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Maine Forest Service

In this issue:

* Larry & Barbara Beauregard Selected as the 2024 Maine Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year [ #link_1 ]
* Browntail Moth Mitigation and Educational Clipping Event - Orono [ #link_2 ]
* Licensing Requirements for Arborists in Maine [ #link_3 ]
* Spend the Summer at Holt Research Forest [ #link_4 ]
* Job posting: Forest Programs Coordinator [ #link_5 ]

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Larry & Barbara Beauregard Selected as the 2024 Maine Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year

Old Town, Maine - Larry and Barbara Beauregard have been named the 2024 Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year by the Maine Tree Farm Program. The couple has owned their 117-acre woodlot since 1981 and have been active Tree Farmers since 2005.?

Their goals for their woodlot are to:?


* Promote sustainable growth of forest products for commercial harvest while leaving legacy trees and maintaining forest aesthetics.?
* Identify and harvest non-timber products for personal and family use, such as maple sugaring, wild mushrooms, edible berries, and balsam fir.?
* Provide recreational opportunities for family and friends.?
* Preserve and stimulate opportunities for wildlife viewing.

Larry and Barbara Beauregard spend a lot of time enjoying their woods, which they consider their recreation and passion. They see their woodland as an opportunity to learn and contribute by participating in several Citizen Science projects sponsored by the Maine Forest Service and Maine Department Inland Fisheries & Wildlife, including Budworm Tracker, HERON (Heron Observation Network), Maine Bumble Bee Atlas, and Bug Watch. They frequently host events at Beauregard Woodlands in collaboration with the Maine Forest Service, Maine Woodland Owners, Maine Tree Farm Program, UM School of Forest Resources, Maine Audubon, and Hirundo Wildlife Refuge.

Larry Beauregard is a strong promoter of sustainable forestry practices as they apply to small woodland owners. He has done several interviews on the subject, resulting in published articles and a TV program. He has also written several newsletter articles describing his family's woodland experiences.?He has taken multiple courses on sustainable forestry practices at the University of Maine School of Forest Resources and participates in online programs offered by various organizations. Larry is a member of several organizations that relate directly to the forests and woodlands of Maine, including the Maine Tree Farm Program, Maine Woodland Owners, and The American Chestnut Foundation. As the Maine Tree Farm Program Secretary, Larry was instrumental in the program?s recent restructuring, leading the process for the group to become an independent 501(C)3 nonprofit organization in 2023. Additionally, Larry serves as the Maine Woodland Owners Penobscot Valley Chapter Leader.

With the help of their consulting forester, Dave Wardrop, the Beauregard's have had three commercial harvests designed to improve forest health. The most recent harvest was completed in 2021 with assistance from NRCS EQIP funding. The harvest consisted of a 3-acre overstory removal patch cut, 12 acres of marked crop tree release, and a selection harvest of approximately 30 acres. The couple has also completed several NRCS-supported projects, including installing two culverts and a bridge, creating a 1.1-acre pollinator plot, and invasive plant identification and management on two sites.?

Larry and Barbara Beauregard are proud of the work that they have done and plan to do on their woodlot in Old Town and are anxious to share their experiences with fellow woodland owners, forestry professionals, students, and the public.?

The Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year award is annually awarded to recognize exceptional forest management practices and dedication to sustainable forestry. The award is sponsored by the Maine Tree Farm Program, a program of the American Tree Farm System.

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Browntail Moth Mitigation and Educational Clipping Event - Orono

*
Date:*

February 8, 2024

*Time:*?

3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

*Location:*?

Apple Tree Behind Orono Middle School Across from Tennis Courts. Please park in the parking lot behind Orono Middle School/Orono High School

There will be a Browntail Moth (BTM) educational clipping event held at RSU 26 in Orono, Maine on February 8, 2024 from 3:00 to 5:00PM. Please join local educators, including the Maine Forest Service and Orono Tree Board, to learn about the best way to mitigate browntail moth. We will host a brief educational presentation and then work on clipping webs on the RSU26 campus. This is a great time to learn how to mitigate BTM before temperatures warm enough to allow the immature caterpillars to begin their early spring movement. Caterpillars pose a significant human health risk (i.e. painful rash, respiratory reaction) to people who come into contact with their toxic hairs. You will leave this event knowing more about how to manage this human health pest. You could even use this knowledge to create community clipping events and mitigate populations within your yard and neighborhood.

***** Please Bring: gloves, pruners, pole pruners, buckets, eye protection*****

What protective measures should I take when clipping webs?


* Work with a partner, especially when working from a ladder or from a lift.
* Wear protective eyewear.
* Wear gloves, long sleeves, and pants.
* Trees and shrubs may have toxic hairs from caterpillar activity.
* Individuals with known sensitivity to browntail moth hairs may want to leave web clipping to others.
* Do not clip webs that are outside your skill set (i.e. too high or near hazards such as powerlines), hire a professional.
* Here is additional information, including lists of contractors willing to do browntail work [ [link removed] ]

*Co-Sponsor:*?

Maine Forest Service, The Town of Orono, the Orono Tree Board, Megan Schneider Realtor, and RSU 26.

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Licensing Requirements for Arborists in Maine

Augusta ? Following the recent storm that wreaked havoc on trees across Maine, particularly conifers, it is crucial to engage licensed arborists for tree-related tasks such as trimming and removing fallen or leaning trees. When seeking the services of an arborist?a professional trained in tree care and maintenance?ensuring proper licensure is imperative. To locate a licensed arborist in Maine, refer to the official list [ [link removed] ].

According to Gary Fish, Maine State Horticulturist, individuals engaging in arborist activities for compensation must be licensed by the state of Maine. Licensing, administered by the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF), involves written and oral exams to demonstrate proficiency in tree care and safety. Fish underscores the importance of licensure, stating, "A license indicates that an individual is properly trained, has passed exams, and holds the required insurance."

Licensed arborists must carry a minimum of $150,000 in general liability insurance for each occurrence and $300,000 in the general aggregate. Fish warns of the inherent dangers of tree work, especially in residential areas, and emphasizes the peace of mind of hiring a fully licensed arborist.

For more information on Maine's Arborist Licensing Law or to check an individual's licensing status, visit the DACF website [ [link removed] ], contact the department at 28 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333, or email [email protected].

***Note that the DACF has extended the date for arborist license renewals [ [link removed] ] to January 31, 2024. ***

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Spend the Summer at Holt Research Forest

Long Term Ecological Monitoring in Arrowsic, Maine

Maine TREE Foundation is hiring multiple seasonal Research Technicians for the summer of 2024.?Holt Research Forest Research Techs will work in the field on the Maine coast as part of a?research team, collect ecosystem data to contribute to ongoing ecological monitoring studies, and develop a personal project to communicate Holt Research Forest findings to landowner audiences.

*What is Holt Research Forest?*

Ecological monitoring at Holt Research Forest began in 1983. Located on an island, this 350-acre woodland is the only research forest studying oak-pine forest systems on Maine?s coast. Holt Research Forest aims to support regional family forest owners by generating, communicating, and demonstrating best practices of climate smart active management in Maine?s midcoast region.

*Ideal Candidates Will Be:*


* Able to identify native tree species
* Familiar with forest sampling methods and/or have other data collection experience
* Excellent at communicating in a team setting
* Willing and able to work outdoors safely, in poor weather conditions, while carrying field equipment
* Respectful of team members, with demonstrated responsibility in a professional setting

Work location is in Arrowsic, Maine (<1 hr from Portland, close to Bath and Brunswick). Onsite housing is available. Research Technicians will work 36 hours/week for 8-12 weeks from June through August at a rate of $18/hour. We will begin reviewing applications and scheduling interviews with candidates *February 12, 2024*. The positions will remain open until filled.

To apply, please send a letter of interest, resume, and contact information for three references to [email protected].

For more information, please email or call 207-621-9872.

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Job posting: Forest Programs Coordinator

Maine TREE seeks a dynamic professional to serve as Forest Programs Coordinator to guide forest-based outreach programs and support research and education initiatives.

Maine TREE is an independent, private, nonprofit organization whose mission is to educate and advocate for the sustainable use of the forest and the ecological, economic, and social health of Maine's forest community. They host forest-based programs focusing on education, research, and community. Applicants should be deeply rooted in Maine's forests, have education and experience in forestry, conservation, or a related-field, bring strong organizational and communication skills to the team, and demonstrate commitment to building a diverse team to achieve our mission.

The Forest Programs Coordinator will organize outreach programs for family forest owners, foresters, and other audiences and serve as the coordinator for the Maine Tree Farm Program. Additionally, the Coordinator will support the work of forest-related committees and initiatives, including Keeping Maine's Forests, Maine Division of Society of American Foresters, and the Forest Climate Change Initiative Science & Practice series. Whenever possible, the Coordinator will collaborate with Maine TREE staff to foster connections between research, education, and outreach programs.

*Position Description:*

The Forest Programs Manager should possess excellent organizational, communication, and written skills, be comfortable working independently and in remote outdoor locations, and have a strong passion for advancing sustainable forestry in Maine. Previous experience in forestry, conservation, or a related-field, combined with outreach, communication, and project management skills, is highly desirable. This position reports to the Executive Director.

Daily activities will vary, including travel to sites throughout Maine (up to 10 days per month) for meetings, outreach events, and workshops, with occasional overnights. Maine TREE offers a hybrid work environment, with office locations in Augusta, Arrowsic, and Portland, ME. The Coordinator is expected to travel to one of the offices at least one day per week for staff meetings. Office work will involve planning and implementing projects, as well as creating and writing program-related content.

*The Manager will:*


* Coordinate the Maine Tree Farm program, including providing support to the Maine Tree Farm Committee, Tree Farmers, and inspecting foresters, and organizing events and outreach initiatives.
* Develop, facilitate, or support the implementation of education and outreach activities and workshops for various audiences, including foresters, landowners, loggers, and others.
* Develop and maintain relationships with project partners across Maine's forest community.
* Represent Maine TREE and its programs at professional conferences or events, including public speaking engagements such as presentations and panel discussions.
* Convene and support various subcommittees as assigned.
* Develop and implement work plans and ensure timely submission of reports.
* Perform administrative tasks, including tracking project budgets, matching funds, and deliverables, writing program agreements and contracts, and preparing and submitting reports.
* Support fundraising activities for assigned programs, including grant writing and direct appeals.
* Assist in programming and outreach aspects of programs as assigned, including but not limited to the Forests of Maine Teachers' Tours, Forest Ecology Research Network, Maine Project Learning Tree, Holt Research Forest, and Certified Logging Professionals.

*Qualifications:*


* Education: BA or BS in a related field (forestry, ecology, natural resource management, etc.) or 4 years of experience in a related field.
* A broad understanding of Maine's forest ecology, economy, and forest-based communities.
* Ability to work outdoors in variable conditions and a willingness to work some evenings and weekends.
* Possession of a valid driver's license and the ability to travel, primarily within Maine.
* Ability to work both independently and with a team.

*Skills*:


* Communication skills with proficiency in writing, speaking, and listening to diverse audiences.
* Strategic leadership skills, ability to lead toward a shared vision, and flexibility and adaptability.
* Project management skills.
* Strong computer skills.
* Fundraising, grant writing, and grant management.
* Ability to manage a network of volunteers and partners.

This position is flexible, and activities will adjust with the seasons, priorities, interest, and need. The position is grant funded for 12-months with continuation dependent on available funding. The position based out of Maine TREE's offices at 535 Civic Center Drive in Augusta, Maine, and 508 Old Stage Road in Arrowsic, Maine, with flexibility for hybrid work environments, as approved. The salary range for the position is $50,000 ? $52,000 annually, with a competitive benefits package.

To apply, interested applicants should submit a single PDF packet, a one-page cover letter, a resume, a one page writing sample, and three professional references by 11:59 p.m. on *February 4, 2023*. Email packets to [email protected] with the subject line: Forest Programs Coordinator Application. After the initial deadline, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.




Maine State Government is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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