DACF Home → About DACF → Newsroom
DACF News
$451,553 in Coastal Planning Grants Announced
June 28, 2024 - Augusta - The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry's (DACF) Municipal Planning Assistance Program (MPAP), in collaboration with the Department of Marine Resources (DMR) Maine Coastal Program (MCP), is proud to announce the award of $451,553 in coastal planning grants. These grants will support vital projects focused on climate vulnerability assessments, designing resilient infrastructure for working waterfronts, and updating municipal land use regulations to address current and future coastal hazards and guide development away from vulnerable areas. Projects will begin in late summer 2024. These planning grants are funded through the MCP Shore and Harbor Planning Grant and the Coastal Community Grant, supported by an annual National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) award. Continue Reading
Visit the 17th Century at Colonial Pemaquid State Historic Site
June 28, 2024 - New Harbor, ME - The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry's Bureau of Parks and Lands welcomes everyone to experience 17th century Maine during the "17th Century Days" at Colonial Pemaquid State Historic Site. This family-friendly event, organized by Neill DePaoli, Colonial Pemaquid State Historic Site Manager, will take place on July 13-14, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the Colonial Pemaquid State Historic Site, located 13 miles south of Damariscotta off Route 130 at 2 Colonial Pemaquid Dr., New Harbor, ME 04554. Continue Reading
Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Reminds Owners to Help Keep Animals Cool and Safe as Temperatures Rise
June 17, 2024 - AUGUSTA, ME-As temperatures rise across the state, the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) reminds animal owners of the best ways to keep their pets and livestock cool and safe. Continue Reading
Maine Hosts 2024 NEASDA Annual Regional Meeting in Freeport
May 31, 2024 - Augusta, ME-The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) is hosting the 2024 regional meeting of the Northeast Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NEASDA) from June 2 to 5 in Freeport. DACF Commissioner and current NEASDA President Amanda Beal expressed enthusiasm about returning this influential agricultural conference to Maine, which last hosted it in 2016. Continue Reading
Governor Mills Proclaims June as Maine Dairy Month
May 31, 2024 - Augusta, MAINE - Governor Janet Mills today proclaimed June as "Maine Dairy Month" during a Blaine House ceremony celebrating the vital contributions of Maine's dairy farmers and producers. Continue Reading
Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry's Maine Forest Service Secures Community Wildfire Defense Grants for Northern and Downeast Maine
May 24, 2024 - Augusta, Maine - The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry's (DACF) Maine Forest Service (MFS) has been awarded two Community Wildfire Defense Grants (CWDG) to support at-risk communities in Northern and Downeast Maine. These grants, totaling $258,000 ($141,000 and $117,000, respectively), will safeguard homes, businesses, forestland, and infrastructure from catastrophic wildfires. Both regions face significant wildfire risks and are considered underserved. Continue Reading
Memorial Day Weekend Reminder: Choose Real Maine Food and Farm Products, Share the Rural Roads, and Don't Do This at a Farm
May 21, 2024 - Augusta - With spring upon us and summer quickly approaching, Mainers are encouraged to support local farms, practice safe travel around slow-moving farm equipment on rural roads, and mark the calendar for the upcoming Maine Open Farm Day (OFD) on July 28. Continue Reading
Over 2,700 Acres of Critical Wildlife Habitat Protected in Maine's High Peaks Region
May 15, 2024 - FRANKLIN COUNTY, MAINE - The Maine Appalachian Trail Land Trust (MATLT), The Nature Conservancy (TNC) in Maine, and the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry's (DACF) Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands (BPL) announced today that 2,706 acres have been added to the Mount Abraham Public Reserve Land managed by the State of Maine. Created through the acquisition of multiple properties, the "Keystones project" holds the larger landscape together, playing a critical role in preventing development and fragmentation while ensuring public access. Continue Reading
Affordable 9 CFR 417.7 Compliant HACCP Training Available
May 8, 2024 - Augusta, Maine - The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) is pleased to announce the upcoming Quality Assurance and Regulations HACCP Training Course, designed to equip meat and poultry processing professionals with essential skills and knowledge for regulatory compliance. Continue Reading
Maine Natural Areas Program Launches Marsh Migration Model to Address Sea Level Rise
May 7, 2024 - Augusta, ME-The Maine Natural Areas Program (MNAP) within the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) has introduced an updated marsh migration model and a comprehensive report. This initiative aims to help communities and land managers identify critical areas necessary for the inland migration of tidal marshes anticipated under projected sea level rise scenarios. Continue Reading
Nathan Allard Chosen As 2024 Allagash Wilderness Waterway Visiting Artist
April 19, 2024 - Augusta-The Allagash Wilderness Waterway (AWW) proudly announces Somerville, Maine-based artist Nathan Allard as the Visiting Artist for 2024. Renowned for his works in egg tempera and watercolor, Allard brings a unique blend of traditional techniques and contemporary vision to capture the essence of nature. Continue Reading
LMF Seeks Proposals for Working Farmland Access and Protection Program
April 6, 2024 - Continue Reading
Projects aim to create opportunities for small and midsize producers, expand food access, and enhance supply chain resilience
April 2, 2024 - USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) announced a cooperative agreement with Maine under the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program (RFSI). The agreement offers nearly $4 million in competitive grant funding. Maine is accepting applications for Infrastructure Grant funding until April 29, 2024. Projects aim to create opportunities for small and midsize producers, expand food access, and enhance supply chain resilience. Continue Reading
Act Now: Support Maine's Companion Animals with Your Tax Return
March 28, 2024 - Transform the lives of Maine's pets by making a powerful choice this tax season. Participate in supporting companion animal welfare by graciously and voluntarily contributing to the Companion Animal Sterilization Fund when you file your income tax return. Continue Reading
Feathers Over Freeport Signals Spring's Return to Bradbury Mountain and Wolfe's Neck Woods State Parks April 27-28
March 28, 2024 - Pownal, ME - Birders and outdoor enthusiasts are invited to discover the marvels of spring migration and woodland habitats at Bradbury Mountain State Park and Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park. The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry's Bureau of Parks and Lands annual Feathers Over Freeport is a weekend packed with migration and nature-focused educational activities, guided walks, and interactive workshops for all ages and skill levels. The Feathers Over Freeport event is free with your park entrance fee (Maine residents 65 and older and children under 5: free; Children 5 - 11: $1; Adult Maine residents: $4; Adult non-residents: $6; Senior non-residents: $2). Continue Reading