North Search and Rescue

06/02/2026

Today we had the opportunity to join in on some short haul training with the Maine Forest Rangers aviation team.
Being able to work as one team in multi agency operation is key to a successful outcome.
So today we joined the Forest Service with some hands on short haul training. Allowing us to learn about the decision making, what to do to prepare for, and assisting in a short haul situation. After a brief discussion on the short haul system we went out to do some live flight training.
Helping guide the flight team down, loading the patient and then helping them lift.

We had the opportunity to assist in 3 lifts where team members had the opportunity to play different rolls.

Many times we depend on Forestry and you can ask any member, they'll say how relieved they are when they hear the bird coming in overhead.

Big thanks the the aviation team for today and while we are out on an operation!

06/01/2026

Yesterday 11 members went for a team hike to shake off the long winter and crazy spring. Peaked mountain loop (aka chick hill) isn’t the longest trail or tallest mountain but its only 30 minutes from Bangor, and it accomplished exactly what the team set out to do.

The team does a hike like this every year to help gage where the members are at for any physical activities we may get called to over the course of the summer and fall. Many members do this hike and then say "ok maybe I need to start doing some cardio" the goal is to let new members come to the realization its not just a walk in the woods.

While on the hike members are tested with scenarios where they have to take all the information given, from weather, to terrain, to the "individual" in need and use the skills they have learned to "call the CP" using proper radio communications, Mark their location on a gps, and decide what's the best course of action to help the individual in the scenario.
Scenarios ranged from a tired over due in BSP, a diabetic on mount Batty in Camden hills state park, to a banged up broken ankle on the Cutler Bold coast.

Decisions are hard but add a layer of hiking up hill for 2 hours, the members get a chance to handle things while they themselves are having heavy breathing, tired legs and sore shoulders.

Everyone had a great afternoon and learned some valuable skills, including decision making.

05/16/2026

Extending our deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the fallen firefighter, and prayers for the others injured in today's tragedy in Searsmont.
And to the community of Waldo County and the surrounding towns that answered the call, you do not stand alone.

05/12/2026

Our thoughts, prayers, and deepest condolences go out to our friends and colleagues at the Maine Warden Service and to the fallen's family during this difficult time.

We are heartbroken to share that a Maine Game Warden died this morning following a plane crash in Avon, near Schoolhouse Pond. The crash occurred at approximately 11:00 a.m.

This is a devastating loss for the Maine Warden Service, our Department, and the people of Maine. Our thoughts are with the family, loved ones, colleagues, and all those impacted by this tragedy.

We will share additional information as it becomes available.

04/30/2026

Final numbers for our 3 canoe race series races!!
(These numbers only count race day numbers, it does not include organizing, preparation and training hours)

Member hours for the races
Souadabscook stream canoe race: 40
Kenduskeag Stream Canoe Race: 162
Machias River Wilderness Canoe Race: Day 1: 13 Day 2: 45.5

Total hours stream side: 260.5 member hours.
4 members earned the triple paddle, providing safety for all 3 race series races. 1 member earned the triple paddle+, working all 3 race series races including both days of the Machias.

Providing safety for:

Participants: including sweep paddlers
Souadabscook: 43
Kenduskeag: 884
Machias: 74 (combined total both days.)
Total: 1001 paddlers

Boats: including sweep boats.
Souadabscook: 24
Kenduskeag: 463
Machias: 43 (combined Total both days)
Total: 530 boats

04/26/2026

Day 2 of the Machias River Wilderness Canoe Race and our final race of our 2026 race series! It was an awesome day, with some great paddlers!

A great race to end our season!
Meeting new friends and seeing some old friends.

The weather was great, the water wet, and the atmosphere electric! When they say the epic return of the race they ment it! If you are looking for something to do next year on the 4th weekend of April head on out route 9 you'll find a party!

Big thanks to the Organizers, Wilderness Lodge Outfitters, and MaCKRO: Maine Canoe & Kayak Racing Organization for another awesome race, fun weekend and a place to have it all happen!!

As we wrap up our race series there's still a few more happening throughout the next month or so so check out MaCKRO for a list of races.

Till next spring...
Stay safe out on the waters, always wear a life jacket and let others know where you are and when you'll be home.

04/25/2026

Day 1 of the epic return of the Machias River Wilderness Canoe Race! 2 of our members and a few members of the Penobscot paddlers out here providing safety for day one, more members will be on hand tomorrow for the final run of the race and our last day of our last race of the 2026 season.

Big thanks to everyone that had part in organizing the race and Wilderness Lodge Outfitters for giving everyone a place to hang out for the weekend!

Got some pre race scouting in and a trip up to watch the start before heading to the final rapid (airline rapids) right above the finish line.

Best of luck to all the racers!