Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry: Maine Forest Service

2021 Agriculture Trade Show

“Protecting and Enhancing Maine's Forest Resources”

The Maine Forest Service was established in 1891 to ensure Maine’s citizens the greatest economic and social benefits from the trees and forestlands of the state.

Primary Responsibilities and Organization

  • Developing greater public awareness and appreciation of forests as a renewable resource essential to Maine’s economy
  • Encouraging and promoting sound forest management practices
  • Maintaining and improving the scenic beauty, wildlife habitat and recreational values of Maine
  • Protecting Maine’s forests from fire, insects, diseases, and other natural enemies
  • Enforcing Maine’s forestry laws and rules

Three divisions work together to serve the mission of the Maine Forest Service:

Here are some common questions from Trades Show visitors of the past:

Forest Health and Monitoring

Two men looking at a tree in a sheep pasture.

Is something with my tree(s)? Can you tell me what this insect is? What are the threats to Maine trees’ and forests’ health? How many trees are in Maine? The Forest Health and Monitoring Division can help with these questions!

Forest health and monitoring staff are responsible for establishing a state-wide forest health monitoring network, providing technical advice and assistance for pest management and damage prevention and administering state forestry-related quarantines to preserve the overall health of Maine’s forest resource. In addition, they conduct the statewide forest inventory.

Is something wrong with my tree(s)? Can you tell me what this insect is?

  • Fill out this form to report a forest or tree health concern or request identification of a forest insect or disease.
  • Explore our hot-topics document to learn what pests and diseases are of particular note this year.
  • Subscribe to our newsletter to learn more about forest health issues.

What are the threats to Maine’s trees and forests?

How many trees are in Maine?

Data collected by our Forest Inventory crews is analyzed and reported by the USDA Forest Service and available on-line. (off site)

Want to learn more?

Visit our website and sign up for our newsletter.

Forest Policy and Management

two foresters measureing a log.

What kinds of trees are in my woods? How do I get started with taking care of my woods? What are my trees worth? How do I submit a Forest Operations Notification (FON) with the new online system (Forest Online Resource Tool or FOResT)? The Forest Policy and Management Division can help answer these questions.

Forest Policy and Management staff include field foresters, policy, planning and education specialists and forest stewardship, water quality and urban and community forestry program specialists. Staff provide technical assistance, information and educational services to the public, forest landowners, forest products processors and marketers, municipalities and other stakeholders. The division also implements the state's forest practices laws, including liquidation harvesting rules, providing outreach and enforcement services

What kind of trees are in my woods?

Get started with the Forest Trees of Maine: Centennial Edition 1908-2008. It has simple descriptions of 78 different tree species, including all of Maine’s commercially important native trees, and keys to help you get started on identification.

Maine Forest Service experts provide some helpful tips for identifying some common Maine trees in this YouTube video.

Think you have the biggest of a kind of tree in the state? Check out the big tree registry.

Maine Forest Service Forest Tree Identification

How do I get help taking care of my woods?

Your district forester can help you figure out the next steps for taking care of your woods. Including providing you with information on consulting foresters who work in your area.

What are my trees worth?

A professional forester can help guide you in determining the value of the trees on your woodlot.

Our stumpage reports provide a look at the range of rates of different products in past years.

How would I plan a timber harvest on my land?

A well-planned timber harvest can help you achieve your goals and objectives for your woodlot. Working as a team with a licensed consulting forester and a professional logger can yield good results.

The publication What Will My Woods Look Like? Before and After Timber Harvesting can help you understand how your woods might look after different types of harvests.

What do I need to know about the Tree Growth Tax Law?

The Tree Growth Tax Law is a “current use” property tax program that values woodland for its potential to grow commercial forest products, rather than sale for development. A guide to the Tree Growth Tax Law is available on our website.

How do I submit a Forest Operations Notification (FON) with the new online system (Forest Online Resource Tool or FOResT)?

A complete guide to use of the new FOResT system is available on our website. Landowners, Designated Agents, Foresters, and Loggers will need to create individual accounts in FOResT to participate in harvest notifications. If you need further assistance, our staff can help!

Still want to learn more?

Visit our website.

Explore our hot topics document and sign up for our newsletters.

Forest Protection

Forest ranger spraying water on hot spots from a wildfire.

How do I get a burn permit? What can I do to make my property fire safe? How do I report a violation such of illegal harvest of wood on my property, illegal dumping or other forest or land abuse issues? The Forest Protection Division can help with these questions.

Forest Protection staff are recognized as experts in the field of forest resource protection, presuppression, suppression, and investigation of fires that threaten Maine's forest and other lands. Staff provide quality public service through education, assistance, and enforcement. The division also provides incident management and disaster response.

How do I get a burn permit?

The Maine Forest Service’s online burn permit system is a safe and convenient alternative to getting a hand written permit. Handwritten burning permits are still available in all locations without charge.

In organized towns, a permit can be obtained from the town forest fire warden, who is often also the fire chief. In unorganized towns, a permit may be obtained from your local Forest Ranger or Forest Protection office

It may help to know that campfire permits are different from burning permits.

What can I do to make my property fire safe?

There are several steps you can take to make your home or camp safer from wildfire. Follow our tips to reduce your risk from wildfire damage.

How do I report a violation such of illegal harvest of wood on my property, illegal dumping or other forest or land abuse issues?

You can reach our staff to report forest and land abuse issues by contacting your local forest protection office , submitting an online report, or calling our 1-800-750-9777.  

You can also reach forest rangers through the regional public safety dispatch numbers:

  • Augusta: 1-800-452-4664
  • Bangor: 1-800-432-7381
  • Houlton: 1-800-924-2261

How do I train to become a Forest Ranger?

Detailed information on training and recruitment is available on our website.

How do I get information on training to help on wildfires?

Contact a Forest Ranger in your area.

Still want to learn more?

Check out our website!

Featured Publications

Featured Videos

You can find our YouTube playlists here.

Contact the Maine Forest Service

You can find complete contact information here.