SKOWHEGAN, Maine — Maine’s forests, rivers, and mountains aren’t just for exploring—they’re also powering a major sector of the state’s economy. Now, a new workforce program is helping young Mainers turn their love for the outdoors into lifelong careers.

The CANOE program—short for Career Access through National Service & Outdoor Education—is a joint effort by Main Street Skowhegan and the University of Maine at Farmington . It’s designed to train young people in leadership, recreation management, and adventure guiding to equip them for jobs in Maine’s $3.4 billion outdoor recreation industry .

One of the prospective participants, Grace Kiernan, says she's had a connection with nature since she was born in rural Maine.

"My house is in the middle of the woods, so we have a bunch o

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