Let's Connect

Host Kristina Egan explores how Maine’s changing climate is affecting the lakes and ponds found high in the state’s mountains. Simon Rucker, executive director of the Maine Appalachian Trail Land Trust, and aquatic ecologist Amanda Gavin explain why these high-elevation bodies of water are important habitat for native brook trout and other species, how they serve as “sentinels of change,” and what scientists are learning from shifts in temperature, snowpack, ice cover, and water quality. The conversation also looks at efforts to conserve mountain ponds and their watersheds, the impacts of recreation, and what Mainers can do to help protect these fragile ecosystems for the future.

Also, check out the Mountain Ponds podcast which includes the interactive map that goes with it

Produced by Greater Portland Council of Governments for broadcast on WMPG Radio.

Host Belinda Ray explores the concept of social housing and what it could mean for Portland. Jay Waterman, Director of Real Estate Development for the Portland Housing Authority,  and Portland City Councilors Kate Sykes and Sarah Michniewicz discuss how social housing works, examples from other communities, how it differs from traditional public and affordable housing, potential funding and management models, and the opportunities and challenges involved. The conversation also looks at the work of Portland’s Social Housing Task Force, where the process stands today, and what social housing could contribute to addressing the region’s housing shortage.

Host Tom Bell talks with Hazel Zhang, a mapping &  data analyst at the Greater Portland Council of Governments, about her recent journey back to China for the first time after living four years in the United Sates. Hazel reflects on returning to her hometown, reconnecting with family, and seeing her country through new eyes.

The conversation explores China's rapid advances in technology, transportation, and everyday life, along with the realities of its changing economy and intense work culture.

Hazel shares how the experience reshaped her perspective on both China and the United States, offering listeners a thoughtful look beyond common stereotypes and highlighting the similarities, differences, and shared humanity between two cultures.

Portland Harbor’s working waterfront is one of the region’s most important economic and cultural assets—but much of the work that keeps it operating happens out of public view. Host Belinda Ray speaks with Captain Calvin Klopp, president of Portland Pilots; Chelsea Pettengill, Executive Director of the Maine Port Authority; and Heather Moretti, Waterfront Coordinator for the City of Portland. They discuss how ships are safely guided through the harbor, the growth and operation of the International Marine Terminal, the City’s efforts to balance marine industries with public access and development, and the challenges and opportunities facing the waterfront—from aging infrastructure and changing industries to climate change and sea-level rise.

After centuries of disruption caused by dams, migratory fish are returning to their historic habitats as river restoration efforts in Maine gain momentum. Host Tom Bell speaks with Landis Hudson, executive director of Maine Rivers; fish passage advocate Ahna Knudsen; and Matt Streeter, an avid fly fisherman and project manager of Maine Rivers’ Alewife Restoration Initiative. They discuss why healthy, connected rivers matter to fish, wildlife and local communities.The conversation highlights restoration work on the Presumpscot and Kennebec rivers and most recently the Royal River in Yarmouth,  where the removal of a dam is now underway.

Freshwater Invaders: Protecting Maine’s Lakes and Rivers.

Freshwater invasive species can threaten Maine’s lakes and rivers, disrupt native ecosystems, and affect recreation, fishing, and local economies. Host Kristina Egan speaks with Dakota Stankowski of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, Toni Pied of the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, and Pam Wilkinson of the Little Sebago Lake Association about the invasive plants and animals found in Maine, how they spread, and what can be done to prevent and control them.

What does it take to live car-free in Greater Portland — and is that really possible?

Host Tom Bell talks with Portland Press Herald writer Leslie Bridgers, car-free Portland resident Isabel Vivanco, public transportation advocate Katherine Charbonneau, and Andrew Clark, Transit Program Manager at the Greater Portland Council of Governments, about the benefits, challenges, and realities of getting around without a car. The conversation explores the cost of car ownership, the experience of riding the bus, transportation barriers for older adults, and the investments needed to make transit, walking, and biking more practical options across the region.

Host Kristina Egan speaks with Rick Bennett, an independent candidate for governor, about his vision for Maine. Bennett discusses his goal of reducing political polarization by encouraging compromise and consensus-building. He takes calls from listeners and shares his views on housing, public transportation, the Gorham Connector, property tax relief, regional collaboration, and transportation funding.

Produced by Greater Council of Governments for broadcast on WMPG 90.9FM
Edited by Tom Bell

Host Kristina Egan explores energy policy in Maine with Celina Cunningham, Acting Commissioner of the Maine Department of Energy Resources, and Ethan Tremblay of the Department’s Planning and Policy Division. They discuss Maine’s over-reliance on fossil fuels and efforts reduce Maine’s dependence of heating oil, the benefits of heat pumps, and the state of solar development and its impact on ratepayers.  The conversation also examines Maine’s changing energy needs, plug-in solar, new energy storage technology,  and the state’s efforts to help residents lower energy costs. Whether you're a homeowner, community leader, or simply interested in Maine’s energy future, this episode offers valuable insights into the opportunities and challenges shaping the state's energy landscape.

Produced by the Greater Council of Governments
First broadcast on WMPG 90.9FM

How can temporary street projects help create safer roads and save lives?  Host Belinda Ray talks with Cashel Stewart of the Greater Portland Council of Governments and Ainsley Judge of Neighborways Design about the demonstration projects coming to Portland, Scarborough, and Saco this summer. They discuss the region's Vision Zero goal of eliminating traffic fatalities and serious injuries. how demonstration project locations are selected, what goes into designing and installing them, and how communities measure their success. The  conversation explores how short-term projects can help shape the future of safer, more walkable, and more bike-friendly communities across Greater Portland.

Edited by C. Carter