Every state has its own distinct lore and recognizable icons. Mere mention of Maine to most anyone across the country invariably elicits mention of lobsters, moose and L.L. Bean. Most Mainers — and a good many folks from away — are familiar with the tale of an avid outdoorsman named Leon Leonwood Bean who, a century ago, returned from a hunting trip with cold, damp feet and decided he could build a better boot.

Cold temperatures this week means that the ice has finally set on many lakes and ponds in the area, and it’s time to fish. You will still want to check the thickness of the ice before heading out, as the balmy December means ice thickness is not quite what you would expect this time of year.

Not long ago, an article about northern Maine’s deer woes caught my eye, and according to the writer, a hardcore conservative, the Canada-lynx endangered species listing was destroying our North Country whitetail herd.

Ski Maine is a nonprofit organization representing the ski industry, whose mission is to increase the availability and enjoyment of Maine skiing.

The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife is continually looking for ways to increase or improve hunting opportunity where, when and how it can be done without adversely impacting the resource. The agency also must protect wildlife populations where and when they are in decline. As a result, change is inevitable, and 2012 will see its fair share.

Recently, at Barnes and Noble’s café in Augusta, Katelyn, my 23-year-old daughter, listened to me expounding on the 1995 wolf reintroduction in Yellowstone National Park.

Every winter, bigger and better winter festivals are rolled out somewhere in Maine. Outdoor gatherings are more in vogue today than ever, with state parks, land trusts and cities promoting frozen family fun and snow carnivals.

Saturday at midnight, we bid adieu to 2011. Toasts were made, champagne quaffed, and decisions regretted. And we reached the ever-popular Jan. 1 tradition — New Year’s Resolution. What better promises to make for 2012 than resolve to take on some skiing-related tasks?