© Pete Saloutos/Panoramic Images (Maine Title Image Large)
Conserving Maine's Plants and Animals
© Amy Louise Witt Conserving Plants and Animals Featured Image
Maine, without its rich landscape of plant and animal life, is just not Maine. There are great efforts being made, by both the state and private organizations, to conserve the unique, wild character of this state. With the threats of development, habitat loss, invasive species, and others on the rise in Maine, the need for conservation efforts also rises. In 1983 the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife created the Endangered and Nongame Wildlife Fund from contributions made through the Chickadee Check-off option on state income tax forms. Today the contributions from Maine citizens are made in a variety of ways, and are used to fund programs geared toward researching and protecting endangered and nongame species in this state.
Conservation Efforts for Maine's Plants and Wildlife
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Chickadee Check-off
In 1983, the Maine State Legislature created the Maine Endangered and Nongame Wildlife Fund by adding a check-off option to the state income tax form.
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Conservation License Plate
In 1994, the "loon license plate" conservation registration was initiated, from which a portion of the proceeds go directly into the Endangered and Nongame Wildlife Fund.
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Land for Maine's Future
The concept behind the Land for Maine's Future (LMF) Program is simple. Lands that have exceptional natural or recreational value warrant permanent protection. With spreading development and changing land uses, Maine is at risk of losing many of the natural landscapes that residents cherish and that are so important to Maine's natural and cultural heritage as well as to its economic vitality. The LMF Program seeks to conserve these important settings.
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Maine Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program
With over 6000 lakes and ponds, and thousands of miles of stream habitat, the task of preventing the spread of invasive aquatic species in Maine waters is one of the greatest environmental challenges of our time.
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Maine Amphibian Monitoring Program
MAMP was established in 1997 and is a joint effort between Maine Audubon and the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.
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Maine Butterfly Survey
There is an increasing demand from conservation planners for information on the status and distribution of all forms of wildlife in Maine. The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW) frequently receives requests for data on butterflies and moths from land trusts, environmental organizations, state permitting agencies, consulting biologists, and members of the general public.
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Maine Damselfly and Dragonfly Survey
Insects in the order Odonata, damselflies and dragonflies, are a significant and conspicuous component of Maine's wildlife diversity. At this time 158 species have been documented in the state, comprising nearly 36% of the total North American odonate fauna (435 species)!