Logger Resolves Shoreland Timber Harvesting Violations with Maine Forest Service
March 15, 2022
For more information contact: Dan Jacobs, MFS Regional Enforcement Coordinator at:
The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry's Maine Forest Service (MFS) has entered into an administrative settlement agreement logger Barry Lane, based in Sherman. The agreement resolves a violation of Maine's rules governing timber harvesting activities in shoreland areas.
Lane agreed to pay a $1,500 civil penalty for the violation, of which $500 will be directed to the Community Forestry Fund as a Supplemental Environmental Project to support urban and community forestry programs in Aroostook County. $500 will be directed to the Forestry Operations Cleanup and Response Fund to mitigate environmental problems resulting from violations of Maine's forestry regulations.
During a 2021 timber harvest on land in New Limerick, Lane created a cleared opening too close to a stream, in violation of state shoreland regulations.
"Our goal is to improve the management of Maines forests," said Patty Cormier, MFS Director. We focus on educating and informing landowners to reduce the possibility of such violations. When violations do occur, however, we have a responsibility to uphold the law. We take this and our other responsibilities very seriously.
"Lane was cooperative and took responsibility for the violation," commented Dan Jacobs, MFS Regional Enforcement Coordinator. "Had Lane appropriately planned and implemented the harvest to comply with the regulations, the issues could easily have been avoided.
Jacobs conducted the investigation and settlement negotiations with the assistance of MFS staff.
About MFS
Since 1891, the MFS mission has been to protect and enhance forest resources through fire prevention, technical assistance, education, outreach to a wide variety of audiences, and enforcement of forest protection laws. MFS offices are found throughout Maine and provide its citizens with a wide range of forest-related services. For more information about the MFS and its programs, visit the MFS website at maineforestservice.gov.