BANGOR, ME –Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) attended the 80^th Annual Eastern Maine Sportsmen’s Show at the University of Maine in Orono. The event included over 150 vendors involved in the outdoor recreation industry and conservation work across the state.

“Hunting, fishing, hiking and other outdoor recreational activities aren’t just Maine traditions – they’re also important parts of our state’s economy,” said Senator King. “The men and women who attended today’s Eastern Maine Sportsmen’s Show play a vital role in our state’s culture and economy, and I will continue working to ensure that these time-honored and economically important traditions can be enjoyed by generations to come.”

Through his position on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Senator King has worked to support outdoor recreation for sportsmen in Maine. In 2015, he cosponsored The Sportsmen’s Act of 2015, bipartisan legislation that would prioritize recreation on federal lands and promote cooperation with state and local governments. Senator King is also an ardent supporter of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), a conservation program that has helped preserve thousands of acres of land in Maine.

Senator King also visited the 4^th Annual Maine Science Festival in Bangor, where he met with exhibitors and explored some of the important scientific research and education occurring in Maine. Since 2015, the Maine Science Festival has brought together people of all ages to celebrate and learn about science, engineering, mathematics and technology (STEM). Senator King has long been an advocate for STEM education, supporting funding initiatives through the National Science Foundation and encouraging access to STEM education for Maine students. The related effort of closing the digital divide for rural students by expanding broadband access and encouraging innovative education programs has also been a top priority for Senator King in Maine and Washington.