In this issue...
Maine Forest Service is responsible, by statute, for providing education and information about forests and trees to a wide array of audiences. This past winter, we sent out a survey asking for input on preferences with respect to education, the best times for training, topics, the preferred format for training, and the preferred length of training. The response was much better than we expected, so thank you, to everyone who completed the survey, for your time! Here is a summary of the 266 recorded responses:
- The most common barriers to accessing training, in order, are: Unaware of events, Distance, Lack of Time, Scheduling conflicts, and Time of Day.
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The most common in-person method to obtain information and training was field tours or demos, mostly held outdoors, followed by instruction via a combination of in and outdoors.
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The most common virtual method of obtaining information and training was short educational videos/YouTube, followed by recorded, always accessible webinars and online articles or fact sheets.
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The most common miscellaneous methods used to gain training and information are email and online newsletters, digital publications, and state websites.
- Most respondents prefer to learn of opportunities via email, digital newsletters, and social media.
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The most requested topics in the Green Infrastructure Category: Tree pests and diseases, invasive plants, tree care, and proper pruning.
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The most requested topics in the Forest Management and Planning Category: Wildlife habitat, invasive plant management, pest management, and protecting water, Forest management and timber harvesting, wildfires, and the Tree Growth Tax Law, Open Space, Farmland property tax programs.
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The most requested topics in the Forest Operations Category: Best management practices for water quality.
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The most requested topics in the Forest-Related Business/Economics Category: Incentive programs for woodland owners, foresters, and loggers.
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The most requested topics in the Wildfire Suppression Response and Safety Category: “Planning for wildfires A to Z”, Maine basic wildland fire training and initial attack consideration for property protection.
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The most requested topics in the Wildfire Risk Reduction Category: “Defensible space: protecting homes and camps from wildfires.”
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The most requested topics in the Forest Ecology Category: The effects of fire on insect and disease control in forest management, and fire impact on Maine’s landscape and forest management practices.
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The most requested topics in the Urban and Community Forestry Category: Tree selection and planting, tree laws and ordinances, and roles and functions of town tree boards.
Once again, thank you to all participants for completing the survey. Your patronage will go a long way in assuring that the MFS offers targeted and informed education in a manner that benefits the citizens of Maine and beyond.
Bureau / Program: Maine Forest Service
Location: Camden-Rockport Middle School (CRMS) - rain or shine, 34 Knowlton St, Camden, ME 04843
The Maine Forest Service, along with representatives of over twenty environmental organizations and schools, will offer engaging exhibits for the public to interact with via the Stewardship Education Alliance Fair. There will be activities and information for adults, middle schoolers, and high school students. Participation is free for all.
On October 11-12 of 2023, 50 foresters attended graduate level training in Climate Adaptation and Forest Carbon in a new Module of the Northeast Silviculture Institute for Foresters. Funding through the USDA Forest Service grant that created the Securing Northeast Forest Carbon Program effort, enabled the entire training program to be recorded for later use.
The Northeast Silviculture Institute for Foresters was original developed in 2017 and held 10 days of graduate level silviculture training for foresters in each of 2017 and 2018. This training was also funded by the USDA Forest Service and some private donors and was part of the USDA Forest Service’s National Advanced Silviculture Program (NASP), which includes 6 sessions about climate change and forests, and 5 sessions about specific forest types from across Maine. Foresters have the option of registering for at least 13.5 SAF (Category 1) CFEs per session using the training links provided.
A new publication through Northern Woodlands by Dr. Alexandra Kosiba and funded through the USDA Forest Service grant Securing Northeast Forest Carbon Program, was just released.
The Guide contains chapters on Forest Carbon 101, Soil Carbon, Managing for Forest Carbon and Forest Carbon Markets and is a compilation of 4 articles that ran in Northern Woodlands magazine in 2023. Addition information including a new forest carbon glossary and potential next steps for landowners are included.
The Maine Forest Service has printed copies of the publication available on request. Please contact Andrew Whitman at [email protected] for more information. MFS District Foresters will also have a limited supply on hand as well.
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