WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Office of U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), Chairman of the Senate National Parks Subcommittee, today released the April episode of Senator King’s “Inside Maine” podcast discussing the importance of America’s National Parks and how the great outdoors supports Maine communities. Senator King was joined by Senator Steve Daines (R-Montana), Ranking Member of the National Parks Subcommittee, and Tom Gorrill, President of the Maine Appalachian Trail Club. During the conversation, Senator King and his guests highlighted the recent legislative action Congress has taken to support America’s greatest natural treasures, the challenges facing public lands from Maine to Montana, and some of the outdoor recreation opportunities available in Maine this summer.

“Whether we’re talking about the rocky coasts of Acadia or the local nature preserve down the road, America’s national parks and public lands preserve some of our nation’s most beautiful landmarks so people of all backgrounds can explore the natural majesty of the United States,” said Senator King. “These public lands not only provide breathtaking beauty, they also serve as important economic drivers for communities across our country. It was a pleasure to sit down with my friend and partner Senator Daines and the Maine Appalachian Trail Club’s Tom Gorrill to discuss how we can protect America’s best idea and the communities that rely on them for generations to come. Thanks to the hard work of leaders like Senator Daines and Tom, our gorgeous lands are in good hands.”

Steve Daines has served as the junior Senator from Montana since 2015 and previously served as the Montanan Representative from 2013 to 2015. In his time in the Senate, Daines has served on the Energy and Natural Resources Committee and as the ranking member of the Subcommittee on National Parks where he has worked to increase access to public lands, foster locally-driven conservation projects, and support America’s outdoor recreation economy. In June of 2020 Daines championed the Great American Outdoors Act to provide funding for land and water conservation and address the maintenance backlog facing national parks and public lands across the nation. 

Tom Gorrill is the President of the Maine Appalachian Trail Club (ATC). A UMaine graduate, Tom retired in 2015 as the President of Gorrill Palmer Consulting Engineers, a firm he co-founded in 1998, after a 37-year career in civil engineering. His interest in hiking was sparked at a young age when his parents, who loved to hike and camp, brought him to one of their favorite areas: Gulf Hagas in northern Maine. His interest was rekindled years later when he and his wife took their children camping on the Appalachian Trail. Tom joined the Maine Appalachian Trail Club and began volunteering in various roles. Before serving in his current role as President, Tom was a district overseer in the Baldpate District in Oxford County and served as the VP and Chair of Governance for the MATC district. He is also a Board member of the Maine Appalachian Trail Land Trust.

A member of the Energy and Natural Resources and Chairman of the Subcommittee on National Parks, Senator King is among the Senate’s loudest voices advocating for public land stewardship and encouraging outdoor recreation. He was recently awarded the inaugural National Park Foundation (NPF) “Hero” Award. Senator King helped lead the passage the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) into law; the legislation includes the Restore Our Parks Act – a bill led by Senator King – and the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Permanent Funding Act. The historic legislative package continues Senator King’s career-long focus on conservation efforts, dating back to his work prior to running for elected office through his years as Governor and his service in the Senate. Over the course of his time in the Blaine House, Governor King was responsible for conserving more land across Maine than all Governors before him combined. 

The “Inside Maine Podcast with Senator Angus King” is a 30-minute program that aims to help keep Maine people informed about issues of the day, how they affect life in the state, and how they factor into Senator King’s work as one of two independents in the U.S. Senate. Senator King’s podcast builds on his existing radio show that airs on Newsradio WGAN in Portland, Maine between 10 and 11 a.m. typically on last Saturday of the month.

To listen to the April edition of Senator King’s podcast click HERE or find it on Apple Podcasts.