Natural Resources Council of Maine
Business Directory
The Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM) is a nonprofit membership organization protecting, restoring, and conserving Maine’s environment, now and for future generations. For more than 60 years, NRCM has been safeguarding the places and way of life that make Maine so special. We work statewide to:
Protect the health of Maine’s rivers, lakes, streams, and coastal waters;
Promote sustainable communities through initiatives that reduce toxics pollution and waste;
Decrease air and climate-changing pollution through energy efficiency and renewable sources;
Conserve Maine lands and wildlife habitat, including our treasured North Woods; and
Defend and advocate for federal policies and programs that help protect Maine’s environment.
NRCM harnesses the power of the law, science, and the voices of more than 25,000 supporters statewide and beyond. During the past half-century, there have been many big victories for Maine's environment thanks to the hard work and commitment of NRCM members, our staff of nearly 30 (including science and policy experts), and our partners.
Some of those successes include: the protection of the Allagash River; removal of the Edwards Dam on the Kennebec River in Augusta; the restoration of Maine's largest river, the Penobscot; a law banning billboards on roadsides; passage of Maine's most successful recycling program, the Maine Bottle Bill; establishment of Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument; passage of the strictest statewide mining law in the United States; a ban on single-use plastic bags and polystyrene (Styrofoam) food containers, and passage of a bill that encourages community solar power.
Sustainability statement
NRCM is a 1% for the Planet organization. We have received five stars (the top ranking) from Charity Navigator, and the platinum-level (top ranking) Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.
Legislative activism is a central aspect of NRCM's mission. We actively monitor the Maine State Legislature and executive branch for bills and policies, including potential policies, that pertain to issues that concern Maine’s environment. NRCM staff regularly submits comments to both legislative committees and executive agencies promoting the organization's interests.
“From the moment my sister and I drove [into Maine], the smell of pine trees and sounds of chickadees felt more like home than where we had come from. That is why I am so grateful to NRCM for the work they do to protect our natural wonders in Maine and exposing people to all that this great state has to offer.”
“Since I’ve kept up with NRCM, [I’ve] gone to more than a few public hearings to make sure those in charge know that the people of Maine want stronger protection for public lands and our environment, not less. We may have a continual fight ahead of us to protect the environment, but we’re in good company.”