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Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Commissioner Amanda Beal Announces Steve Walker as Land for Maine's Future Director
June 7, 2023 - Augusta, Maine - Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) Commissioner Amanda Beal has announced that Steve Walker will be joining the Department as Land for Maine's Future (LMF) Director. Walker brings extensive experience and knowledge of conservation easement and land acquisition transactions, including strategic project selection, supportive policy, and successful funding and implementation. Continue Reading
Governor Mills Announces Nine New Land for Maine's Future Conservation Projects
June 2, 2023 - Augusta, Maine - Governor Janet Mills today announced funding for nine new Land for Maine's Future (LMF) conservation projects across Maine, advancing the State of Maine's commitment to preserve precious natural resources, protect wildlife habitats, and ensure public access to lakes, rivers, scenic views, and mountain vistas. Continue Reading
Preserve Maine's Forests: Choose Local or Heat-Treated Firewood!
May 26, 2023 - Augusta, ME - The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) urges Mainers and visitors to prioritize using local or heat-treated firewood. It's not just a smart decision; it's also a legal requirement, as there are stringent restrictions on the movement of certain firewood. Remember, untreated firewood from out-of-state is banned, and transporting hardwood firewood from within specific quarantine areas is strictly prohibited. Continue Reading
Embrace Safety and Fun at Maine State Park Beaches
May 25, 2023 - Augusta - The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) is joining National Beach Safety Week's spirit in promoting beach safety and spreading the word to ensure a fantastic Memorial Day Weekend. With Memorial Day Weekend upon us, as we prepare to enjoy the sun, sand, and waves on Maine State Park beaches, it is time to prioritize safety while creating lasting memories. Continue Reading
Maine State Parks and Public Reserved Lands Prepare for Increased Peak Season Visitation, Encourages Planning and Respect for Maine's Outdoors
May 25, 2023 - AUGUSTA - The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry's Bureau of Parks and Lands (BPL) anticipates a rise in visitors to its outdoor destinations this spring and summer and urges guests to plan ahead and be mindful of the potential for crowded parking areas and trailhead bottlenecks. Continue Reading
Protecting Maine's Forests from Invasive Species During Vacation Season
May 23, 2023 - Augusta, May 23, 2023 - The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) is taking immediate action to address the critical risk posed by the spread of invasive species through firewood transportation. These destructive pests and diseases significantly threaten Maine's landscapes, trees, agriculture, forests, wildlife, and overall environment. Continue Reading
Arbor Week Awards Ceremony Honors Maine's Tree Conservation Efforts
May 19, 2023 - Augusta, Maine - Today, the annual Arbor Week Awards Ceremony occurred at Viles Arboretum in Augusta. This event, coordinated by the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry's (DACF) Project Canopy, Maine's Urban and Community Forestry Program led by the Maine Forest Service (MFS), recognizes and honors outstanding contributions to tree conservation and sustainable forestry practices throughout the state. Continue Reading
Land Use Planning Commission Studies Short-Term Rentals
May 18, 2023 - Augusta, ME - The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry's Land Use Planning Commission (LUPC) is studying short-term rental activity in the Commission's service area and seeking public input on potential regulatory options. Continue Reading
2023 Project Canopy Grants Announced: Supporting Tree Planting and Education Initiatives in Maine
May 16, 2023 - Augusta, Maine - The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry's (DACF) Project Canopy, Maine's Urban and Community Forestry Program led by the Maine Forest Service (MFS), is thrilled to announce the selected grant proposals for the 2023 funding cycle. This year's review process, marked by careful evaluation and alignment with program goals, resulted in funding all submitted proposals, totaling $121,798.00. MFS received nine Tree Planting and Maintenance Grant proposals and seven Planning and Education proposals. Continue Reading
Critical 13,500-Acre Section of Western Maine Protected
May 12, 2023 - PORTLAND, Maine (May 11, 2023) - Two key properties totaling 13,640-acres in the Western Maine Mountains - Quill Hill and Perham Stream have been permanently protected. All of the acreage will be open for public use, and a majority will continue to be managed with timber harvests. This conservation project was led by Trust for Public Land, The Nature Conservancy in Maine, and The State of Maine's Bureau of Parks and Lands with lead public funding from the U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Navy. Continue Reading
Twelve Farms Awarded 2023 Maine Farms for the Future Program Grants
May 5, 2023 - Augusta, ME - The Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry (DACF) announced twelve recipients of the 2023 Maine Farms for the Future (FFF) Program. The farms were awarded technical assistance and $6,000 in business development funding through Phase 1 of the program. Three farms were approved for Phase 2 and have been awarded a $25,000 cash grant and the opportunity for a subsidized 2% interest rate loan to be borrowed from DACF's Agricultural Marketing Loan Fund. Continue Reading
Baxter State Park Authority Announces New Director
April 18, 2023 - Augusta, ME - The Baxter State Park Authority announced the appointment of Kevin Adam as Park Director. Adam graduated from Unity College with a Bachelor of Science in Conservation Law Enforcement. His career began with the Maine Warden Service, where he retired as a Lieutenant from Division D in Greenville, ME, after 28 years. With the Warden Service, he oversaw the Search and Rescue program for 11 years, the Maine Warden Service K-9 Team, and the Incident Management Team. Continue Reading
Maine Forest Service Provides Status Update on Train Derailment
April 16, 2023 - Augusta, MAINE - Following yesterday's derailment of a Canadian Pacific freight train in Sandwich Academy Grant Township in Somerset County, Canadian Pacific is leading a salvage, clean up, and rail repair operation in partnership with the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry's Maine Forest Service, the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, and the Jackman-Moose River Fire & Rescue Department. Continue Reading
Maine Forest Service Responds to Freight Train Derailment Near Rockwood, Maine
April 15, 2023 - Augusta, Maine - At approximately 8:30 a.m. Eastern Standard Time on Saturday, April 15, 2023, a Canadian Pacific freight train derailed in Sandwich Academy Grant Township in Somerset County. Continue Reading
Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry names Bolas as new State Veterinarian
April 13, 2023 - Augusta, ME - The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry's (DACF) Animal and Plant Health Division announced Dr. Stefanie Bolas as Maine State Veterinarian. Dr. Bolas earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree at Oklahoma State University. Continue Reading