sears-island-wind-port-mack-point/</span></a> </p><p><a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/ProtectNature" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>ProtectNature</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Nature" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Nature</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/GulfOfMaine" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>GulfOfMaine</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Environment" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Environment</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/EndangeredSpecies" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>EndangeredSpecies</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/ProtectSearsIsland" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>ProtectSearsIsland</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/WindTerminal" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>WindTerminal</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/SandDunes" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>SandDunes</span></a><br><a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/ProtectWahsumkik" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>ProtectWahsumkik</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Wahsumkik" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Wahsumkik</span></a><br><a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/EndangeredSpecies" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>EndangeredSpecies</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/ProtectTheDunes" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>ProtectTheDunes</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/WabanakiAlliance" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>WabanakiAlliance</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Wassumkeag" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Wassumkeag</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/CorporateColonialism" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>CorporateColonialism</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/PenobscotBay" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>PenobscotBay</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Greenwashing" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Greenwashing</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/JanetMills" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>JanetMills</span></a></p>
DoomsdaysCW<p><a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/SpragueEnergy" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>SpragueEnergy</span></a> offers alternative plan for offshore <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/WindPort" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>WindPort</span></a> at <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/MackPoint" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>MackPoint</span></a></p><p>Story by Katie Delaney <br>June 11, 2024</p><p>"The State of Maine is planning to build its first offshore wind port on Sears Island in <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Searsport" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Searsport</span></a>, but Sprague Energy is pushing for its facility at Mack Point to be reconsidered as the site for the project.</p><p>"Leaders of Sprague Energy held tours Tuesday to show people their plan for offshore wind at Mack Point which they say is a lower-impact alternative to <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/SearsIsland" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>SearsIsland</span></a>.</p><p>"'This is a technology we've been serving for 20 years; we know what we do, we know our plan is rational,' Sprague Energy Vice President of Materials Handling Jim Therriault said.</p><p>"Sprague Energy has been working on <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/WindTurbines" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>WindTurbines</span></a> for the land, but it’s ready to take them to the sea.</p><p>"Therriault said the plan will impact the land less than the Sears Island project while still preserving their current operations.</p><p>"'We came up with a plan that gives you the same, if not more, capability and we did it with greatly reduced dredging, probably about an 85 percent reduction,' Therriault said. </p><p>"Sprague would make money on the deal. It would lease 100 acres of its facility to the State of Maine. Sprague says its site would be cheaper than Sears Island.</p><p>"'That lease fee will likely be lower than the state financing fees,' Sprague Energy President and CEO Dave Glendon said."</p><p>Read more:<br><a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/companies/sprague-energy-unveils-plan-for-alternative-offshore-wind-port-at-mack-point/ar-BB1o2UwV" rel="nofollow noopener" translate="no" target="_blank"><span class="invisible">https://www.</span><span class="ellipsis">msn.com/en-us/money/companies/</span><span class="invisible">sprague-energy-unveils-plan-for-alternative-offshore-wind-port-at-mack-point/ar-BB1o2UwV</span></a> </p><p><a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Maine" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Maine</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/PenobscotBay" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>PenobscotBay</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/ProtectSearsIsland" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>ProtectSearsIsland</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/ProtectTheForest" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>ProtectTheForest</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/ProtectTheDunes" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>ProtectTheDunes</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/SaveSearsIsland" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>SaveSearsIsland</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/WindTerminal" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>WindTerminal</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/SandDunes" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>SandDunes</span></a><br><a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/ProtectWahsumkik" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>ProtectWahsumkik</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Wahsumkik" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Wahsumkik</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/EndangeredSpecies" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>EndangeredSpecies</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/GovernorJanetMills" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>GovernorJanetMills</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Wassumkeag" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Wassumkeag</span></a></p>
DoomsdaysCW<p><a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/SearsIsland" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>SearsIsland</span></a> Study Area<br><a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Wetland" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Wetland</span></a> Delineation </p><p><a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Photographs" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Photographs</span></a>: August & September, 2023 </p><p>Sears Island<br>Searsport, Maine 04974</p><p><a href="https://www.maine.gov/mdot/grants/infra/docs/2024/env/Freshwater%20Wetland,%20Waterbodies,%20Vernal%20Pools%20Sears%20Island%20Wetland%20Delineation%20Rprt_VHB.pdf" rel="nofollow noopener" translate="no" target="_blank"><span class="invisible">https://www.</span><span class="ellipsis">maine.gov/mdot/grants/infra/do</span><span class="invisible">cs/2024/env/Freshwater%20Wetland,%20Waterbodies,%20Vernal%20Pools%20Sears%20Island%20Wetland%20Delineation%20Rprt_VHB.pdf</span></a></p><p><a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Nature" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Nature</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/MDOT" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>MDOT</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/MaineDOT" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>MaineDOT</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/JanetMills" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>JanetMills</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/SaveTheWetlands" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>SaveTheWetlands</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/EndangeredSpecies" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>EndangeredSpecies</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Wahsumkik" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Wahsumkik</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Searsport" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Searsport</span></a> <br><a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/WindTurbines" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>WindTurbines</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/ProtectTheForest" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>ProtectTheForest</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/ProtectTheDunes" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>ProtectTheDunes</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/SaveSearsIsland" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>SaveSearsIsland</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/OffshoreWindFarm" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>OffshoreWindFarm</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/ProtectWahsumkik" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>ProtectWahsumkik</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/ProtectNature" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>ProtectNature</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/MackPoint" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>MackPoint</span></a></p>
DoomsdaysCW<p>"The <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/PeregrineFalcon" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>PeregrineFalcon</span></a>, a federally endangered species that has been verified on <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/SearsIsland" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>SearsIsland</span></a>, likely preys on smaller birds along the island's coast. The <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/SouthernBogLemming" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>SouthernBogLemming</span></a> (state watch list) and <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/EasternRibbonSnake" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>EasternRibbonSnake</span></a> (state special concern list) have been verified on Sears Island..."</p><p>Source:<br><a href="https://nepis.epa.gov/Exe/ZyNET.exe/94007OXR.TXT?ZyActionD=ZyDocument&Client=EPA&Index=1995+Thru+1999&Docs=&Query=&Time=&EndTime=&SearchMethod=1&TocRestrict=n&Toc=&TocEntry=&QField=&QFieldYear=&QFieldMonth=&QFieldDay=&IntQFieldOp=0&ExtQFieldOp=0&XmlQuery=&File=D%3A%5Czyfiles%5CIndex%20Data%5C95thru99%5CTxt%5C00000042%5C94007OXR.txt&User=ANONYMOUS&Password=anonymous&SortMethod=h%7C-&MaximumDocuments=1&FuzzyDegree=0&ImageQuality=r75g8/r75g8/x150y150g16/i425&Display=hpfr&DefSeekPage=x&SearchBack=ZyActionL&Back=ZyActionS&BackDesc=Results%20page&MaximumPages=1&ZyEntry=1&SeekPage=x&ZyPURL" rel="nofollow noopener" translate="no" target="_blank"><span class="invisible">https://</span><span class="ellipsis">nepis.epa.gov/Exe/ZyNET.exe/94</span><span class="invisible">007OXR.TXT?ZyActionD=ZyDocument&Client=EPA&Index=1995+Thru+1999&Docs=&Query=&Time=&EndTime=&SearchMethod=1&TocRestrict=n&Toc=&TocEntry=&QField=&QFieldYear=&QFieldMonth=&QFieldDay=&IntQFieldOp=0&ExtQFieldOp=0&XmlQuery=&File=D%3A%5Czyfiles%5CIndex%20Data%5C95thru99%5CTxt%5C00000042%5C94007OXR.txt&User=ANONYMOUS&Password=anonymous&SortMethod=h%7C-&MaximumDocuments=1&FuzzyDegree=0&ImageQuality=r75g8/r75g8/x150y150g16/i425&Display=hpfr&DefSeekPage=x&SearchBack=ZyActionL&Back=ZyActionS&BackDesc=Results%20page&MaximumPages=1&ZyEntry=1&SeekPage=x&ZyPURL</span></a> </p><p><a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/EndangeredSpecies" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>EndangeredSpecies</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Wahsumkik" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Wahsumkik</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Searsport" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Searsport</span></a> <br><a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/WindTurbines" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>WindTurbines</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/ProtectTheForest" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>ProtectTheForest</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/ProtectTheDunes" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>ProtectTheDunes</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/SaveSearsIsland" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>SaveSearsIsland</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/OffshoreWindFarm" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>OffshoreWindFarm</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/ProtectWahsumkik" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>ProtectWahsumkik</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/ProtectNature" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>ProtectNature</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/MackPoint" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>MackPoint</span></a></p>
DoomsdaysCW<p>Energy company wants <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Maine" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Maine</span></a> to use its port instead of <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/SearsIsland" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>SearsIsland</span></a> for offshore wind hub</p><p>Competition for Maine's offshore <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/WindPort" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>WindPort</span></a> is sharpening with <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/SpragueEnergy" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>SpragueEnergy</span></a> Operating Resources proposing <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/MackPoint" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>MackPoint</span></a> as an alternative to the state's preferred site on nearby Sears Island.</p><p>by Stephen Singer, June 6, 2024</p><p>[Behind a paywall -- full text below]</p><p>An energy and port services company is pitching its Mack Point industrial property as a location for an offshore wind port, offering it as an alternative to the site on nearby Sears Island that is preferred by the state but opposed by local residents.</p><p>Sprague Operating Resources LLC on Thursday released details of its plan for Maine’s offshore wind project in Searsport. It says its site will be less costly than the Sears Island location and spare that area the disruption caused by port construction, a key issue that locals have criticized. The plan proposes a launching dock, assembly area for wind turbines before they’re dispatched to the Gulf of Maine and a recently updated rail yard.</p><p>“We can’t get the state to look at this plan seriously,” said James Therriault, vice president of materials handling at Sprague.</p><p>The Mills administration says Sears Island is the best choice for an offshore wind port because the site is owned by the state, saving money that would otherwise be required to lease another location, and is designated for port development.</p><p>State officials also have said that the Sears Island site would not require dredging, unlike at Mack Point. But Therriault said Mack Point has been dredged to a depth that can accept ships. “We’ll take advantage of depth that’s already there,” he said.</p><p>Sprague says its Mack Point Terminal offers 100 acres separate from current activities, a base launching dock allowing the use of a semi-submersible barge or Tug Dock device – next-generation equipment used to install offshore wind platforms – and a second large vessel dock for Sprague’s bulk and liquid operations that can also serve as a backup dock.</p><p>“Sprague believes it’s in the best interests of Mainers to urge the state to fully analyze the costs, timings and impacts of Sprague’s alternative design,” Therriault said. “We believe this alternative achieves the goal of minimizing impacts on natural and working lands, while reducing overall cost and providing all the same operational and vessel functionality.”</p><p>In response to Sprague’s proposal, the state Department of Transportation said Mack Point has “physical and logistical constraints.” The agency says the area would require a “significant” need for dredging and greater costs to Maine taxpayers for leasing and construction, resulting in a “more expensive and inferior port facility for Maine compared to Sears Island.”</p><p>“What are those constraints?” asked Rolf Olsen, vice president of Friends of Sears Island, a volunteer, nonprofit organization that manages a conservation area on the island. He opposes the state’s proposal and favors Mack Point.</p><p>State officials use the “same generalities” as they have before, he said. “I don’t see anything new here.”<br>DOT officials said Sears Island is “one of the best sites for a deep-water port on the Eastern Seaboard, which is why a portion of the island has been reserved for port development for many years.”</p><p>“By all available information, analysis and stakeholder input, Sears Island is the most feasible and cost-effective location for an offshore wind port,” the state said.</p><p>The state’s selection of Sears Island as its preferred site “followed two years of evaluation, local discussions and assessment of all other port options – including Mack Point,” the DOT said.</p><p>Gov. <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/JanetMills" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>JanetMills</span></a> announced in February the state’s preferred site at Sears Island. The selection is subject to state and federal permitting and will be analyzed in comparison to Mack Point.</p><p>Olsen said redeveloping Mack Point, “which has thrived as an industrial site for more than a century” would be less disruptive than building a port on Sears Island.<br>The state, he said is “single-mindedly going for Sears Island.” </p><p><a href="https://www.centralmaine.com/2024/06/06/energy-company-wants-maine-to-use-its-port-for-offshore-wind-hub-instead-of-sears-island/" rel="nofollow noopener" translate="no" target="_blank"><span class="invisible">https://www.</span><span class="ellipsis">centralmaine.com/2024/06/06/en</span><span class="invisible">ergy-company-wants-maine-to-use-its-port-for-offshore-wind-hub-instead-of-sears-island/</span></a></p><p><a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Wahsumkik" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Wahsumkik</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Searsport" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Searsport</span></a> <br><a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/WindTurbines" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>WindTurbines</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/ProtectTheForest" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>ProtectTheForest</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/ProtectTheDunes" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>ProtectTheDunes</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/SaveSearsIsland" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>SaveSearsIsland</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/EndangeredSpecies" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>EndangeredSpecies</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/OffshoreWindFarm" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>OffshoreWindFarm</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/ProtectWahsumkik" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>ProtectWahsumkik</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/ProtectNature" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>ProtectNature</span></a></p>
DoomsdaysCW<p>This is what's at stake...! <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/SaveSearsIsland" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>SaveSearsIsland</span></a>! Build the <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/WindTerminal" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>WindTerminal</span></a> on <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/MackPoint" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>MackPoint</span></a>! </p><p>Explore <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/SearsIsland" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>SearsIsland</span></a> </p><p>"Sears Island is one of the largest undeveloped islands on the <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/EasternSeaboard" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>EasternSeaboard</span></a> that is connected to the mainland by a causeway."</p><p><a href="https://friendsofsearsisland.org/" rel="nofollow noopener" translate="no" target="_blank"><span class="invisible">https://</span><span class="">friendsofsearsisland.org/</span><span class="invisible"></span></a></p><p><a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/SaveWahsumkik" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>SaveWahsumkik</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/ProtectNature" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>ProtectNature</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/ProtectWahsumkik" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>ProtectWahsumkik</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Nature" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Nature</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Maine" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Maine</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/EndangeredSpecies" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>EndangeredSpecies</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/OffshoreWindFarm" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>OffshoreWindFarm</span></a></p>
DoomsdaysCW<p><a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/SpragueEnergy" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>SpragueEnergy</span></a> Unveils Alternative, Lower-Impact Plan for Floating <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/OffshoreWind" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>OffshoreWind</span></a> at Its <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/MackPoint" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>MackPoint</span></a> Terminal in <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Maine" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Maine</span></a></p><p>Harnessing Existing Infrastructure, Sequestering Tons of <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Carbon" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Carbon</span></a> Per Year and Protecting 100 Acres of Undisturbed Natural Habitat on and off <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/SearsIsland" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>SearsIsland</span></a></p><p>June 6, 2024 /PRNewswire</p><p>"'Building a wind port on Sears Island means more than 75 acres of upland forest will be cleared, graded, and compacted. It also means filling 25 acres of pristine <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/PenobscotBay" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>PenobscotBay</span></a> to extend the shoreline where a previously protected ocean sand dune is located,' said Rolf E. Olsen, vice president of <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/FriendsOfSearsIsland" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>FriendsOfSearsIsland</span></a>, a volunteer nonprofit organization that manages the conservation area on behalf of the people of Maine and supports the idea of a <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/WindPort" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>WindPort</span></a> in <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Searsport" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Searsport</span></a>.</p><p>"Olsen continued, 'That estimate by the State does not include the additional impact from a new and greatly expanded approach road and rail bed to get to the facility. This seriously damages the island's <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/ecological" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>ecological</span></a>, recreational, and economic value. Re-developing Mack Point - which has thrived as an industrial site for more than a century - is a far better and less disruptive decision, and the State has previously stated that it meets the requirements for the port.'</p><p>"On April 24, the <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/MaineDOT" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>MaineDOT</span></a> issued a request for information seeking public input on Maine's commercial offshore wind solicitation approach and implementation. Public opinions should be emailed to geo@maine.gov before the June 21st deadline. More information is available on the Maine.gov website."</p><p><a href="https://www.tmcnet.com/usubmit/2024/06/06/10024531.htm" rel="nofollow noopener" translate="no" target="_blank"><span class="invisible">https://www.</span><span class="ellipsis">tmcnet.com/usubmit/2024/06/06/</span><span class="invisible">10024531.htm</span></a></p><p><a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/ProtectNature" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>ProtectNature</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Nature" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Nature</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/GulfOfMaine" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>GulfOfMaine</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Environment" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Environment</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/EndangeredSpecies" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>EndangeredSpecies</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/ProtectSearsIsland" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>ProtectSearsIsland</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/WindTerminal" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>WindTerminal</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/SandDunes" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>SandDunes</span></a><br><a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/ProtectWahsumkik" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>ProtectWahsumkik</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Wahsumkik" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Wahsumkik</span></a><br><a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/EndangeredSpecies" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>EndangeredSpecies</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/ProtectTheDunes" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>ProtectTheDunes</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/WabanakiAlliance" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>WabanakiAlliance</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Wassumkeag" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Wassumkeag</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/CorporateColonialism" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>CorporateColonialism</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/PenobscotBay" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>PenobscotBay</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Greenwashing" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Greenwashing</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/JanetMills" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>JanetMills</span></a></p>
DoomsdaysCW<p>What this article doesn't mention is all the other plans to develop <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/SearsIsland" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>SearsIsland</span></a>, that are contingent on <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/MDOT" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>MDOT</span></a>'s and <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/GovernorJanetMills" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>GovernorJanetMills</span></a> getting their way!</p><p>[Paywall] The plans for <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Maine" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Maine</span></a>’s floating <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/WindPort" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>WindPort</span></a>, explained </p><p>May 31, 2024</p><p>Why Sears Island?</p><p>"This question remains a big sticking point for what appears to be a number of local residents, some environmental organizations and midcoast advocacy groups, and those who are simply opposed to offshore wind development entirely.</p><p>"They argue that industrialized <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/MackPoint" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>MackPoint</span></a> in <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/SearsportMaine" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>SearsportMaine</span></a> is the best place for a wind port.</p><p>"'There’s such a sensible alternative 800 yards away — a 105-year-old working port, with a terminal operator that is ready, willing and able to take on the project and not to jeopardize their other operations,' said <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/DavidItaliaander" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>DavidItaliaander</span></a>, a Searsport resident and board member for <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/FriendsOfSearsIsland" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>FriendsOfSearsIsland</span></a>. The group maintains the island’s vast network of trails. </p><p>"<a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/SpragueEnergy" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>SpragueEnergy</span></a> owns Mack Point and appears to be making its own push to host the state’s wind port. The company has said that its existing <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/industrial" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>industrial</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/waterfront" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>waterfront</span></a> could be repurposed to support Maine’s plans. And Sprague said it has a new alternative plan that addresses some of the concerns the state has identified. </p><p>"But there is a coalition of other conservation organizations, labor groups, the Maine Chamber of Commerce and others that want to see Sears Island redeveloped as a wind port and support the state’s plan.</p><p>"Maine DOT already owns the land that it wants to develop. The state also says that Sears Island wouldn’t require dredging, but Sprague has said those requirements would be reduced under its new plan.<br>In the meantime, Italiaander and other Sears Island advocacy groups are poring through the details of DOT’s federal grant application.</p><p>"DOT, for example, has proposed relocating the Sears Island access road so it would cut through a corner of the <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/conservation" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>conservation</span></a> area.</p><p>"That’s a concern, Italiaander said. Burns acknowledged that the land is protected and said the proposed road relocation is intended to better bifurcate the island into its two potential uses — port activity and recreation.</p><p>"The debate over Sears Island will ramp up in the coming weeks and months.</p><p>"Sprague Energy will host an event next month at the Mack Point terminal, where company leaders are expected to present their own alternative wind port design.</p><p>"And <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/MaineDOT" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>MaineDOT</span></a> is expected to release a much-anticipated analysis of alternative sites, which will include Mack Point."</p><p><a href="https://www.bangordailynews.com/2024/05/31/midcoast/midcoast-business/searsport-maine-floating-wind-port-explained/" rel="nofollow noopener" translate="no" target="_blank"><span class="invisible">https://www.</span><span class="ellipsis">bangordailynews.com/2024/05/31</span><span class="invisible">/midcoast/midcoast-business/searsport-maine-floating-wind-port-explained/</span></a></p><p><a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/WindPort" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>WindPort</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/GulfOfMaine" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>GulfOfMaine</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Environment" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Environment</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/EndangeredSpecies" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>EndangeredSpecies</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/ProtectSearsIsland" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>ProtectSearsIsland</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/WindTerminal" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>WindTerminal</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/SandDunes" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>SandDunes</span></a><br><a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Searsport" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Searsport</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/ProtectWahsumkik" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>ProtectWahsumkik</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Wahsumkik" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Wahsumkik</span></a><br><a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/EndangeredSpecies" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>EndangeredSpecies</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/ProtectTheDunes" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>ProtectTheDunes</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/WabanakiAlliance" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>WabanakiAlliance</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Wassumkeag" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Wassumkeag</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/CorporateColonialism" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>CorporateColonialism</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/PenobscotBay" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>PenobscotBay</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Maine" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Maine</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/ProtectSearsIsland" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>ProtectSearsIsland</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/WindTerminal" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>WindTerminal</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/SandDunes" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>SandDunes</span></a><br><a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/ProtectWahsumkik" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>ProtectWahsumkik</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Wahsumkik" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Wahsumkik</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/CulturalGenocide" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>CulturalGenocide</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Greenwashing" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Greenwashing</span></a></p>
DoomsdaysCW<p>Tree cutting has already started! Call your legislators and <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/ProtectTheForest" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>ProtectTheForest</span></a> / <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/ProtectTheDunes" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>ProtectTheDunes</span></a> and <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/SaveSearsIsland" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>SaveSearsIsland</span></a>! The trees and greenery there keep <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Carbon" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Carbon</span></a> from entering the atmosphere! <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/MackPoint" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>MackPoint</span></a> is a better choice, since it has already been developed and is NOT ecologically sensitive!</p><p>[Undeveloped] <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/SearsIsland" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>SearsIsland</span></a> has staved off <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/industrialization" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>industrialization</span></a> for decades. Now it may become <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Maine" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Maine</span></a>’s <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/WindPort" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>WindPort</span></a>.</p><p>Many say Mack Point's the better choice.</p><p>SEARSPORT — "At 940 acres, Sears Island is the largest uninhabited island off the coast of Maine, making it an inviting patch of ground for proposed developments such as a shipping cargo port and <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/nuclear" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>nuclear</span></a> power plant.</p><p>"For decades, however, the <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/PenobscotBay" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>PenobscotBay</span></a> island has been a graveyard for major projects that never got built.</p><p>"That could change in the coming years.</p><p>"<a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/GovJanetMills" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>GovJanetMills</span></a> announced in February that Sears Island is the state’s preferred site for an industrial port with facilities to build, assemble and maintain floating offshore wind turbines, hundreds of feet in height. The undeveloped site would be transformed into a busy hub for ships delivering materials to build the turbines, and it would be populated by cranes, storage facilities and vehicles.</p><p>[...]</p><p>"Many local residents and others in Maine [including the <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/WabanakiAlliance" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>WabanakiAlliance</span></a>] say Mack Point is a more logical launchpad for the state’s floating wind industry, and that the state should spare tranquil Sears Island with its abundant woods, trails and views of <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/PenobscotBay" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>PenobscotBay</span></a> from becoming what they fear would be an industrial zone."</p><p>Read more:<br><a href="https://www.sunjournal.com/2024/05/19/sears-island-has-staved-off-industrialization-for-decades-now-it-may-become-maines-wind-port/" rel="nofollow noopener" translate="no" target="_blank"><span class="invisible">https://www.</span><span class="ellipsis">sunjournal.com/2024/05/19/sear</span><span class="invisible">s-island-has-staved-off-industrialization-for-decades-now-it-may-become-maines-wind-port/</span></a> </p><p><a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Maine" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Maine</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/ProtectSearsIsland" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>ProtectSearsIsland</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/WindTerminal" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>WindTerminal</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/SandDunes" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>SandDunes</span></a><br><a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Searsport" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Searsport</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/ProtectWahsumkik" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>ProtectWahsumkik</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Wahsumkik" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Wahsumkik</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/EndangeredSpecies" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>EndangeredSpecies</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/GovernorJanetMills" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>GovernorJanetMills</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Wassumkeag" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Wassumkeag</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/AllianceForSearsIsland" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>AllianceForSearsIsland</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/CulturalGenocide" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>CulturalGenocide</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Greenwashing" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Greenwashing</span></a></p>
DoomsdaysCW<p><a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/MDOT" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>MDOT</span></a> Plans New <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/SearsIsland" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>SearsIsland</span></a> Road and Rail Access Corridor Through Current <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/ConservationLand" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>ConservationLand</span></a></p><p>Published by<br><a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/allianceforsearsisland" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>allianceforsearsisland</span></a> </p><p>on May 23, 2024</p><p>"Can we hold the Maine Department of Transportation accountable for bull-dozing their way toward developing Sears Island and industrializing <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/PenobscotBay" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>PenobscotBay</span></a>, along the way breaking promises, rewriting environmental protection law, changing the Sears Island conservation easement, withholding from the public important development costs and impacts and avoiding open, honest, transparent public involvement?</p><p>"We might be tempted to begin our list of facts illustrating MDOT’s abuse of authority and public trust with the illegal filling of Sears Island <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/wetlands" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>wetlands</span></a> and construction of the causeway, apparently in violation of its permit, in the 1980’s. But let’s keep to the more recent offshore wind record of broken promises and undisclosed development activity. </p><p>"During the Governor’s announcement in February, [<a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/GovJanetMills" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>GovJanetMills</span></a>] claimed, without supporting data, that Sears Island development 'will cost less' and 'is expected to result in less environmental harm' than would development of a state-owned but privately operated offshore wind facility at Mack Point.</p><p>"The 'cost less' assertion raised major questions not yet answered in part because, a few months earlier, at the last OSWPAG meeting, we were told, 'The total project cost for construction is very similar for both MP ($460 Million Total Project Cost) and SI ($470 Million Total Project Cost).'</p><p>"Sears Island’s current <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/undeveloped" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>undeveloped</span></a>, natural condition, provides important ecological services to the region and state, especially for fisheries, <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/CarbonSequestration" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>CarbonSequestration</span></a> and publicly accessible recreation. <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/MackPoint" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>MackPoint</span></a> does not provide these ecological services. According to a reliable source, every acre of intact Sears Island forest locks up between 80 and 100 metric tons of carbon dioxide each year – <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/CO2" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>CO2</span></a> that cannot harm our <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/climate" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>climate</span></a>.</p><p>"Developing Sears Island proposes removing all vegetation and life from more than 100 acres on Sears Island, nearly one-third of which is existing or historical <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/wetland" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>wetland</span></a>, and then harvesting 1.4 million cubic yards of soil to create an impermeable, nearly level work area. Doing so constitutes radical, permanent, irreparable ecological damage, forever eliminating current upland and associated marine <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/environmental" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>environmental</span></a> benefits. This exactly flips an appropriate climate-change response and dramatically undermines any claim that developing Sears Island instead of Mack Point represents the least environmentally damaging choice.</p><p>Broken Promises</p><p>"In 2007, the state promised to choose <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/MackPoint" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>MackPoint</span></a> as the preferred location for future marine transportation development. The Sears Island agreement, signed by 38 stakeholders including the Maine Department of Transportation, and adopted as state policy by then-Governor Baldacci and the State of Maine’s Joint Standing Committee on Transportation, says: 'Mack Point shall be given preference as an alternative to port development on Sears Island.'</p><p>"The Sears Island agreement also committed the State of Maine from ever harvesting soil from the island. Ever. Not one cubic yard of soil would be harvested and certainly not 1.4 million cubic yards of soil!</p><p>Sadly, the Governor’s announcement and subsequent actions taken by MDOT toward developing Sears Island render the promises made in 2007 by our government worthless.</p><p>Broken Laws</p><p>"But highly questionable governmental actions in pursuit of developing Sears Island continue. In March this year the Governor brought forward the sand dune bill that allows violation of sand <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/dune" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>dune</span></a> system protections on Sears Island and creates a dangerous threat in the future for any environmental law that may interfere with MDOT development aspirations. Though initially failing to pass in the House, the bill eventually became law after strong political pressure.</p><p>New Sears Island Road and Rail Corridor</p><p>"And now we come to the MDOT application for a federal grant specifically to develop Sears Island. Nestled within several documents associated with the grant application is page 2 of a two-drawing file titled, Sears Island Wind Port Concept Drawing 2024-04-29, copy attached or available at <a href="https://www.maine.gov/mdot/grants/infra/" rel="nofollow noopener" translate="no" target="_blank"><span class="invisible">https://www.</span><span class="">maine.gov/mdot/grants/infra/</span><span class="invisible"></span></a>.</p><p>"The illustration depicts a new 'heavy load' access road and rail corridor as part of Sears Island development plans for the first time, at least in public.</p><p>"As proposed, the new approximately 2,300-foot-long rail and road access corridor passes through a thickly wooded portion of the island, crossing at least two perennial streams and disturbing additional wetlands along the way. Assuming a 100-foot width, the corridor would destroy more than 5.25 acres of intact natural landscape, in addition to the more than 100-acre upland ecological destruction at the facility site proper.</p><p>"Adding insult to injury, the proposed new road and rail corridor requires changing the conservation easement boundary in the vicinity.</p><p>"<a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/FriendsOfSearsIsland" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>FriendsOfSearsIsland</span></a> Vice President Rolf Olsen received confirmation of the new road and rail access plan from Kay Rand in response to his query. Rand also substantiated that the new access corridor would cross a portion of the conservation parcel and necessitate a change in that parcel’s boundary.</p><p>"According to budget information included with the grant application, clearing, grubbing, excavation and borrow, grading, drainage, erosion control, paving and other work related to this access corridor will add $8 million to the cost of developing Sears Island. Mack Point already provides both a heavy load road and rail.</p><p>"The new Sears Island rail and road access corridor presents yet another failure by MDOT to incorporate an honest understanding of climate change into decision-making. As MDOT fiddles for federal grant money to pursue a mega facility on Sears Island, the Earth tilts toward catastrophic climate change.</p><p>"I will venture the opinion that, had the <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/MillsAdministration" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>MillsAdministration</span></a> and MDOT focused offshore wind port research on Mack Point as promised in March 2020 (see attached press release), as promised in the Sears Island Planning Initiative, and as the historical record certainly suggests is the rational approach, including deeply exploring development possibilities there with <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/SpragueEnergy" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>SpragueEnergy</span></a>, they might already have secured permits and seen construction begun.<br> <br><a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Accountability" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Accountability</span></a> Now</p><p>"End the insulting double-speak. With honor and integrity, not intrigue and obfuscation, open-up and bring the full spectrum of facts to this decision. Accountability now!"</p><p>Steve Miller</p><p><a href="https://allianceforsearsisland.org/2024/05/23/mdot-plans-new-sears-island-road-and-rail-access-corridor-though-current-conservation-land/" rel="nofollow noopener" translate="no" target="_blank"><span class="invisible">https://</span><span class="ellipsis">allianceforsearsisland.org/202</span><span class="invisible">4/05/23/mdot-plans-new-sears-island-road-and-rail-access-corridor-though-current-conservation-land/</span></a> </p><p><a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/WindTerminal" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>WindTerminal</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/SandDunes" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>SandDunes</span></a><br><a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Searsport" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Searsport</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/AllianceForSearsIsland" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>AllianceForSearsIsland</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/ProtectWahsumkik" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>ProtectWahsumkik</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/MackPoint" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>MackPoint</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Wahsumkik" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Wahsumkik</span></a><br><a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/EndangeredSpecies" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>EndangeredSpecies</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/ProtectTheDunes" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>ProtectTheDunes</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/GovernorJanetMills" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>GovernorJanetMills</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/WabanakiAlliance" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>WabanakiAlliance</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/CulturalGenocide" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>CulturalGenocide</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/EnvironmentalRacism" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>EnvironmentalRacism</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/PenobscotNation" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>PenobscotNation</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Passamaquoddy" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Passamaquoddy</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/ProtectTheForest" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>ProtectTheForest</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/CorporateColonialism" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>CorporateColonialism</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Wassumkeag" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Wassumkeag</span></a></p>
DoomsdaysCW<p>OpEd: Opposing wind port on <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/SearsIsland" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>SearsIsland</span></a> protects <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/wildlife" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>wildlife</span></a></p><p>"I strongly oppose the decision by Gov. Mills and the Maine Department of Transportation to locate a wind port on Sears Island in Waldo County. This is wrongly being touted as the least environmentally harmful location for a port, largely based on its requiring less dredging to establish access than using an available site at nearby Mack Point.</p><p>Placing a port on Sears Island would destroy upwards of 100 acres of woodland and a sand dune habitat and be very harmful to the thousands of migrant birds that pass through the island. Mack Point is already highly industrialized and offers little benefit to birds and other wildlife. Claiming that Sears Island is the least environmentally harmful is simply inaccurate.</p><p>One of the unmentioned reasons for the state’s desire to develop Sears Island is likely that it offers room for future port expansion, whether that be for assembling wind towers or anything else <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/MDOT" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>MDOT</span></a> wishes to do. MDOT controls 300 acres on the island and will surely find reasons to expand once it establishes a foothold.</p><p>"Sears island is highly important to birds and is one of the premier locations in the state for observing spring and fall migrant songbirds. It is sad that some of the state’s largest environmental organizations have not taken a firm stance against developing the island. Check out the Alliance for Sears Island website for more information, and I urge you to contact your state legislators and ask them to oppose a port on Sears Island."</p><p>John Wyatt<br>Winterport</p><p><a href="https://www.centralmaine.com/2024/05/22/letter-opposing-wind-port-on-sears-island-protects-wildlife-2/" rel="nofollow noopener" translate="no" target="_blank"><span class="invisible">https://www.</span><span class="ellipsis">centralmaine.com/2024/05/22/le</span><span class="invisible">tter-opposing-wind-port-on-sears-island-protects-wildlife-2/</span></a></p><p><a href="https://allianceforsearsisland.org/" rel="nofollow noopener" translate="no" target="_blank"><span class="invisible">https://</span><span class="">allianceforsearsisland.org/</span><span class="invisible"></span></a></p><p><a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Maine" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Maine</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/ProtectSearsIsland" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>ProtectSearsIsland</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/WindTerminal" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>WindTerminal</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/SandDunes" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>SandDunes</span></a><br><a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Searsport" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Searsport</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/ProtectWahsumkik" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>ProtectWahsumkik</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Wahsumkik" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Wahsumkik</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/EndangeredSpecies" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>EndangeredSpecies</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/ProtectTheDunes" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>ProtectTheDunes</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/GovernorJanetMills" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>GovernorJanetMills</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/ProtectTheForest" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>ProtectTheForest</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Wassumkeag" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Wassumkeag</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/AllianceForSearsIsland" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>AllianceForSearsIsland</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/WednesdaysForWildlife" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>WednesdaysForWildlife</span></a></p>
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