NEW LAW STRENGTHENS MAINE FOREST MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

Senator Boyle’s bill updates outcome-based forestry policy

AUGUSTA— A bill sponsored by Senator Jim Boyle of Gorham to update Maine’s outcome-based forestry policy has become law.

“Outcome-based forestry helps us balance the needs of our forest economy with the need to preserve our forest environments,” said Senator Boyle. “Increasing the number of outcome-based forestry areas will strengthen our state’s forest economy and ensure our natural resources are preserved for future generations.”

Outcome-based forestry is a science-based, voluntary process to achieve agreed-upon economic, environmental, and social outcomes in Maine’s forests. It was first approved by the Legislature in 2001 as an alternative to prescriptive regulations under the Forest Practices Act.. Unlike the Forest Practices Act, outcome-based forestry regulates non-clearcut harvests, doesn’t allow high-grading, and requires silvicultural prescriptions for all harvests.

Outcome-based forestry also requires a demonstration of public accountability, conservation of biological diversity, protection of soils, maintenance of quality timber growth, protection of forest health, and support for the local economy.

The law sponsored by Senator Boyle allows the Director of the Bureau of Forestry to designate multiple outcome-based forestry areas, and requires the Director to annually report back to the Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Committee on the progress of outcome-based forestry agreements.

The measure, LD 1847, “An Act to Clarify Outcome-based Forestry,” will take effect 90 days after the Legislature adjourns.

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