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Maine Forest Service

In this issue:

* Proposed Rulemaking for Chapter 27: Standards for Timber Harvesting and Timber Harvesting Related Activities Within Unorganized and Deorganized Areas of The State [ #link_1 ]
* Maine Celebrates Forest Products Week: Honoring the Contributions and Innovation of Maine’s Forest Industry [ #link_2 ]

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Proposed Rulemaking for Chapter 27: Standards for Timber Harvesting and Timber Harvesting Related Activities Within Unorganized and Deorganized Areas of The State

*Bureau / Program:* Maine Forest Service

*Date:* October 18, 2024 - November 23, 2024

*Event Type:* Public Comment

*PRINCIPAL REASON(S) OR PURPOSE FOR PROPOSING THIS RULE*

Pursuant to Title 38, section 438-B, Chapter 21 rules apply statewide beginning on the first day of January of the 2nd year following the year in which the Commissioner of the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) determines that at least 252 of the 336 municipalities identified by the Commissioner of DACF as the municipalities with the highest acreage of timber harvesting activity on an annual basis for the period 1999-2003 have either accepted the statewide standards or have adopted an ordinance identical to the statewide standards. The Commissioner of DACF has determined that the 252-municipality threshold has been met, and has notified the Secretary of State in writing and advised of the effective date for the statewide standards. The amendments to Chapter 27 will remove duplication relating to shoreland areas and avoid inconsistencies with Chapter 21, Statewide Standards for Timber Harvesting and Related Activities in Shoreland Areas that would otherwise result when Chapter 21 takes effect in unorganized and deorganized areas of the state.

*BRIEF SUMMARY OF RELEVANT INFORMATION CONSIDERED DURING DEVELOPMENT OF THE RULE:*

Consistency of shoreland protection rules across jurisdictions creates predictability and simplification for landowners, timber harvesters, and foresters. The amendments to Chapter 27 will remove duplication relating to shoreland areas and avoid inconsistencies with Chapter 21, Statewide Standards for Timber Harvesting and Related Activities in Shoreland Areas that would otherwise result when Chapter 21 takes effect in unorganized and deorganized areas of the state. Once Chapter 21 takes effect, the result will be a statewide shoreland protection standard for timber harvesting. Portions of Chapter 27 rules that do not address shoreland areas will remain in effect.

*Public Hearing: November 13, 2024 at 9:00 AM [ [link removed] ]*

 

*Comment Deadline*: November 23, 2024

 

*Contact Name:* Morten Moesswilde

*Contact Phone:*207-592-2239

*Contact Email:* [email protected]

 

*Related Document:* Rulemaking Fact Sheet (PDF) [ [link removed] ]

*Related Document:* MFS Chapter 27 Draft Rules - REDLINE version (Word) [ [link removed] ]

*Related Document:* MFS Chapter 27 Draft Rules (Word) [ [link removed] ]

 

*FOR MORE INFORMATION* [ [link removed] ]

 

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Maine Celebrates Forest Products Week: Honoring the Contributions and Innovation of Maine’s Forest Industry

*AUGUSTA –* In honor of Maine Forest Products Week, celebrated from October 20 to 26, 2024, the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) and the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD), in collaboration with the Professional Logging Contractors Northeast and the Maine Forest Products Council, have come together to celebrate and express profound appreciation for the enduring contributions of Maine's forest sector businesses and their dedicated workforce.

“The people in Maine’s forest industry embody resourcefulness, innovation, and a strong appreciation for the importance of stewarding our state’s forest resources.  They understand that sustainable management of our forests is key to our climate resilience and the strength of our rural economies.  We are grateful for their commitment to ensuring that these important natural resources continue to support Maine’s environmental and economic well-being,” *DACF Commissioner Amanda Beal*

“Maine’s forest products industry continues to innovate, finding new ways to support our economy and developing Maine-based solutions to global challenges while remaining committed to environmental stewardship. We are proud to celebrate the people whose hard work ensures the long-term sustainability of Maine’s valuable forest resource,” *DECD Commissioner Heather Johnson*

“The success of Maine's forests is a testament to the generations of Maine people who have nurtured them. Today, our foresters, loggers, landowners, and wood product innovators carry that legacy forward, ensuring our forests remain healthy, productive, and accessible for future generations,” *DACF Maine Forest Service Director and President of the National Association of State Foresters Patty Cormier*.

"Loggers and forest truckers are vital to the culture, economy, and forest health of Maine, and recognition of their value and contributions is very important. As we observe Maine Forest Products Week, it is important to remind Mainers that loggers and truckers are out there working hard every day to supply the raw material for products they need while maintaining the health of our forests for future generations,” *Dana Doran*, *Executive Director,* *Professional Logging Contractors Northeast [ [link removed] ]. *

“The Maine Forest Products Council is proud to again join Governor Mills in celebrating Maine Forest Products Week. For generations, sustainably managed forests have been an integral part of what makes Maine special. While providing clean air, clean water, critical wildlife habitat, access for recreation and climate benefits, our well managed forests also support one out of every 24 jobs. Our mills and manufacturers continue to invest in Maine facilities and innovations that will help the industry not only survive but thrive for generations to come while providing solutions to some of Maine’s most pressing issues,” *Krysta West, Deputy Director, Maine Forest Products Council [ [link removed] ]*.

For generations, Maine's forests have been the foundation for foresters, loggers, haulers, mill workers, carpenters, woodworkers, landowners and the many local communities whose livelihoods are tied to the forest products industry. These hardworking individuals carry Maine's rich heritage, embodying resilience, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to sustainability, education, and leadership.

The DACF, DECD, and our partners extend deep gratitude to all those who champion the responsible stewardship of our forests and contribute to the promising future of Maine's thriving $2.2 billion forest products industry.




Maine State Government is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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