Maine’s Healthy Forests Program
Beginning in 2012, the Maine Forest Service (MFS), along with Maine Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) and Forest Resources Association (FRA), convened stakeholders to initiate a discussion of ways to increase active forest management by coastal and southern Maine woodland owners. Stakeholders include industry representatives, economic advisors, foresters, wildlife biologists, loggers, landowners, and researchers. Initially, the group met to learn more about the issue, discuss current research on family woodland owners, and to begin identifying potential recommendations for action.
According to MFS inventory data, total growth for all species currently exceeds harvest in Maine’s southernmost eight counties by a ratio of 2.5:1. The overall goal of this effort is to identify strategies that lead to increased active management on these woodlands. Success will include strategies to improve forest health, wildlife habitat, recreational opportunities, water quality, aesthetics and wood availability. Ultimately, this effort will increase family woodland owner enjoyment and support jobs and the state’s economy.
The team agreed that in order to be effective, we collectively must find ways to get more foresters on the ground; working with woodland owners primarily through face-to-face trainings and educational seminars, one-on-one with tours of demonstration woodlots, and on-site walk and talks. To enhance public perception of managed woodlands, partners will focus on positive messages delivered through continued presence in local newsprint, web pages, and social media.
The group has created an action plan to guide our work. Several identified priorities in that plan are either complete, or underway, including development of informational pamphlets for family woodland owners and Maine mills, secured funding to create a guide and training program for family woodland harvesting, and integrated messaging into existing programming. The effort is also moving forward with a harvest satisfaction survey to be delivered in conjunction with annual landowner reports.
Maine’s Healthy Forests Program
Small Woodland Owners Association of Maine
Owning woodland is fun and rewarding. But we know it is not always easy to find the information you are looking for or get the help you need. Since 1975, we have been the organization that works to help, support and represent the interests of small woodland owners. See our site for information on woodland stewardship, forest management resources and legislative advocacy.
Small Woodland Owner’s Handbook – A Guide to Owning & Managing Woodland in Maine
NEW!! “About My Woods” App for Apple and Android
Just go to the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store and search for “About My Woods.” The app provides woodland owners in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont and New York with essential information about their woods and who to contact for professional assistance in the managing their woods.
Maine Tree Farm Program
We work to give people the tools they need to be effective stewards of America’s forests. Privately owned woodlands are vital to our country’s clean water and air, wildlife habitat, recreational activities, and producing the jobs, wood, and paper products we all need. Link to the site: Maine Tree Farm Program
SFI’s Family Woodland Owners Information and Outreach Library
Maine BMP Manual for Water Quality
Invasive Threats to Maine’s Forests and Trees
Forestry Habitat Management Guidelines for Vernal Pools
Federal List of Threatened and Endangered Species
Maine List of Threatened and Endangered Species
Forest Regeneration and Clearcutting Standards
Have you recently had a timber harvest? Take the Maine Harvest Satisfaction Survey
Maine Certified Logging Professional Program – Data base
SFI Hotline for inconsistent practices SFI GOAL 1-888 734-4625
Maine Forest Service – Wildfire Danger Report
Silvicultural Guide for Northern White-Cedar (Eastern White Cedar)