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AUGUSTA ? Woodland owners in much of eastern Maine can now take advantage of new opportunities for technical and financial assistance. The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry?s Maine Forest Service (MFS), has partnered with the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife (MDIF&W), Maine TREE, Maine Tree Farm Program, and Forest Stewards Guild, to provide incentives for forest management planning for woodland properties 10 acres or more, with an emphasis on promoting wildlife habitats and other landowner goals. Technical assistance, workshops, and other resources regarding forest birds, brook trout, and other habitats are also available within the project area.
The WoodWise East Program is hosting a special training for foresters working in the DownEast area on how to manage forests ?with birds and other wildlife in mind.? Join the Maine Audubon Society, Maine TREE, Maine Tree Farm, Forest Stewards Guild, and the Maine Forest Service for a Zoom training and field workshop in the Forestry for Maine Birds (FFMB) program.
The program's goal is to encourage landowners in Eastern Maine to take an active role in stewarding their woodlands. Landowners will have a Woodland Resource Action Plan (WRAP) created for their property by a private consulting forester that focuses on the habitat requirements of three key species: American Woodcock, Black-throated Blue Warbler, and Eastern Brook Trout. By encouraging these species, landowners will create or enhance diverse habitats for many other wildlife species.
The WoodsWise East program?s forest management planning incentives are being offered for a limited time. Applications are being taken from April 1-June 30, or while funds last. All plans must be completed and submitted by October 30, 2023.
Incentive payments will reimburse pre-approved landowners for up to 75% of the cost of having a plan prepared. Interested woodland owners in the eligible project area are encouraged to apply. Applications will be approved while funding is available. Landowners can also learn about
- Taking a walk in their woodlands with a Maine District Forester (it?s free!)
- Getting more information including site visits from a wildlife biologist
- Becoming a Maine Tree Farmer
- Finding publications, workshops and field events in their area.
To apply for financial incentives, or to learn more about the WoodsWise East Program, visit MFS?s website, contact your local MFS District Forester, or call the Maine Forest Service?s Landowner Outreach Forester, Allyssa Gregory at 207-287-2791, 207-441-2895, or by email: [email protected].
Date:?May 12, 2023
Time:?12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Location:?Virtual (Details to come)
This is a timely talk during?Maine's Lyme Disease Awareness Month?about ticks: ecology, diseases, prevention measures. Chuck Lubelczyk is a field scientist with?Maine Health Institute for Research Vector-Borne Disease Laboratory. He has been working on tick research since the late 1990s, focusing on the interactions between ticks and mosquitoes and their host and habitat requirements. As a Vector-borne Disease Work Group member, he is the attendee most-likely-to-participate-while-conducting fieldwork. He knows ticks from a scientific, practical and personal standpoint. Join us for an engaging and informative talk from one of Maine's top tick experts for our Lyme Disease Awareness Month-Forestry Friday.
Contact us for an update when connection details are available.
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