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Maine Forest Service
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In this issue:

* USDA Forest Service Seeks Public Comment on Revised Timber Management Policies [ #link_1 ]
* Forestry Regulations for the Family Woodland Owner - Forestry Friday Webinar [ #link_4 ]
* Maine Forest Service Chapter 25 "Chop and Drop" Rulemaking Announced [ #link_2 ]
* Managing Forests Young and Old - Unity [ #link_3 ]
* Forest Heritage Days – Greenville [ #link_5 ]
* Wildlife Biodiversity Workshop – Williamsburg [ #link_6 ]
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USDA Forest Service Seeks Public Comment on Revised Timber Management Policies

Last Thursday’s Federal Register [ [link removed] ] announced the start of a *60-day public comment period* for proposed updates to the Forest Service *Timber Management Directives* (2400 series). Proposed changes were made to four chapters of Forest Service Handbook 2409.12 - Timber Cruising, and to three chapters of Forest Service Handbook 2409.15 - Timber Sale Administration. *Comments must be received in writing by October 3, 2022*. 

The following information is available on the Forest Products Modernization web page [ [link removed] ]. 


* The summary of changes that are included in this set of updates; 
* A list of Frequently Asked Questions (“FAQs”); and
* A list of all Timber Management directives that are being updated.

The preferred method for the public to submit comments on the latest updates is via the *Comment Analysis and Response Application (CARA)* [ [link removed] ].  

The public may also submit comments via email to the FPM inbox [email protected] or by mail to:

Michael VanDyck   Forest Management Service Center    2150A Centre Avenue, Bldg A   Fort Collins, CO  80526  

All submitted comments can be viewed in the Public Reading Room [ [link removed] ].

A *public webinar* will be provided on *Thursday, August 11 at 12 p.m. Eastern / 9 a.m. Pacific.*

The purpose of the webinar is to:


* Outline major revisions; 
* Provide a demonstration of the CARA comment tool; and 
* Explain the process for submitting comments. 

*REGISTRATION:* The webinar will be presented through Microsoft Teams. Participants must register in advance through a registration form [ [link removed] ]. 

Once registered, participants will receive an email which includes the webinar link.   

If you have any questions, please send an email to [email protected]. 

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Forestry Regulations for the Family Woodland Owner - Forestry Friday Webinar

*Date:* 

August 19, 2022

*Time:* 

9:00 AM

*Location:* 

Virtual

Are you thinking of having a timber harvest on your property but don't know where to start the paperwork? Did you need to bridge a small stream for a harvest but weren’t sure how big it has to be, or if it needs a permit? Were you thinking of creating wildlife food plots or pasture? Join Regional Enforcement Coordinator Terri Coolong for an overview of Maines forestry regulations to find out about harvest notifications, water quality regulations, the rules regarding openings in the woods, and more.

*Presenter:*

Regional Enforcement Coordinator Terri Coolong

Link to this session (registration not required) [ [link removed] ]

View Past Forestry Friday Webinars [ [link removed] ]

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Maine Forest Service Chapter 25 "Chop and Drop" Rulemaking Announced

*Date:* 

August 29, 2022

*Time:* 

9:00 AM

*Location:* 

Virtual

The Maine Forest Service Chapter 25 rule sets forth standards for placing large wood into stream channels for the purpose of fisheries enhancement. It also provides a more streamlined review process for projects overseen by licensed foresters and fisheries biologists by removing a requirement to obtain a Natural Resources Protection Act (NRPA) permit.

The current rule is based largely on standards adopted by the state of Oregon. Proposed amendments to this rule include altering appropriate tree diameter and loading rate to better reflect tree availability and sizing in Maine. An online public hearing regarding these amendments is scheduled for August 29, 2022 at 9:00AM.

Please follow the link below to join the public hearing on this date:

*Microsoft Teams meeting*

Join on your computer or mobile app
Click here to join the meeting [ [link removed] ]
Meeting ID: 288 709 470 057 Passcode: mANr7S
Download Teams [ [link removed] ] | Join on the web [ [link removed] ]

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Managing Forests Young and Old - Unity

*Date:*

August 13, 2022

*Time:*

10 AM – 12 PM

Join Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners (MOFGA) for a woodland stewardship workshop and hike to explore both low impact-managed forests at MOFGA and unmanaged old growth forest along the Hills to Sea trail. On this hike we will explore the value of late successional forests for carbon storage and healthy ecosystems and also see some spectacular trees, and contrast this with the young forest just across the stream.  

This moderate hike from MOFGA to Northeast Farm Access property is about 2 miles, with a shallow stream crossing. Leaders Buck O'Herin and Aleta McKeage will also share information on new resources for the Hills to Sea Trail. (Park along Crosby Brook Road (near Common Ground North Parking Lot) at the entrance to Hills to Sea Trail.) 

Cosponsored by Waldo County Soil and Water Conservation District, MOFGA, and the Hills to Sea Trail Coalition. 

More information [ [link removed] ]

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Forest Heritage Days – Greenville

*Dates: *

August 12-13, 2022

*Location:*

Greenville Consolidated School, Greenville, ME

Forest Heritage Days (FHD) is an annual community event in Greenville, Maine that honors the state's most historic industry - the forest products industry.  Forestry has been a staple in Maine’s 17.6 million acres of forestland for generations and provides an annual economic impact of $8-$10 billion, employs 1 in 20 Mainers and contributes 28.9% of all state exports.

Each year since 1991, families and community members gather to celebrate this vibrant industry with four days of forestry fun and education.  Events include old-time woodsmen demonstrations from the Colby College woodsman team, guided working forest bus tour, guest presenters and entertainers, craft fair, Lumberman’s Museum, Children’s Miracle Network raffle, children's activities, forestry exhibits, food and the signature Game of Logging competition plus many other events throughout the long weekend.

For more information, visit: [link removed]

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Wildlife Biodiversity Workshop – Williamsburg

*Date:*

September 20, 2022

*Time:*

4-6 PM

*Location:*

Piscataquis County Soil and Water Conservation District’s Williamsburg Forest, Old Williamsburg Road, Williamsburg, ME

*Directions: *

From Rt. 11 in Brownville: Take a left onto High St. across from the AE Robinson Irving. It goes up Brown Hill and continues past Moses Greenleaf monument. This road will turn into the Old Williamsburg Rd, and will turn to dirt, passing several homes. The site is 2/3 of a mile beyond the last home and is marked with a sign on the right hand side.

From Sebec Village: Follow the paved road north to Moses Greenleaf monument or the “T” in the road. Turn left and continue north on the Old Williamsburg Rd. The road turns to dirt passing several homes. The site is 2/3 of a mile beyond the last home and is marked with a sign on the right hand side.

Joe Roy, Private Lands Biologist with IF&W and Jim Ferrante, District Forester with MFS, will be hosting a Wildlife Biodiversity Workshop at PCSWCD’s Williamsburg Forest (formerly the Demonstration Forest). The workshop will focus on how to assess habitat features in the woodlot, as well as practices that can be implemented to enhance or diversify habitat.

For more information, visit [link removed] [ [link removed] ]

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