|

Maine Land Trust Network: It’s all about connection

By Joe Rankin Forests for Maine’s Future Writer A few years ago the Greater Lovell Land Trust in the Kezar Lakes region of western Maine was considering merging with the local watershed organization It was an idea that had been around for years and it seemed like an ideal match: preserving land, protecting water. But…

|

Maine’s public lands: recreation, wildlife habitat, timber

These parcels aren’t as well known as the state’s parks, but that’s changing By Joe Rankin Forests for Maine’s Future Writer   When most people think about public lands in Maine, they think state parks like Mt. Blue or Two Lights. Or maybe Baxter State Park and Katahdin. Acadia National Park, maybe. But there is a…

|

Land conservation: still going strong

Despite the down economy, landowners and the public are still eager to ensure the future of Maine’s forest   By Joe Rankin Forests for Maine’s Future writer   Earlier this month state conservation officials gathered in the Hall of Flags at the Maine State House to accept a land donation from Huber Resources Corp., one of the…

|

Aging forest owners: What will become of their woods?

By Joe Rankin Forests for Maine’s Future Writer Jim walked slowly up the path, as he had done ten thousand times before. Almost every day for decades. Through the woods. His woods, he thought. But . . . not really his. Just The Woods. It was a crisp, fall day. Red maples, golden beech, purple ash…

Community Forests: an old idea that’s new again
|

Community Forests: an old idea that’s new again

Forest scene on Branch Lake land in Ellsworth. Photo courtesy of Jerry and Marcy Monkman, Ecophotography.org Fresh from the Woods January 2011, edited for republication January 2023 By Joe Rankin They provide timber, hiking trails, opportunities to learn, and even maple syrup. They serve to protect watersheds and provide habitat for wildlife. They’re town forests. Also…

|

Maine Seeks $25 million for Conservation

Fresh from the Woods North Maine woods Maine seeks $25 million for conservation By Joe Rankin Maine’s north woods covers some 12 million acres, a near contiguous swath that qualifies as the largest unbroken tract of forest east of the Mississippi. While that forest has provided jobs and recreational opportunities for generations, these days it…

|

Clean Water

Fresh from the Woods This map estimates a watershed’s ability to produce clean water, which is largely based on how much forestland is in the watershed. The blue areas provide the greatest amount. (Graphic courtesy of USDA Forest Service) Clean water: Over the river, through the woods By Andrew Kekacs Maine has some of the…