There Are Serious Problems in Maine’s Forest That Threaten the Future of Maine’s People, Economy and Environment.

A 1998 study by The Maine Forest Service showed that:

· Maine’s biggest timber companies (> 100,000 acres) are cutting down forests 37% faster than they are growing back;
· Even if these large landowners converted one million more acres of Maine to plantations sprayed with pesticides, logging rates would continue to exceed forest growth for at least 40 years;
· Overall Maine forests are being logged at a rate 16% faster than they are growing.

A 1997 Dept. of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife report found that:

· Critical wildlife habitats are not adequately protected. For example, deer wintering yards have declined by 70% since 1960, limiting the ability of deer to survive.

The U.S. Forest Service reported significant declines in Maine forests 1982-1995:

· Industry cut trees at twice the rate they grew for all species;
· Cut exceeded growth by 3:1 for red spruce (Maine’s leading conifer species) and the standing volume of red spruce has decline by 28%;
· The area of spruce and fir in stands with trees large enough for commercial harvesting fell by 40%;
· Since 1959, there has been a steady decline in the percent of the highest quality hardwood saw logs;
· Overall, timber volume in Maine forests dropped 12%.