The Maine Department
of
Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry
Merger Initiative
The Vision
With a renewed focus on all of Maine’s lands and interests in one strengthened department, the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry (MDACF) will support the people and the economy of Maine while protecting what is cherished by all citizens, Maine’s precious land-based natural resources.
The MDACF will concentrate on Maine’s land use and values, both public and private. It will provide balance for, plan for and develop the state’s various land-based, natural-resource sectors. These include Maine’s agriculture, forestry, natural landscape, outdoor recreation and public-access interests.
The MDACF will fuel Maine’s 21st-century natural resource economy by supporting the creation of new jobs and businesses, improving and supporting existing land-based industries, and streamlining regulations. It will provide excellent customer service; it will facilitate team work in land-use planning, conservation and economic activity by reducing overlap and overhead; and it will work to reduce bureaucratic red tape and regulation. It will strengthen scientific research and information for effective decision-making and offer better access to that information.
The authorization for the merger of the departments of Agriculture and Conservation
comes from Public Law 2011, chapter 657, parts V, W and Y (.pdf)
The law takes effect on Thursday, August 30, 2012.
"Merger of New Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Under Way," Maine Government News, June 6, 2012
"Governor Signs Bill Creating New Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Department," Governor Paul LePage, press release, May 16, 2012
"Yoking Conservation and Agriculture," Op-Ed Piece, Bangor Daily News, Dec. 25, 2011(.pdf)
Please send all comments about the merger of the departments of Agriculture and Conservation to: ACFMerger@maine.gov
If you are interested in commenting through Governor Paul LePage's Ideas and Suggestions Forum, please sign in here.
