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Home > Forest Policy and Management > Information Sheets Forest Policy and Management Division - Information SheetsInformation Sheet Series1. Weeding and Thinning Young Forest StandsIncludes criteria for selection on different soil
and species composition types 2. Pruning Your Forest TreesPruning is removing branches of a standing tree flush with the outside of the branch collar. When pruning is
done to increase income, trees that will grow to sawtimber size and quality are pruned. 3. Developing a Forest Management PlanForest landowners value their land for many reasons: from realizing an economic return (from timber or other sources) to
providing ecological values (wildlife habitat, water and soil protection, carbon storage) and personal enjoyment (for
recreation, solitude or other purposes). A well-written forest management plan is a blueprint for ensuring these diverse
values will be available. 4. Boundary Line InformationRobert Frost’s observation “good fences make good neighbors” is as true today as when he wrote it. With more expensive land and higher timber values, good boundaries are even more important today than they were in the past. This information sheet will help landowners avoid boundary problems. 5. Timber Harvesting in Shoreland ZonesInformation on shoreland zoning and timber harvesting within them.
6. Wood Harvests: Worker's Compensation and Landowner LiabilityLandowners may be liable for workers' compensation costs if a logger or his/her assistant is injured on their property while conducting a timber harvest (39-A MRSA § 401(4)). Such costs can amount to many thousands of dollars. To avoid this liability... 7. Invasive Plants in Maine ForestsInvasive plants are able to grow rapidly and aggressively enough to out-compete and displace locally adapted native plants. Many species of invasive plants, but not all, have been brought by people to North America from Europe and Asia. 8. Fundamental Best Management Practices For Water Quality Protection During Forest HarvestsBest Management Practices (BMP’s) are recommended procedures that, when applied appropriately, should result in the greatest protection of the environment during a forest harvest operation. BMP’s are not regulations, but in some instances may be necessary for compliance with regulations. 9. What is Silviculture? An Introduction for Woodland OwnersSilviculture is the art and science of managing forests for desired outcomes. Silvicultural systems are based on the biological requirements of the trees. 10. Some Things to Consider When Buying ForestlandPeople buy forestland for many reasons including for investment, recreation, wildlife habitat, aesthetic beauty, privacy and environmental benefits. If you are in the market for forestland it may help to write down your goals or motivations for the purchase to help you decide whether a parcel is right for you. Some points to think about are discussed below. 11. State Income Tax Credit for Forest Management PlanningA forest management plan is a substantial investment, but one that pays for itself with future financial returns or landowner satisfaction. To help Maine landowners reduce the impact of a management plan’s initial cost, individual income tax payers may claim a state income tax credit for the development of a forest management plan (36 M.R.S.A. § 5219-C). 12. Wildlife Habitat and Forest ManagementMany woodland owners enjoy watching or hunting wildlife on their properties. Your woodland—although it may not be large enough to provide everything a wildlife community needs—can make an important contribution to wildlife habitat. Many habitat improvements are compatible with forest management goals. When you plan for wildlife habitat management focus on the requirements of one or a few species in your area, and then figure out what parts of their habitat your parcel can provide. Consider the surrounding landscape, existing conditions on your woodlot, and overall management objectives when making your plans. 13. Avoiding Timber Trespass & Timber TheftTimber harvesting is a large part of Maine's economy. Preventing theft of timber is in everyone's interest. Each year, Maine Forest Service Rangers investigate hundreds of complaints involving timber trespass or theft. 14. Vernal Pools—Important Wildlife HabitatVernal pools provide important habitat to many common and specialized forest-dwelling organisms in Maine. They also
provide an opportunity for landowners interested in managing their forestland to benefit wildlife. Timber harvesting,
recreational and development activities should avoid direct disturbance to vernal pools and limit impacts to the immediate
surrounding forest. 15. Forest Management and Vernal PoolsVernal pools provide important habitat for many common and specialized forest-dwelling species. Timber harvesting
activities should avoid disturbing high-value vernal pools and limit impacts to the immediate surrounding forest. 16. Proper Sizing of Land Management Road Stream CrossingsProperly sized and installed permanent stream crossings that provide access to forest land help protect water
quality and aquatic habitat. Properly installed and sized crossings ensure that fish and other aquatic life can
reach important upstream habitats. On the other hand, premature failure of improperly sized crossing 17. The Maine Tree Growth Tax LawMaine’s public policy encourages the management of forestland for a continuous supply of forest products and services. The Tree Growth Tax Law (36 MRSA §571 to §584-A) is a cornerstone of this policy. Forestland enrolled in the program is valued on the basis of its ability to grow trees rather than its “highest and best use.” 18. Tree Growth Tax Law Plan Review - A Guide for Municipal Assessors“It is declared to be the public policy of this State that the public interest would be best served by encouraging forest landowners to retain and improve their holdings of forest lands upon the tax rolls of the State and to promote better forest management by appropriate tax measures in order to protect this unique economic and recreational resource.” 36 MRSA §572. Current use taxation of forest land may be the most important action state government can take to support the many public values derived from maintaining productive and well-managed forest land, including clean air and water, wildlife habitat, and recreational opportunities. This guide is intended to assist municipal assessors seeking the assistance of the Maine Forest Service in reviewing Tree Growth Tax Law Forest Management and Harvest Plans. 19. The Maine ForestInformation on the importance of Maine's forest resource. 20. Maine’s Celebrated White Pine: History, Identification, and ManagementEastern white pine has been an important tree to the people of Maine for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. Therefore, it is no coincidence that Maine has come to be known as the “Pine Tree State.” Recognizing its importance, in 1895 the Maine Legislature designated the “Pine Cone and Tassel” as Maine’s official floral emblem. In 1945 the legislature resolved, “That the white pine tree be, and hereby is, designated the official tree of the State of Maine.” 21. Managing White Pine Stands In Maine: A Landowner’s GuideEastern White Pine is one of Maine’s most important tree species. Managing your woods for white pine can provide you and your family lifelong benefits; from excellent financial returns to aesthetic beauty, wildlife habit and recreational opportunities. White pine forests contribute to both woodland owners and Maine’s economic wellbeing. Maine holds the distinction of being the number one white pine lumber producing state in the nation. In 2009, Maine sawmills processed 204 million board feet of quality white pine lumber, approximately a third of Maine’s total output. Landowners received $31 million dollars in stumpage value from harvesting white pine, substantially contributing to Maine’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), while providing well paying jobs for Mainers. In grades 1, 2, & 3, white pine was 16% of all sawlog volume and 27% of all softwood sawlog inventories. No wonder white pine is the official state tree for Maine. 22. Regenerating White Pine Stands In Maine: A Landowner’s GuideEastern White Pine (pinus strobus) is a vital tree species to the economy and ecology of Maine (the “Pine Tree” state), acknowledged by the fact that white pine has long been designated as Maine’s official state tree, and the white pine cone and tassel as the official state flower. White pine is prominently represented on the Maine state flag. Economically and socially, Eastern White Pine is one of the state’s most important tree species. Maine holds the distinction of being the number one producer of white pine lumber in the nation. In 2009, Maine sawmills processed 192 million board feet of quality white pine lumber, approximately a third of all output & 822,000 tons of pulpwood; landowners received $31 million dollars in stumpage; substantially contributing to Maine’s GDP; while providing well paying jobs for foresters, truckers, loggers, mill workers, and others throughout Maine. 23. Pruning White Pine: A Reference Guide for ForestersPruning is removing branches of a standing tree flush with the outside of the branch collar. When pruning is done to increase income, trees that will grow to sawtimber size and quality are pruned. 24. Principal Disease and Insect Pests of White Pine in MaineGrowing Eastern white pine in the woodlot can be a rewarding activity both ecologically and economically. Eastern white pine is one of the faster-growing native conifers in Maine and, for this reason, offers a great opportunity to observe forest growth and developmental changes over a relatively short period of time. But as with all living things, white pine is susceptible to a variety of pest problems, including both insects and diseases. This fact sheet provides a very brief overview of a few of the most important pests of white pine in Maine. Woodlot managers growing white pine should become familiar with these principal pests so that if problems arise, a rapid identification of the problem can be made, and timely management actions can be taken. 25. Statewide Standards for Timber Harvesting and Related Activities in Shoreland Areas (DEP Towns)Statewide standards for timber harvesting in shoreland areas is a law that applies to water bodies and wetlands in certain organized towns. Statewide Standards apply in only those towns that have chosen to replace their own ordinance for timber harvesting in the shoreland zone with statewide standards. For information on town ordinances see information sheet #5. For an up to date list of towns where statewide standards apply see: http://www.maine.gov/doc/mfs/fpm/swstds/sws.html. Miscellaneous Information SheetsSample Subdivision Review Process
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