 Left to right: David Field, Mark Houseweart, Max McCormack
MFS learned late last week of the death of Dr. Max L. McCormack, Jr. of Orono. Dr. McCormack was a scientist and professor of forestry at the University of Maine for many years, along with appointments at other academic institutions in the US, Canada, and abroad. He was widely known throughout Maine’s forest industry and beyond for his expertise in silviculture and vegetation management.
Among many awards and recognitions, Dr. McCormack was a recipient of the Albert D. Nutting Award from the Maine Forest Products Council; the Austin H. Wilkins Forest Stewardship Award; and, in 2023, the Peter Lawrence Award for Outstanding Service to Maine Woodland Owners. Max was one of the first scientists brought on by the University of Maine’s Cooperative Forestry Research Unity (CFRU) in 1976. Max introduced herbicide and suppression studies and research on thinning in the midst of a major spruce budworm outbreak.
He was instrumental in establishing the Weymouth Point Study Area which for five decades has continued to evaluate the effects of mechanized harvesting on site quality and nutrient fluxes. More recently, he was both an original member and the longest serving member of the Outcome-Based Forestry program’s panel of experts. Dr. McCormack was always been generous with his time in answering technical questions and providing advice on a wide range of forest topics.
 Max McCormack in the field
He was a teacher and mentor to many, known for his dedication and exacting attention to detail. A walk in the woods with Max was not only a chance to tap his long experience with silviculture, but also to witness his insatiable curiosity and sincere passion for all things forestry. He continued until very recently to share his knowledge with others in frequent articles in the Maine Woodland Owners newsletter.
A celebration of life will be held from 1 PM to 3 PM on Sunday, April 13th in the Clifford McIntire Room at the Buchanan Alumni House on the University of Maine in Orono. Maine Forest Service joins with many others in extending our sincere condolences to Max’s family.
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