We, the undersigned residents of Weld Maine, Mt. Blue Nature Center visitors from near and far, and concerned citizens across the nation, hereby present this petition to address a matter that directly affects our community. It is important to note that no factor of this matter has been made open for public comment, so we turn to you.

Issue: Job-security for a valued member of our community

Since Jamie Cantin began at Mt. Blue State Park, her initiative has extended far beyond her job description, into our community. Her community programs have enriched not just Mt. Blue, but our library reading programs, Webb Lake Association events, educational events at schools in three counties, and educational programs with the Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife. Her own personal materials and live wildlife ambassadors create engaging displays and educational programs in the Nature Center, and her considerable knowledge educates her entire team as well as the general public about local wildlife, ecosystems, and responsible State Park stewardship. Her Junior Ranger program alone brings hundreds of children back, annually. We often hear those children say they hope to become rangers like Ranger Jamie too, one day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jamie Cantin has turned our Nature Center into one of Maine’s hidden gems—one that countless families cite as the highlight of their vacations, one which labors consistently to build community support for Mt. Blue, and one that truly inspires children of all ages.

We, the citizens of Weld and patrons of the Mt. Blue Nature Center, have become aware that the State plans to tear down the current Nature Center and build a new structure in its place. However, without a dedicated naturalist to develop the center, its programs, and community outreach, this is simply a waste of taxpayer's money. While other park's Nature Centers sit vacant or minimally staffed, Ms. Cantin’s efforts have made ours a destination stop for travelers and locals alike. Securing a year-round position for Ranger Jamie is the only way to justify this State expense.

Also of concern, the State has not extended Ranger Jamie’s fall contract, meaning she must once again uproot her family for a fall position in another state. We propose that funding Ranger Jamie in a 12-month position will retain this valued member of our community, allowing her family to grow roots and allowing her to develop programs to benefit the park and our community year-around and for years to come. The signatories below have joined in support of this cause, seeking your assistance in enacting funding for this position.

Our Request: Full-time, 12-month position-funding for Jamie Cantin and her Mt. Blue naturalist program.

We strongly believe your support in this matter will impact lives, improve our community, and contribute to making Maine State Parks the enduring shining stars of our beloved state. This petition is the result of a community action coalition, with paper and digital signature collection, ensuring the representation of a diverse range of community voices and widespread visitor voices are made heard. We plan to continue this petition until our community’s needs are met.

Please share this petition with anyone you know who may have fallen in love with our Nature Center, on social media, and with citizens concerned with the decline of our state parks, everywhere. 

To join our letter-writing campaign, address letters of support to:

Director Andy Cutko, Bureau of Parks and Lands
22 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333 
(207) 287-4961

Or, email Andy Cutko at:

dacf@maine.gov  

Sincerely,
The people of Weld and generations of Mt. Blue Nature Center patrons