UMFK meeting to focus on environmental issues

FORT KENT – The Maine Board of Environmental Protection will hold its first public meeting in the St. John Valley from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Thursday, March 7, on the University of Maine at Fort Kent campus in the Nadeau Hall Teleconference Center.

The BEP visit to UMFK was organized around an already planned public presentation by George Jacobson, professor of biological sciences and director of the Institute for Quaternary Studies at the University of Maine, who was scheduled to be on the Fort Kent campus as part of a yearlong speakers series.

Jacobson will present his findings on climate change and global warming and how his research indicates the St. John Valley and Maine will be affected. He will speak from 9 to 10:30 a.m.

After Jacobson’s presentation, Jason Brooks, director of the bureau of air quality control for the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, will speak about the Global Climate Change Action Plan he has worked on implementing with the New England governors and eastern Canada premiers.

His presentation will be followed by a working lunch with UMFK faculty and students, who will give presentations on the university’s environmental studies and forestry programs.

John Tewhey, chairman of the BEP, will discuss the role and activities of the board with the students after the lunch.

At 3 p.m., board members will hold a question-and-answer forum for members of the public.

For information, call 834-7504.