COURTESY OF THE MAINE FOREST SERVICE
Maine’s economy and many local communities depend on the forest products supply chain, which starts in the woods. Decades before a tree can be harvested for lumber, paper, fuel, or countless other products, it begins as a seedling or sprout in someone’s forest. Over the years, it grows, spreading its crown, and taking its place in the canopy. At some point, it may be cut as part of a thinning, to promote growth, forest health or habitat, or to make way for new trees. Once cut, it continues along the supply chain — yarded to the log landing, loaded onto a truck, and transported to a mill where it’s transformed into various products.
Despite over three centuries of logging and land-use changes, Maine’s forests remain resilient. These forests continue to provide the raw materials that fuel the forest economy while delivering ecological benefits like wildlife habitat and clean water, as well as recreation and nature-based tourism. Mainers and visitors alike participate in activities ranging from hiking and leaf-peeping to hunting and snowmobiling. With forests covering 89% of the state, Maine’s identity and culture are inextricably tied to its woodlands.
The Maine Forest Service (MFS) plays a key role in sustaining the forest, working alongside landowners, foresters, loggers, truckers, and mills to ensure informed decisions about forest management. MFS’s District Foresters spend much of their time in the field, meeting with landowners to guide them through the complexities of woodland management. They collaborate with loggers and foresters to implement sustainable practices and provide valuable educational resources like workshops, field tours, and classes.
Maine’s forests touch everyone in the state — not only woodland owners, loggers, and foresters, but also towns, schools, community groups, and businesses. MFS works to reach all these audiences, ensuring that Maine’s forests endure for future generations.
The Maine Forest Service also plays a key role in monitoring and reporting on the health and productivity of the forests and industry. Through timber harvesting reports, wood processor data, forest inventory, and analyses, MFS provides critical information guiding public and private decisions. These data help secure the future of Maine’s forests, allowing participants in the forest economy to make choices today that will sustain the forests for generations.
The challenges facing Maine’s forests are increasing. Invasive insects, diseases and plants threaten tree health, while storms, flooding, and wind damage further stress the woods. Perhaps the greatest single challenge is climate change, which exacerbates many of these issues, from pests to severe weather events.
The trees harvested today began their journey decades ago. Every decision made about the forest must consider this timeline, ensuring that thoughtful management today results in continued benefits long into the future. Maine’s forests have weathered centuries of change, and with careful stewardship, they will continue to grow and provide for the state, its economy, and its people.
Contact MFS for assistance, education, and support in making informed decisions that protect and preserve our forests for future generations, call (207) 287-2791 or visit maine.gov/dacf/mfs.
