News

Lawmakers want to restore native plants at National Parks

Lawmakers want to restore native plants at National Parks

Photo: clipart.com


BAR HARBOR, Maine (AP) — Maine’s Republican senator is working with a Democratic colleague to try to restore native plants in America’s national parks.

Sen. Susan Collins has introduced the legislation along with Democratic Sen. Maria Cantwell of Washington. Collins said the proposal would create a pilot program at the National Park Service designed to support the use of native plants.

The proposal is part of an effort to preserve biodiversity, Collins’ office said in a statement. It would also direct the park service to “review existing data and study the cost-effectiveness of using native plants,” the office said.

Collins said the proposal would “protect native plants such as blueberry barrens, white pines, and wildflowers, as well as prevent the future spread of invasive species across the State of Maine.”

A bipartisan group of U.S. representatives has submitted similar legislation in the House.

Latest Headlines

13 hours ago in Local

Deadly House Fire in Hiram Claims a Life

Investigators from the State Fire Marshal’s Office were called to the scene of a deadly house fire in Hiram. Crews…

2 days ago in Local

Gov. Mills vetoes moratorium on new data centers in Maine

Gov. Janet Mills has vetoed a first-in-the-nation moratorium on new data centers in Maine.

2 days ago in Local

Judge gives Maine 30 days to review signatures for transgender student referendum

A judge on Friday gave the Maine Secretary of State's Office 30 days to review signatures gathered for a referendum concerning transgender students.

2 days ago in Local

Two Arrested in Months-Long Maine Drug Enforcement Investigation

Both were taken to the Somerset County Jail.

2 days ago in Local

All Residents Displaced from Biddeford Apartment Fire

The Red Cross is working with the building owner and tenants to find temporary housing.