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Maine RTP Advisory Committee Meeting

Bureau / Program: Maine RTP Advisory Committee
Date: March 31, 2021
Time: 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: Via Zoom - Online Meeting
Event Type: Public Meeting/Hearing

Contact Name: Douglas Beck
Contact Phone: 207-624-6090
Contact Email: doug.beck@maine.gov

Related Documents: Agenda

Minutes

Maine RTP Advisory Committee Meeting

Bureau / Program: Maine RTP Advisory Committee
Date: June 17, 2022
Time: 12:00 PM
Location: Zoom
Event Type: Public Meeting/Hearing

Contact Name: Douglas S. Beck
Contact Phone: 2075940439
Contact Email: doug.beck@maine.gov

Related Documents: Agenda

Minutes

Maine Agricultural Trades Show

Bureau / Program: Animal and Plant Health, Agriculture Resource Development, Board of Pesticides Control, Maine Forest Service, Animal Health
Date: January 14, 2025 - January 16, 2025
Location: Augusta Civic Center
Event Type: Special Event

The State of Maine Agricultural Trades Show is an important gathering for Maine agriculture. The annual event features exhibits, conference sessions, and the Listening Post, which offers daily meet and greets at 9 AM, 12PM, and 2 PM, and free business advising appointments. The show opens to the public daily at 9 AM. There is no admission fee - some sessions may require pre-registration and course fees.

View schedules, maps, participant directory, and subscribe to show news

Contact Name: Anne Trenholm
Contact Phone: (207) 287-7620
Contact Email: acfagtradesshow@maine.gov
Website: http://maine.gov/dacf/agtradesshow
Cost: Free Admission

Cooking and Curing Controls - Advanced HACCP Training Course

Bureau / Program: Quality Assurance and Regulations
Date: March 14, 2025
Time: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: Bolton Hill Forestry Conference Space, 2870 North Belfast Ave, Augusta, ME, 04330
Event Type: Workshop/Training

Augusta, Maine - The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) is pleased to announce an upcoming Quality Assurance and Regulations (QAR) advanced HACCP Class: Cooking and Curing Controls-Meat and Poultry HACCP for Artisanal, Value-Added, and Shelf-Stable Recipes.

This in-person training opportunity is tailored specifically for Maine meat and poultry processors to provide them with the regulatory information they need to add value-added, shelf-stable, and artisanal products to their HACCP systems.

Registration is $100 per attendee and includes learning materials and lunch for each participant.The class will be held on March 14, 2025, at the Bolton Hill Forestry Conference Space, located at 2870 North Belfast Ave., Augusta, Maine 04330.

What is covered in this course?

This advanced HACCP course is designed for small-scale meat and poultry processors with basic HACCP knowledge or experience who are looking to gain exposure to the use of industry guidelines and scientific support for the development of controls for specialty processes including cooking, smoking, drying, and fermenting. Including:

Overview of meat and poultry science to illustrate how product environments can harbor or preclude pathogens of concern at different points in specialty product preparation.
Introduction to USDA - Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) Draft Guidelines for meat and poultry specialty processes, controlling Listeria monocytogenes in ready-to-eat products, and curing calculations.
Tools for finding and using scientific literature published by Cooperative Extension programs and other food safety researchers to support process controls and pathogen reduction in specific meat and poultry recipes.
Selection and monitoring of critical control points in specialty meat and poultry processes.

Deadline to Register: February 14, 2025

Open to first 15 registrants.

Contact Name: Josh Collins
Contact Phone: (207) 287-7512
Cost: $100

Related Documents: Class Flyer (PDF)

Soil Health Day in York County

Bureau / Program: Maine Healthy Soils Program, Agriculture Resource Development
Date: December 13, 2024
Time: 9:00 AM - 1:45 PM
Location: University of Maine Cooperative Extension York County, 45 Kennebunk Road, Alfred, ME
Event Type: Workshop/Training

Hosted by The University of Maine Cooperative Extension.

Soil Health Topics and Speakers:

Matt Boucher, ME DACF
Jason Lilley, UMaine Cooperative Extension
Meg Mitchell, MOFGA/South Paw Farm
Amy Sprague, Wolf Pine Farm
Daniela Aldrich, Dancing Harvest Farm

Healthy soil is critical for healthy, productive crops. This workshop will provide growers with practice guidance to address their soil health concerns, and to build healthier soils for long-term success. Topics will include cover cropping, farming in clay, and accessing state and federal resources to confront soil challenges. This event will also feature a farmer panel discussing soil health strategies for climate resiliency. Join us for an engaging day of learning and networking!

Please register by December 9

Website: https://extension.umaine.edu/york/event/soil-health-day/
Cost: Sliding Scale- $10-$15-$20

Related Documents: York County Soil Health Day Flyer (PDF)

Videographer and Video Editor(s)

Bureau / Program: Maine Conservation Corps
Date:
Location: MCC Office in Augusta
Event Type: Volunteer

Maine Conservation Corps (MCC) is seeking a videographer and video editor(s) who can create a few short film projects to help us in our marketing and recruitment endeavors.

MCC is an AmeriCorps program that provides opportunities for people to get outdoors and contribute to the greater good. Our mission is to accomplish conservation initiatives that inspire people and enhance communities, and that's what we've been doing since our establishment in 1983.

Every year, we place almost 100 individuals throughout the entire state of Maine to conserve and protect our natural resources. They participate in trail maintenance and erosion control, water quality and wildlife monitoring, invasive plant removal, outdoor education and outreach, and so much more.

In addition, we provide people with an opportunity to learn valuable life skills, gain confidence, and become lifelong advocates of the environment.

We need your help to spread the word about the awesome things we are getting done!

Responsibilities

Produce short marketing videos 30, 60, or 90 seconds in length
Ensure our key messages and goals are incorporated into the videos
Possession of necessary film equipment, including camera, editing software, lighting, or sound equipment
Travel with or without an MCC staff person to project sites to get footage of members and projects
Edit footage and collaborate with MCC staff to create the final product
Input music, dialogues, graphics, and effects
Ensure logical sequencing and smooth running
Collect appropriate consent from persons interviewed, photographed, etc.
Ensure final products are accessible (e.g., audio descriptions, closed captions, etc.)
Receive express written consent from MCC before disseminating products
Check-in regularly with MCC staff for updates and communicate any needs through email or face-to-face meetings

Qualifications

Professional or personal experience in video production: filming, image, and sound editing (samples of past work would be very appreciated)
Professional, energetic, creative, and self-motivated
Effective communicator and troubleshooter
Ability to make decisions and follow through with minimal supervision
Ability to follow through and meet deadlines and possess a strong sense of responsibility

To Get Involved

If you're interested in this, or other volunteer projects, please fill out our quick interest form!

Contact Phone: (207) 624-6085

Public Comment on Chapter 3: Temporary Emergency Food Assistance Program

Bureau / Program: Agriculture Resource Development
Date: November 20, 2024 - December 27, 2024
Event Type: Public Comment

The amended rule replaces outdated terms and updates definitions as well as reorganizes for readability and clarity. Additionally, it adds language pertaining to The Emergency Food Assistance Program Fund, established as a nonlapsing fund to support the emergency food assistance program administered by the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. Money in the fund must be expended as allocated by the Legislature to support the emergency food assistance program administered by the department. The fund may receive money from any source, including grants, gifts, bequests and donations. The rule will establish the purpose and acceptable uses of the fund, as well as protocols for grant submission including content and timelines.

COMMENT DEADLINE: 12/27/2024, Send comments to contact below.

12/16/2024 Public Hearing Information

Contact Name: Gustav Nelson
Contact Phone: 207-287-7513
Contact Email: gustav.nelson@maine.gov

Related Documents: Fact Sheet (DOCX)

Proposed Draft Rules for Chapter 3 (DOCX)

Second Public Comment Period for Solar on High-Value Agricultural Land Rules

Bureau / Program: Agriculture Resource Development, Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry
Date: November 27, 2024 - December 26, 2024
Event Type: Public Comment

On July 31, 2024, the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry (DACF) published draft rules governing a process for permitting solar development on high-value agricultural land (HVAL), pursuant to P.L. 2023, ch.448 (P.L.).

On August 19, 2024, DACF held a public hearing to allow interested parties to provide public comment regarding the draft rule. The first comment period was open from July 31, 2024, to August 29, 2024. DACF made revisions to the draft rule using feedback from the first public comment period. DACF seeks additional public input on the revised rules through a second comment period from November 27, 2024, until December 26, 2024. DACF will review all input before final rule adoption.

The revised draft rule, background information, and additional comment period details will be posted on the DACF Agency Rulemaking page. Public comments may be emailed to AGEnergy@Maine.gov or mailed to the Division of Agricultural Resource Development at 90 Blossom Lane, Augusta, ME 04330. Comments regarding this rulemaking must be received by December 26, 2024, at 11:59 PM.

Thank you for your input.

Contact Name: Caitlyn Cooper
Contact Phone: (207) 287-3491
Contact Email: agenergy@maine.gov

Related Documents: Ch575 Draft Rules (DRAFT2_CLEAN COPY) (PDF)

Ch575 Draft Rules (DRAFT2_REDLINED COPY) (PDF)

Chapter 575 Rulemaking Fact Sheet (PDF)

Memo to Persons affected by P.L. 2023, Chapter 448, and members of the public (PDF)

Winter Tree Talks - Patten

Bureau / Program: Maine Forest Service
Date: January 25, 2025
Time: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Location: Lumbermen's Museum 61 Shin Pond Road, Patten, ME
Event Type: Workshop/Training

The National Park Service and Maine Forest Service Present Winter Tree Talks

Join us for this free workshop to learn how to identify trees in the winter! Find out about the adapatations these trees have that help them to survive freezing temperatures. Participtants will receive the Forest Trees of Maine book. If there is enough snow, snowshoes will be provided.

REGISTER

Contact Name: Lauren Ouellette, District Forester, Maine Forest Service
Contact Phone: 207-441-3817
Contact Email: lauren.ouellette@maine.gov
Cost: Free but Registration Required, Limited space available, Fun for all ages

First Day Hike at Camden Hills State Park

Bureau / Program: Parks and Lands
Date: January 1, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM
Location: Camden Hills State Park, 280 Belfast Road, Camden, ME
State Park: Camden Hills
Event Type: Nature Exploration, Special Event

Meet at the visitor center. Join us for a scenic 2.6-mile hike on the Megunticook and Adams Lookout Trails with Park Ranger Erik Hallsey to ring in 2024. The Megunticook Trail is a moderately difficult hike that leads to the easy Adams Lookout Trail. Both trails provide scenic points that include excellent views of Penobscot Bay. Leashed pets are welcome. Read all the details on the attached flyer.

Contact Name: The park
Contact Phone: (207) 236-0849
Website: https://www.maine.gov/dacf/parks/trail_activities/camden_trail_conditions.shtml
Cost: Free program and entry for hike participants.

First Day Hike at Holbrook Island Sanctuary

Bureau / Program: Parks and Lands
Date: January 1, 2025
Time: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Location: Holbrook Island Sanctuary, Meet at the Backshore Trail parking lot, Indian Bar Road, Cape Rosier, Brooksville, ME
State Park: Holbrook Island
Event Type: Nature Exploration, Special Event

Meet at the Backshore Trail parking lot on Indian Bar Road. The hike is a leisurely 1.5-mile walk for all ages. Meet and Greet at 1:00 - Warm beverages, water, and snacks will be on hand at the start and finish of our walk. The guided hike will begin at 1:30 or explore on your own anytime during the afternoon. Please wear warm clothing and sturdy footwear. Leashed pets are welcome. See the attached flyer for all the details.

Contact Name: The park
Contact Phone: (207) 326-4012
Website: https://www.maine.gov/holbrookisland
Cost: Free program and entry for hike participants.

First Day Hike at Mt. Blue State Park

Bureau / Program: Parks and Lands
Date: January 1, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: Meet at the yurt at Park Headquarters, 229 Center Hill Road, Weld, ME
State Park: Mt Blue
Event Type: History/Historical, Special Event

Meet at the Park Headquarters, 229 Center Hill Road, at the yurt where hot drinks and a fire will be provided. This is an easy to moderate 1.5-mile history hike with several gentle hills and some rocks. All ages are welcome but parents should be prepared to carry their children if they tire. Please do not bring pets.

Contact Name: The park
Contact Phone: (207) 585-2261
Website: https://www.maine.gov/dacf/parks/trail_activities/mount_blue_trail_conditions.shtml
Cost: Free program and entry for history hike participants.

Related Documents: First Day Hike 2025 flyer for Mount Blue State Park

First Day Hike at Two Lights State Park

Bureau / Program: Parks and Lands
Date: January 1, 2025
Time: 6:30 AM - 9:00 AM
Location: Off Route 77, Cape Elizabeth. Meet at High Head at the rose garden.
State Park: Two Lights
Event Type: Nature Exploration, Special Event

Watch the sun rise over the ocean on the first day of 2025. Listen to the waves wash against the rocks as the sun rises. Breathe the cold air and enjoy the first rays of sunlight around a bonfire. It's the beginning of another trip around the sun! Bundle up and bring hot beverages to sip and enjoy the sunrise. Stay to take a walk to learn how plants and animals adapt to survive the cold winter months, on an easy 3/4-mile loop of the shoreline and woodland paths. Arrive: 6:30-6:45 am. Sunrise 7:15. Winter plant and animal adaptation walk 7:30-9:00. Parents must accompany children under 12 years old. Pets must be leashed. Please dress warmly and bring water and snacks. Led by naturalists Jeanne Christie and Vickie Goushaw.

Contact Name: The park
Contact Phone: (207) 799-5871
Website: https://www.maine.gov/dacf/parks/water_activities/tkc-beach-conditions.shtml
Cost: Free program and entry for hike participants.

Related Documents: First Day Hike at Two Lights flyer (PDF 454KB)

Maine Milk Commission Meeting

Bureau / Program: Maine Milk Commission
Date: January 23, 2025
Time: 4:00 PM
Location: Deering Building, Room 101, Augusta, Maine
Event Type: Public Meeting/Hearing

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