POLIQUN'S TREE GROWTH PLAN REQUESTED

Sen. Jackson questions intent of millionaire’s plan for tree harvest on oceanfront property

Augusta—In light of recent concerns that Maine State Treasurer Bruce Poliquin may be exploiting Maine’s Tree Growth Tax Law, Senator Troy Jackson (D-Allagash) requested a copy of Poliquin’s Forest Management and Harvest Plan, a plan required by all property owners enrolled in the tax law program.

“This is the public’s business. If the taxpayers of Maine are going to shoulder Mr. Poliquin’s fair share of taxes for his oceanfront mansion, then we have a right to know whether or not he’s in compliance with the very law that’s giving him this break,” said Jackson who works as a logger in Aroostook County.

Poliquin owns more than 12 acres of coastal property—10.3 of which is enrolled in the state’s tax break program—totaling $500,000 in annual tax savings.

“I can tell you, as a logger, that if he’s ready to harvest the timber, I know many unemployed loggers ready to do the job,” Jackson added.

In a 2009 report by the Maine Forest Service, Poliquin’s property was identified as an example of a potential misuse. In the report, Maine Municipal Association, went on to cite other concerns of program violation, “according to the State’s shore land zoning regulation, the ability to harvest timber—even if it was the intention of the landowner—is extremely limited”. Compliance with shore land zoning includes restrictions around tree harvesting and disruption to the ground cover protected under shore land zoning.

LD 1470, a measure aimed at addressing potential misuse of the Maine Tree Growth Tax Law, will be before the Taxation Committee for a work session today.

“As it stands, these plans are unenforceable,” said Jackson. We need common sense reforms that include accountability and transparency for those seeking a tax break using our land.”