From Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov Thu Jan 3 06:03:47 2008 From: Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov (Lord, Gregory R.) Date: Thu, 3 Jan 2008 06:03:47 -0500 Subject: [maineloggers] maineloggers - January 3, 2008 Message-ID: Presque Isle: Man fined for illegal tree harvesting Saturday, December 29, 2007 - Bangor Daily News PRESQUE ISLE, Maine - A Mapleton man who illegally had trees cut on the property of another person has been ordered to pay more than $7,000 in restitution and a $500 fine, in a precedent-setting decision in Presque Isle District Court on Nov. 2. Glendon Brayley was ordered to make restitution of $4,350 for the cut logs and $3,000 for the land survey, according to Kent Nelson, fire prevention specialist and spokesman in the Forest Protection Division of the Maine Forest Service. Nelson characterized the situation as a timber trespass case. http://bangornews.com/news/t/aroostook.aspx?articleid=158336&zoneid=175 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://mailman.informe.org/pipermail/maineloggers/attachments/20080103/d27bc03f/attachment.html From Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov Fri Jan 25 10:47:22 2008 From: Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov (Lord, Gregory R.) Date: Fri, 25 Jan 2008 10:47:22 -0500 Subject: [maineloggers] maineloggers - January 25, 2008 Message-ID: Enhancing biodiversity on family forest lands Biodiversity in woodlands is a common goal of many forest owners and biodiversity contributes to the well-being of local communities. Family forest owners, managers, and practitioners can take specific steps to recognize and enhance the biodiversity of forest lands. Join special guest speaker, Kristi Sullivan of Cornell University Cooperative Extension for a discussion of value, recognition and enhancement of biodiversity on private forest lands. This internet seminar will occur on Wednesday February 20, 2008. Participants must pre-register once, without charge, at www.ForestConnect.info . Email notification of internet URL details will be sent to everyone registered. ########## Mars Hill Landowner Penalized for Forest Practices Act Violation AUGUSTA, ME -The Department of Conservation's Maine Forest Service announced today the settlement of a Forest Practices Act clear-cutting violation on land owned by County Land Co. of Mars Hill, ME. The violations occurred on a parcel of land in Presque Isle in Aroostook County. Harvest operations on the 400 acre parcel resulted in 27 acres of timber being cleared as a change of land use from forestry to agriculture. However, County Land Co. could not complete the change of land use within the two years of completing the timber harvest as required by the state's forest practices rules. County Land Co. therefore was responsible for complying with the state's law and rules governing the size and arrangement of clearcuts. County Land Co.'s actions resulted in the creation of a 27 acre, Category 2 clearcut that did not have a harvest plan prepared by a licensed forester prior to the harvest. In the Settlement Agreement, County Land Co. admitted responsibility for the violation and agreed to pay a $6,000.00 civil penalty. Maine Forest Service Director Alec Giffen noted that, "To make them effective as a deterrent, penalties for forest practices rule violations are intended to remove the financial benefit obtained through such violations." Regional Enforcement Coordinator Tom Whitworth stated that, "These types of violations often result from inadequate planning. Landowners need to be aware that if they clear timber for a change of land use, whether for development activities or agricultural uses, they need to complete the change of land use within two full calendar years of completing the harvest. If landowners fail to complete a change of land use, they are responsible for demonstrating compliance with the state's Forest Practices Act and its implementing rule. Landowners should also acquire the necessary permits from the proper authorities before beginning any land use change activities." "Our goal is to improve the management of Maine's forests," Giffen said. "Our agency focuses on educating and informing landowners to reduce the possibility of such violations. But, when violations do occur, we have a responsibility to uphold the law and to enforce the Forest Practices Act. We take this and our other responsibilities very seriously." The FPA investigation and settlement negotiations were carried out by Maine Forest Service staff. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://mailman.informe.org/pipermail/maineloggers/attachments/20080125/fe4974cd/attachment.html From Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov Thu Jan 31 06:10:58 2008 From: Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov (Lord, Gregory R.) Date: Thu, 31 Jan 2008 06:10:58 -0500 Subject: [maineloggers] maineloggers - January 31, 2008 Message-ID: FRA MAINE INDUSTRIAL FORESTRY FORUM MEETING ANNOUNCEMENT WHEN: Thursday, February 7, 2008 WHERE: Jeff's Catering, Brewer, Maine TIME: 5:30 - 6:15 PM Social "Hour" 6:15 - 7:00 PM Buffet Dinner 7:00 - 8:30 PM Guest Speakers COST: FRA Members - $20 Non-members - $30 Students - $15 with valid ID Payable at the door. TOPICS: State & Federal Forest Policy Update Guest Speakers: * Patrick Strauch - Maine Forest Products Council * Carol Woodcock - Sen. Susan Collins' office * Rosemary Winslow - Rep. Michael Michaud's office * Gail Kelly - Sen. Olympia Snowe's office The Maine Legislature, U.S. Congress and state and federal agencies constantly propose or implement a variety of laws and regulations that affect the forest products industry. To gain a better understanding of the issues, updates on current legislative and policy initiatives will be presented. Among the many topics to be covered: * Top Maine legislative bills affecting the forest industry * LURC's CLUP - Massive changes proposed that will affect landowners. * H2B Labor - Is there any hope? * Maine and Interstate Truck GVW's - What's changed, what hasn't? * Lynx Critical Habitat Designation - The process is opened up again. * Border Crossing Requirements - More changes coming. * Fuel Prices - Any relief in sight? The Industrial Forestry Forum is open to everyone and FRA membership is not required. Meals can be purchased at the door with check, cash or credit card. No pre-registration is required. For more information, please contact Joel Swanton at (207)-745-2435 or jswan93426 at aol.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://mailman.informe.org/pipermail/maineloggers/attachments/20080131/07910c2b/attachment.html From Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov Thu Feb 7 10:43:09 2008 From: Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov (Lord, Gregory R.) Date: Thu, 7 Feb 2008 10:43:09 -0500 Subject: [maineloggers] maineloggers - February 7, 2008 Message-ID: State Foresters Denounce President's Proposed Budget Severe Cutbacks Threaten America's Forests WASHINGTON, DC--(Marketwire - February 5, 2008) - The National Association of State Foresters (NASF) reacted angrily to elements of the Bush Administration's proposed FY09 budget released yesterday, which includes historic cutbacks of State and Private Forestry (S&PF) programs within the U.S. Forest Service. Two-thirds of the forestland in the United States resides in the hands of private or state ownership. The drastic reduction of funding for S&PF programs threaten vital forestlands that improve air and water quality, provide essential wildlife habitat, reduce global warming and enhance the quality of life for all Americans. Since 1911, state forestry agencies and the U.S. Forest Service have partnered to assist private landowners in achieving some of the most successful forestland conservation in the nation's history, thereby increasing the level of public benefits that are produced from these lands. "This partnership has been the essence of what this Administration has lately touted as 'Cooperative Conservation.' However, these outrageous budget cuts put our tradition of partnership in jeopardy, and could have disastrous effects on the forest resource," said Leah MacSwords, NASF Vice President and Kentucky State Forester. "NASF urges Congress to again illustrate its commitment to State and Private Forestry programs by restoring funding to S&PF programs," said Kirk Rowdabaugh, NASF President and Arizona State Forester. In a tight budget climate, federal funding for state and private forestry is a wise investment. It supports cost-effective programs that yield high benefit for a low investment by providing financial and technical assistance for wildland fire management, slowing the spread of exotic insects, plants and diseases, and imparting numerous environmental benefits that belong to all Americans. For more than a year, state foresters have worked with the Forest Service to improve the focus and delivery of S&PF programs and maximize positive outcomes. This dramatic reduction in funding threatens to undermine the results of these efforts on the ground. NASF's recommended funding figures for several key program areas represent a common-sense response to the fundamental needs of the forest resource. The President's proposed budget is a reduction of nearly sixty percent from current S&PF funding levels, with some priority programs being slashed as much as eighty percent. Said Maryland State Forester Steven Koehn, "This budget undermines the very mission of the Forest Service, neither caring for the land, nor serving the people." The National Association of State Foresters is comprised of the directors of state and territorial agencies and the District of Columbia. Through public-private partnership, NASF seeks to advance sustainable forestry, conservation, and protection of forestlands and their associated resources. SOURCE: National Association of State Foresters Feb 05, 2008 12:32 ET MEDIA CONTACT: Sarah McCreary Communications Director Email Contact (202) 624-5417 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://mailman.informe.org/pipermail/maineloggers/attachments/20080207/695c11ad/attachment.html From Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov Tue Feb 12 13:05:48 2008 From: Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov (Lord, Gregory R.) Date: Tue, 12 Feb 2008 13:05:48 -0500 Subject: [maineloggers] maineloggers - February 12, 2008 Message-ID: The Forest Resources Association Northeast Region NEW HAMPSHIRE NORTH COUNTRY INDUSTRIAL FORESTRY FORUM MEETING ANNOUNCEMENT WHEN: Thursday, February 21, 2008 WHERE: Northland Restaurant, Berlin, NH TIME: 5:30 - 6:15 PM Social "Hour" 6:15 - 7:00 PM Buffet Dinner 7:00 - 8:30 PM Guest Speakers COST: FRA Members - $20 Non-members - $30 Students - $15 with valid ID Payable at the door by cash, check, or credit card TOPIC: New Hampshire Forest Policy Update Guest Speakers: * Jasen Stock - Executive Director, NHTOA * Phil Bryce - Director, NH Division of Forests and Lands Each year, the New Hampshire legislature deliberates on many bills that will directly or indirectly affect the way we in the forest industry will manage land, harvest timber or operate our manufacturing facilities. In addition, state agencies put forward a variety of policy initiatives that can impact our industry. Tonight we'll hear a brief update on legislative and policy issues from two folks who know our industry well. Among the many topics to be covered: * Current Use Assessment Appraisal Formula Changes * Endangered Species and Workers Compensation Legislation * NH's Environmental Policy Act * E-2 Bridge Restrictions * Proposed NH DES Rules for Skid Trail and Road Stream Crossings Pre-registration is required to assure an accurate head count for meals! Please e-mail or fax the response form below by Tuesday, February 19, 2008 to: Forest Resources Association, adminassist at maineforest.org or FAX: 207-626-3002 Questions? Contact Sue McCarthy at (207)622-9288 FRA/NHTOA February 21, 2008 NEW HAMPSHIRE INDUSTRIAL FORESTRY FORUM PRE-REGISTRATION RESPONSE FORM Name(s) of People attending: ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ _________ Company: ________________________________________________________________________ ____ Phone: _______________________ -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://mailman.informe.org/pipermail/maineloggers/attachments/20080212/0d472475/attachment.html From Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov Thu Feb 28 05:45:56 2008 From: Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov (Lord, Gregory R.) Date: Thu, 28 Feb 2008 05:45:56 -0500 Subject: [maineloggers] maineloggers - February 28, 2008 Message-ID: Maine's Tree Growth Tax Law Workshop For Maine Licensed Foresters History, Intent, Landowner and Forester Responsibilities, and Consequences of Non-Compliance Locations: Ellsworth, Gray, and Houlton Date: March 11, 2008 Time: 9:00 A.M. - Noon Location: City Hall, ELLSWORTH, http://www.cityofellsworthme.org/staff.htm Registration: On line or telephone (see below) -- registration deadline MARCH 7th Date: March 18, 2008 Time: 9:00 A.M. - Noon Location: Cole Farms Restaurant, GRAY, http://www.colefarms.com/direction.htm Registration: On line or telephone (see below) -- registration deadline MARCH 14th Date: March 25, 2008 Time: 9:00 A.M. - Noon Location: Houlton Higher Education Center, HOULTON, http://www.learn.maine.edu/houlton/ Registration: On line or telephone (see below) -- registration deadline MARCH 21ST This interactive workshop - limited to Maine Licensed Foresters - will cover the history of Maine's Tree Growth Tax Law (TGTL), purpose or intent, landowners and forester's responsibilities, updates to the law, Maine Forest Service's role in the TGTL, and consequences of non-compliance. Actual case studies will be used and there will be plenty of time for discussion. There is no fee for this workshop BUT registration is required. For further information and to register for this workshop please go to: Maine Forest Service: Maine's Tree Growth Tax Law Workshop for Foresters (http://www.maine.gov/doc/mfs/fpm/tgtl_workshop.htm). You may also register by calling the Maine Forest Service at 207-287-4995 or 1-800-367-0223. This workshop may qualify for Licensed Forester Credits. For additional information contact: Kevin Doran, Natural Science Educator Email: kevin.doran at maine.gov Phone: 287-4988 For upcoming events you may also go to the Maine Forest Service's Calendar of Events web page: http://www.maine.gov/doc/mfs/mfs/events.shtml -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://mailman.informe.org/pipermail/maineloggers/attachments/20080228/abb82b67/attachment.html From Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov Thu Feb 28 15:01:26 2008 From: Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov (Lord, Gregory R.) Date: Thu, 28 Feb 2008 15:01:26 -0500 Subject: [maineloggers] maineloggers - February 28, 2008 - supplement Message-ID: FRA NORTHEAST REGION TRUCKING WORKSHOP Thursday, March 6, 2008 Jeff's Catering 11:30 AM - 4:00 PM Brewer, Maine (Pre-registration Required - Response Requested by Tuesday, March 4) FRA's Northeast Region Trucking Task Group invites you to participate in a workshop to explore opportunities to increase trucking efficiency and productivity across the wood supply chain in the Region. The workshop will share knowledge with members who may choose to apply some of the learnings in their operations. Lunch will be included as part of the workshop. WORKSHOP AGENDA 11:30 - 12 Noon Registration 12 Noon - 1:15 PM Lunch - Keynote Speaker - Peter Vigue, President and CEO, Cianbro Co's. Pete will share his proposal for a private East-West Highway across Maine and his views on the future of the forest products industry in the region. 1:15 PM - 1:30 PM Introductions - Kip Nichols, Trucking Task Group Coordinator Anti-trust compliance review - FRA staff 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm Trucking Efficiency - Panel Presentations and Discussion Examples of practical applications and experience both from within and outside our industry. De-Coupled Trucking in the South Buck Ford - Wood Supply Research Institute (WSRI) Buck will provide a progress report on two de-coupled trucking projects under way in the South and share operational learnings; what's worked, what hasn't what have we learned? Trucking Efficiency - How do others approach it? Dale Hanington - President, Maine Motor Transport Association Dale will share his views on how other trucking interests, outside of the forest products industry, approach improving efficiency in their operations. Lake States Transportation Task Team Update A joint effort by FRA members, the Michigan Forest Products Council and Lake States Shippers Association with a goal to optimize wood transportation logistics to help improve the competitiveness of the forest products industry in the Great Lakes region. 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM Workshop Roundtable ? Identifying the problems with our trucking and transportation systems. ? Identifying potential solutions to those problems ? Next Steps Workshop Fee: $ 30.00 FRA Members $ 40.00 Non-Members Payable at the door (cash, check, or credit card) That evening, at the FRA Forestry Forum, FRA's Northeast Region 2007 Outstanding Loggers will be honored, followed by a presentation on harvesting operations in South Africa. The Forum notice will be distributed separately. Pre-registration for the workshop is required. Please reply by Tuesday, March 4 via e-mail, fax or phone so we can plan for your attendance. The workshop will take place at Jeff's Catering, 5 Coffin Avenue, Brewer, Maine. From 95 North or South, take Exit 182-A onto 395 East. Travel to Exit #5 (Parkway South) and turn left at the end of the exit. Go 1/10 of a mile over the railroad tracks, and take the very next right into the East/West Industrial Park. Travel approximately 100 yards and turn left onto Coffin Avenue. WORKSHOP RESPONSE FORM Please complete and e-mail or fax ASAP or by Tuesday, March 4 to: Joel Swanton, Forest Resources Association E-mail: Jswan93426 at aol.com Fax: 866-437-7252 FRA NORTHEAST REGION TRUCKING WORKSHOP Thursday, March 6, 2007 Jeff's Catering 11:30 AM - 4:00 PM Brewer, Maine Workshop Fee: $ 30.00 FRA Members $ 40.00 Non-Members Payable at the door (cash, check, or credit card) Name(s) of People attending: _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ Company: ____________________________________________________________________________ Phone: _______________________ -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://mailman.informe.org/pipermail/maineloggers/attachments/20080228/42a2cbb7/attachment.html From Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov Mon Mar 3 05:50:22 2008 From: Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov (Lord, Gregory R.) Date: Mon, 3 Mar 2008 05:50:22 -0500 Subject: [maineloggers] maineloggers - March 3, 2008 Message-ID: FRA MAINE INDUSTRIAL FORESTRY FORUM MEETING ANNOUNCEMENT WHEN: Thursday, March 6, 2008 WHERE: Jeff's Catering, Brewer, Maine TIME: 5:30 - 6:15 PM Social "Hour" 6:15 - 7:00 PM Buffet Dinner 7:00 - 8:30 PM Guest Speakers COST: FRA Members - $20 Non-members - $30 Students - $15 with valid ID Payable at the door. TOPICS: 2007 NORTHEAST REGION OUTSTANDING LOGGER PRESENTATION David and Kurt Babineau, Babineau Logging, Inc. West Enfield, ME David and Kurt Babineau have been logging for their entire careers, starting with their father's operation after graduation form high school. Since 1995 they have been using cut-to-length systems and have developed a unique equipment and harvest system and an operation that excels in safety, forest management and running the business. Please join us to learn more about their operations as FRA and Stihl, Inc. honor the Babineau's with the 2007 NE Region Outstanding Logger Award. HARVEST OPERATIONS IN SOUTH AFRICA Guest Speaker: ? Jack Frost, Operator Trainer, Tigercat Industries Jack will share his experiences on two recent trips to South Africa, featuring harvest operations and other sights from the far side of the globe. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://mailman.informe.org/pipermail/maineloggers/attachments/20080303/0165786a/attachment.html From Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov Tue Mar 4 13:10:37 2008 From: Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov (Lord, Gregory R.) Date: Tue, 4 Mar 2008 13:10:37 -0500 Subject: [maineloggers] maineloggers - March 4, 2008 Message-ID: GPS Workshop Beaver Park, Lisbon March 29, 2008 9 am to 1 pm - $7 Thinking of buying a GPS, or do you already have one that's never come out of the box? Come and learn GPS basics with Maine Forest Service District Foresters Ken Canfield and Merle Ring and the Androscoggin Valley Soil and Water Conservation District. We will provide GPS units for the day. The day will consist of approximately 2 hours in classroom and 2 hours outside with GPS units. Coffee and snack provided. Please register in advance by contacting Jane Heikkinen at (207) 753-9400 x 400 or via email at jane.heikkinen at me.nacdnet.net ########## Governor's Wood-to-Energy Initiative website In his 2008 State of the State address, Governor Baldacci introduced his Wood-to-Energy Initiative. The Governor's initiative seeks to reduce the state's reliance on foreign oil and stimulate Maine's economy by developing renewable sources of energy made in Maine, by Maine businesses, for Maine people. The initiative will seek and capitalize on opportunities to: * Convert public buildings to wood biomass heat; * Encourage homeowners to switch from oil heat to heat from renewable energy sources; and, * Promote Maine-grown alternative energy industries. The Maine Forest Service has developed a website to provide more information about the initiative: http://www.maine.gov/doc/initiatives/wood_to_energy/. We encourage you to visit the site and let us know your thoughts. We welcome your suggestions for improvements to the site. Please note, the site includes a page where you may submit comments. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://mailman.informe.org/pipermail/maineloggers/attachments/20080304/c55620a5/attachment.html From Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov Fri Mar 14 05:50:49 2008 From: Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov (Lord, Gregory R.) Date: Fri, 14 Mar 2008 05:50:49 -0400 Subject: [maineloggers] maineloggers - March 14, 2008 Message-ID: Law Court Appeal Dismissed, Kennebec County Superior Court Finding of Loggers' Violations Affirmed March 13, 2008 AUGUSTA, Maine - (March 13, 2008) The Department of Conservation's Maine Forest Service announced today that the Law Court recently upheld a Kennebec County Superior Court Decision and Order finding that Robert W. Tibbetts, Jr., his brother Darrell L. Tibbetts, and their (now deceased) father, Robert W. Tibbetts, Sr. had violated injunctions previously imposed upon them by a November 2001 Consent Decree and Order. The Superior Court decision was issued by the Honorable Donald H. Marden in January 2007. The Superior Court found that Robert W. Tibbetts, Jr. had intentionally or with gross disregard for the law committed six violations of the Unfair Trade Practices Law. The Court assessed $18,000 civil penalties for these violations. In addition the Court ruled that Tibbetts, Jr. had been placing value on standing timber without a proper [forester] license. A $10,000 civil penalty was assessed for this. As a result of the seriousness of these violations, the Court also permanently prohibited Robert W. Tibbetts, Jr. from engaging in any timber harvesting services (including solicitations) either directly or indirectly on any property in Maine, except his own. The Superior Court found that Darrell L. Tibbetts committed seven violations of the Unfair Trade Practices Act. The Court imposed civil penalties of $14,000. The Court also imposed a civil penalty in the amount of $3,000 for a violation of the Weights and Measures Law. In addition Darrell L. Tibbetts is now permanently enjoined and prohibited from entering into and conducting timber harvesting under any agreement with any owner of property in Maine unless it specifically requires payments for harvested wood sold to be made directly to the landowner by the mill or the purchaser of the harvested wood. A copy of the January 2, 2007 Decision and Order with these and other conditions can be found at www.maineforestservice.gov. The investigation and enforcement action were carried out by Maine Forest Service Foresters and Forest Rangers and staff from the Office of the Attorney General the Department of Agriculture. Contacts: District Ranger, Gregg Hesslein 657-3552 Enforcement Coordinator, Paul Larrivee 624-3706 ########## 2008 ROAD POSTING ALERT You may see that more State roads are posted this Spring. MFS has learned Maine DOT may be posting more State Roads than they have in the past. We suggest that you go to their web site http://maine.gov/mdot/ for more information. If you have questions, please contact Maine DOT. ########## Trust to Conserve Northeast Forestlands Professional Logging Contractors of Maine Master Logger Certification Program 49 Pineland Dr., Suite 201A New Gloucester, ME 04260 (207)688-8195 kate at tcnef.org January 28, 2008 Dear supporters, partners, and funders of PLC and TCNF: The last months of 2007 and the beginning of 2008 have brought big changes and big growth to the Professional Logging Contractors of Maine and to the Trust to Conserve Northeast Forestlands as well. Perhaps most importantly - both organizations have set up shop in an office (with a coveted view of Mount Washington!) on the Pineland Campus in New Gloucester, Maine. This move has afforded us the space to work together in person with each other and with partners on a regular basis - and increasingly important activity as we make plans for bigger projects to come. One of these big changes occurred on October 1, 2007 - when the Maine and Southern New England Master Logger Certification programs joined efforts and resources to bring harvest practice certification to all northeastern U.S. states (ME, NH, VT, MA, CT, RI and NY) efficiently and using one internationally recognized standard via the new identity Northeast Master Logger Certification Program. And that just set the ball rolling for an avalanche of change to follow! The merger gained us a couple of new staff members. Joe Smith, former director of the Southern New England Master Logger program, has joined us in the capacity of Director of Industry Services and Training. He has been collaborating with me on designing the new processes for the regional certification program (NEMLC), and he has also been developing new programs for loggers in the region. Coordinating all this growth at a larger scale precipitated a need for another team member, and we found the perfect fit. Ausilia Evans joined us in December as the office manager for both PLC and TCNF and the speed at which she's gotten all our records, new identity and future plans in order has left us with some whiplash! We're also very excited about the new and improved NEMLC web site designed by Moose Pond Arts in Norway, Maine. Please visit www.masterloggercertification.org when you get the chance! Check out the Certification Board button to view a list our new regional Certification Board members. Moose Pond Arts is also developing a new web site for PLC, and it's due to go live in July 2008. Please make a note of the new contact information for PLC, TCNF, and NEMLC as follows: Mailing address: 49 Pineland Dr., Suite 201 A, New Gloucester, ME 04260 Phone: (207)688-8195 Fax: (207)688-8197 Toll-Free hotline: (888)300-6614 (please note that this number has not changed) E-mail addresses: Sandy Brawders, Executive Director sandra at tcnef.org John Gunn, Director of Forest Stewardship john at tcnef.org Kate Albert, Director of Harvest Certification kate at tcnef.org Joe Smith, Director of Industry Services and Training joe at tcnef.org Ausilia Evans, Office Manager ausilia at tcnef.org We encourage you to visit our new location when you're in the area, and the following dates (May 7-9) are ones to save as upcoming events in our new space: May 7 - PLC Annual Meeting May 8 - Master Logger Certification Annual Summit Meeting P.M. PLC and TCNF Open House and Log-a-Load for Kids, Children's Miracle Network auction May 9 - PLC and TCNF advisory workshop All the best, Kate Albert - on behalf of PLC, TCNF and NEMLC -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://mailman.informe.org/pipermail/maineloggers/attachments/20080314/a251874f/attachment.html From Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov Wed Mar 19 10:20:16 2008 From: Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov (Lord, Gregory R.) Date: Wed, 19 Mar 2008 10:20:16 -0400 Subject: [maineloggers] maineloggers - March 19, 2008 Message-ID: Benefit to help injured logger, snowmobiler On Saturday, March 22nd, there will be a benefit dinner and auction at the Appleton Village School (on Route 131 approximately 4 miles north of the junction with Route 17 in Union). This event will benefit two Appleton residents severely injured recently in separate accidents: Michael Pease, who had a tree fall upon him while logging, breaking his back and who is now paralyzed from the waist down; and Ronald Gibson, who lost a leg in a snowmobiling accident. Neither of these young men have health insurance. The dinner will begin at 4:00 p.m. and will consist of home-style cooking of baked ham, chicken and lots of great fixings. The auction of donated goods and services will begin at 6:00 p.m. Cost is $8.00 for adults, $4.00 for children, and $25 for a family of five or more. Quality donations are still being sought. If you can assist in any way, please contact Joyce Edgecomb at 785-4708. (Adapted from an announcement by Linda Payson, Auctioneer, Brooder House Auction Service, Union) ########## Forestry Internet seminars focus on ecology and management The ecology and management of northeastern family forests underpin the value that forests contribute to owners, the community and the region. Internet seminars are offered the third Wednesday of each month at noon and again at 7:00 PM for approximately one hour. This spring the topics include: ? "Ecology and Management of Emerald Ash Borer - preparing for an infestation" by Jerry Carlson of NYS Department of Environmental Conservation. March 20th ? "Selecting Trees Landowners Can Cut versus Leave For Forest Improvement" by Peter Smallidge, Cornell University Cooperative Extension. April 16th ? "An Introduction to the Ecology and Identification of Common Northeastern Conifers" by Peter Smallidge, Cornell University Cooperative Extension. May 21st The ForestConnect Internet Seminar Series is an interactive web conference and was the first of its kind in the US. Each seminar uses the Internet to distribute, or webcast, a live and interactive presentation. Since May 2007, web-based seminars have connected forest owners, managers, and practitioners from throughout the United States and overseas. More than 600 owners and managers from 40 states and three countries are registered and receiving announcements for the monthly webcasts. Seminars occur on the third Wednesday of each month. Each webcast is provided live, twice. The initial broadcast each month is from noon to 1:00 PM with a repeat live broadcast the same day from 7:00 to 8:00 PM, Eastern Time. Participation is as easy as a high-speed internet connection via a web browser. Participants will connect to a secure Cornell Cooperative Extension server to join the presentation. Participants must pre-register once, without charge, at www.ForestConnect.info . Email notification of internet URL details will be sent to everyone registered. Peter J. Smallidge NYS Extension Forester and Director, Arnot Teaching and Research Forest Cornell University 116 Fernow Hall Ithaca, NY 14853 607-592-3640 voice (cell) 607-255-2815 fax ########## MAINE LAND CONSERVATION CONFERENCE Friday and Saturday, May 2nd and 3rd BRUNSWICK, MAINE Maine Coast Heritage Trust presents the Maine Land Conservation Conference in support of its Maine Land Trust Network program and Maine's land conservation community. This year's theme will be Connecting Conservation and Communities. Registration for the 2008 conference is now open! Conference Highlights and details are available at http://www.mltn.org/meetings/conservation_conference.html. MCHT website . Some of this year's highlights include Friday afternoon workshops on Leadership Development and Record Keeping and a field trip; Welcoming Reception at the Frontier Caf? with film viewing and gallery exhibit; Saturday keynote address entitled "Sustainable Communities, Meaningful Lives" by writer, naturalist and activist Janisse Ray; topical workshops for participants at every level of learning and much more. MCHT recommends early registration. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://mailman.informe.org/pipermail/maineloggers/attachments/20080319/2f4e52b5/attachment.html From Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov Thu Mar 20 06:33:28 2008 From: Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov (Lord, Gregory R.) Date: Thu, 20 Mar 2008 06:33:28 -0400 Subject: [maineloggers] maineloggers - March 20, 2008 Message-ID: UPDATED: Benefit to help injured logger, snowmobiler ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------- Community holds dinner, auction for two injured Appleton men By Lynda Clancy VillageSoup/Knox County Times Reporter APPLETON (March 17): The community of Appleton and the broader Midcoast is pulling together to help two men injured in separate winter accidents, with bank funds established and a benefit dinner planned for Saturday, March 22. "They are close friends in need of love, support and prayers," said Lisa Sims, one of the Appleton organizers. Mike Pease remains hospital bound, recovering from a March 7 logging accident near the Searsmont town line. While working with his brother there a treetop tumbled onto him, pinning him to the ground. Rescue crews from Appleton, Searsmont and Union walked him three-quarters of a mile out on a stretcher through the woods to a waiting ambulance, which then transported him to a landing field and a waiting LifeFlight helicopter that took Pease to Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor. Ronald Gibson was injured in February in a snowmobile crash in the Midcoast, suffering leg injuries. Sims said both men need to focus on getting well and little else. "In our small town, we are setting up benefit suppers and fundraising to help," she said. "It is simply amazing and heartfelt how people come together for each other when it's needed. If you are able to help in any way, anything you can give will be greatly appreciated." Individual funds for both men have been established at Damariscotta Bank and Trust in Union, and donations can be made to the Mike Pease Fund and the Ronald Gibson Fund. The bank's address is P.O. Box 727, Union, ME 04862. Sims has also offered to take donations to the bank. On Saturday, March 22 at 4 p.m., a benefit supper and auction will be held at the Appleton Village School. Sponsored in part by the Medomak Valley Grange, the dinner will be held from 4 to 6 p.m., with tickets sold at the door for $8 for adults, $4 for children, and $25 for families of five or more. The menu includes ham, chicken, potatoes, carrots, beans and pies. The auction will be from 6 to 8 p.m. To learn more, call Joyce Edgecomb at 785-4708, or Leslie Eaton at 236-8226. (c)2008 VillageSoup http://knox.villagesoup.com/Community/story.cfm?storyID=111454 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://mailman.informe.org/pipermail/maineloggers/attachments/20080320/0258bf3c/attachment.html From Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov Tue Mar 25 06:15:58 2008 From: Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov (Lord, Gregory R.) Date: Tue, 25 Mar 2008 06:15:58 -0400 Subject: [maineloggers] maineloggers - March 25, 2008 Message-ID: FRA 2008 - Equipment Maintenance & Repair Workshops Thursday, April 3, 2008 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM Jeff's Catering, Brewer, Maine Friday, April 18, 2008 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM Common Man Inn, Plymouth, NH The Forest Resources Association, in cooperation with the Certified Logging Professional Program of Maine and the New Hampshire Professional Loggers Program, extends a personal invitation to all logging contractors, owner-operators, and equipment dealers to this season's final event of FRA's Industrial Forestry Forum Series. Informative speakers will provide presentations on a variety of timely topics and the Roundtables will provide an opportunity for problem solving and information sharing. Workshop Schedule 7:30 - 8:00 AM Registration 8:00 - 8:15AM Welcome & Introductions 8:15 - 9:00AM Fuel Efficiency - Fuel System and Engine Maintenance Expert advice on how to maintain your systems to improve fuel efficiency. 9:00 - 9:45AM Fuel Conservation Best Management Practices for Forest Operations Roger Ryder, University of Maine, will summarize current best practices and plans for future research. 9:45 - 10:00 AM Break 10:00 - 11:30AM Equipment Maintenance Roundtable - Session I - Fuel Efficiency In keeping with tradition, the Roundtable allows participants to share tips and experience, problems and solutions they have encountered with equipment maintenance and repair. This is an excellent opportunity for operators, mechanics and contractors to offer their problem for discussion and trouble shooting. Participants are welcome to just listen in, or actively participate in the discussion. Either way, some useful information will be gained by sharing with your peers, equipment dealers and other experts in the audience. 11:30 - 11:45AM ME CLP / NH PLP Program Updates 11:45 - 12:45PM Lunch 12:45 - 1:30PM Hydraulic System Maintenance - Tips on keeping your hydraulic systems running smoothly and efficiently. 1:30- 2:15PM Bar & Chain Maintenance for Mechanized Equipment - Expert advice on how to maintain cutting systems on harvesters and delimbers for optimum efficiency. 2:15 - 3:00 PM Equipment Maintenance Roundtable - Session II - Open Forum Pre-registration is required! - See below Pre-registration is required to assure accurate head count! The cost is $30 per person. $20 for students with valid ID. Payable in advance, or at the door. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------ MAINE Equipment Maintenance & Repair Workshop Thursday, April 3, 2008, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM Jeff's Catering, Brewer, Maine Please return this response form, including a check made payable to FRA, or credit card information, by Tuesday, April 1, 2008 to: Forest Resources Association, 535 Civic Center Dr., Augusta, ME 04330 or fax to 207-626-3002. Questions? Contact Joel Swanton, FRA at 207-745-2435 or jswan93426 at aol.com MAINE FRA/CLP ROUNDTABLE - PRE-REGISTRATION RESPONSE FORM Name(s):________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ____________ Company:________________________________________________________________ ______ Phone ___________________ People attending: _____ @ $30/person = _________________ Credit Card (circle one): VISA MasterCard American Express Credit Card #: ____________________________________ Expiration date: ________________ Name on card ______________________Signature of cardholder: ________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------ NEW HAMPSHIRE Equipment Maintenance & Repair Workshop Friday, April 18, 2008, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM Common Man Inn, Plymouth, NH Please return this response form, including a check made payable to FRA, or credit card information, by Friday, April 11, 2008 to: Forest Resources Association, 535 Civic Center Dr., Augusta, ME 04330 or fax to 207-626-3002. Questions? Contact Joel Swanton, FRA at 207-745-2435 or jswan93426 at aol.com NEW HAMPSHIRE FRA/PLP ROUNDTABLE - PRE-REGISTRATION RESPONSE FORM Name(s):________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ____________ Company:________________________________________________________________ ______ Phone ___________________ People attending: _____ @ $30/person = _________________ Credit Card (circle one): VISA MasterCard American Express Credit Card #: ____________________________________ Expiration date: ________________ Name on card ______________________Signature of cardholder: ________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------ Directions to the FRA Equipment Maintenance & Repair Workshops Jeff's Catering 15 Littlefield Way Brewer, ME >From 95 North or South, take Exit 182-A onto 395 East. Travel to Exit #5 (Parkway South) and turn left at end of exit. Go 1/10 of a mile over railroad tracks, and take the very next right into the East/West Industrial Park. Travel approximately 100 yards and turn left onto Coffin Avenue. Jeff's Catering is located at 15 Littlefield Way. >From Ellsworth take 395 West. Travel to Exit #5 (Parkway South) and turn left at end of exit. Go 1/10 of a mile over railroad tracks and take the very next right into the East/West Industrial Park. Travel approximately 100 yards and turn left onto Coffin Avenue. Jeff's Catering is located at 15 Littlefield Way. Common Man Inn Rte. #3 Plymouth, NH >From I-93 North or South: Take exit 26 and at the bottom of the ramp take your first right. This right is easy to miss - look for a sign directing you to Rt.3. If you reach a Dunkin Donuts on your right, you missed this right hand turn (in this case, turn around & follow directions for coming from the West). Almost immediately you will be at a stop sign. Take a right at the stop sign onto Rt 3 heading South. We are 2/10 mile on the left, from the stop sign. >From the west via Rte. 25: You will reach a traffic circle offering options of heading East on 25 or continuing onto 3A. You want to take East on 25. You will pass entrance for a Wal-Mart, then a Hannaford Super Market will be on your Right and a Dunkin Donuts on your Left. The first Right you come to after Hannaford will be exit for Rt.3 and 25/Main Street. Take this exit - it is last exit before I-93. You will come to a stop sign and you will see us straight across the road. Joel Swanton Northeast Region Manager Forest Resources Association 35 Skyline Drive Holden, ME 04429 E-Mail: jswan93426 at aol.com Phone: 207-745-2435 Fax: 866-437-7252 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://mailman.informe.org/pipermail/maineloggers/attachments/20080325/c454c890/attachment.html From Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov Fri Apr 4 05:41:42 2008 From: Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov (Lord, Gregory R.) Date: Fri, 4 Apr 2008 05:41:42 -0400 Subject: [maineloggers] maineloggers -April 4, 2008 Message-ID: CLP Support Letter Maine's Sustainable Forestry Initiative sm Program 535 Civic Center Drive Augusta, ME 04330 Telephone (207) 622-9288 FAX (207) 626-3002 Working to implement and promote sustainable forestry since 1995 March 30, 2008 To all timber harvesting interests regarding logger training: It has been thirteen years since SFI's arrival in Maine. Over the years, much has been accomplished through research and education to improve forestry activities as they relate both to natural resources and to the various categories of standards that are identified in SFI forest management and procurement certifications. Timber harvesting has been no exception, with particular credit going to the outstanding logger training programs we've been privileged to work with since SFI's inception in 1995. In fact, the Certified Logging Professional Program (CLP) preceded SFI by six years. In the early SFI years, there were 27 State Implementation Committees. Their first order of business was to establish logger-training programs. In Maine, the CLP program, conceived and managed by Loggers, was already in place and aligned with the basic tenets of SFI. This allowed SFI to work on developing other aspects of the SFI program, which resulted in certifying as much as 6 ? million acres to the SFI Standard. This, coupled with the certification of procurement systems for multiple paper mills, major saw mills and OSB producers, helped distinguish Maine as a North American leader in forest certification. Today, Maine has two very successful and self-supporting logger training programs: the previously mentioned CLP and the Qualified Logger Professional Program (QLP), located in Houlton. QLP, endorsed by the Maine SFI Implementation Committee in 2001, serves loggers in Southern Aroostook County. QLP is delivered in a traditional adult education format, which has proven very effective for the loggers in that service area. CLP and QLP have significantly improved safety performance in the logging industry. As a result, CLP companies have benefited from lower workers compensation rates, and trained loggers who do not carry comp are more likely to return home safely to their families every night. This is an invaluable service to our industry. On Wednesday, March 26th, the Maine SFI Implementation Committee, comprised of the 19 forest products companies listed at the bottom of this page, voted unanimously to reaffirm SFI's commitment to logger training, and to Maine loggers, contractors and the broader forest community. As required in the SFI Standard, the State Implementation Committee continues to support these viable programs financially and through collaborative continuing education efforts. Also, as included in the SFI Standard, every SFI participant listed below is required to encourage and support logger training for suppliers and contractors in the states where they procure fiber and conduct forestry operations. In Maine, that means the SFI program and SFI Companies are reaffirming our commitment to stable workers compensation rates, environmentally sound practices and safe working conditions by restating our recognition, encouragement and support of the CLP and QLP programs. Sincerely, Pat Sirois Dir., Maine's SFI Implementation Committee Seven Islands land Co. NewPage Corporation GMO Renewable Resources Sappi Fine Paper - North America Irving Woodlands Madison Paper Robbins Lumber Company Hancock Lumber Wagner Forest Products: Bayroot LLC Merriweather LLC Typhoon LLC Yankee Forest LLC J.M. Huber Corporation Fraser Limited LLC J.D. Irving Louisiana Pacific Verso Paper ME Bureau of Public lands Plum Creek Timber Company, Inc. ########## Time is running out to register for the Maine Green Forest Summit! As the most heavily forest state in the nations, and with the highest percentage of certified forestland, Maine is in a position to lead the way when it comes to responding to the global marketplace's rapidly growing demand for "green", or certified, forest products. On April 17th, 2008, members of Maine's construction, alternative energy, and forest products sectors, including both public and private sector participants, will be meeting at the Portland Marriott at Sable Oaks to hear from an array of speakers who are leading the way in understanding and responding to the rapidly changing marketplace for "green" forest products. To register online, go to www.agcmaine.org. Continuing education credits are available for CLP loggers and state licensed foresters. The Summit presenters would like to thank the following sponsors for their generous support: Gold Level: NewPage Corporation, Verso Paper, Sappi Fine Papers, Maine Forest Service Bronze Level: TRC Solutions Morning Break: Plum Creek Timber Co. Summit Luncheon: Sustainable Forestry Initiative, Professional Logging Contractors of Maine Reception: E.D. Bessey & Son ########## Forest Industry Fears Consequences of Federal Cuts MPBN - Susan Sharon President Bush is proposing dramatic budget cuts to federal and state forestry programs that Maine's forest service director says will eliminate 100 years of support for forest conservation. Alec Giffen says he's bracing for a 60 percent reduction in funding next year for landowner stewardship programs, fire suppression and pest management considered crucial to the health of Maine's forests. Forest rangers could be laid off. And as Susan Sharon reports...the cuts could not come at a worse time. www.mpbn.net/radio/mainenews/080328forestry.htm ########## Upland Invasive Plant Species Identification and Control Workshops The Maine Forest Service in cooperation with the Sheepscot Valley Conservation Association, Knox-Lincoln Soil & Water Conservation Association, City of Bath, Town of Veazie conservation commission, Androscoggin Land Trust, Androscoggin Valley Soil and Water Conservation District, USDA Forest Service and UAP Distribution LLC will be holding four invasive plant identification and control workshops. These workshops will provide participants with an introduction to identification of common upland invasive plants. Participants will also be introduced to different control strategies for invasive plants, including both mechanical and chemical methods. The workshops will concentrate on plant species that are invasive in Maine's forests. Anyone with an interest in invasive plants is encouraged to attend. These workshops are free and lunch will be provided. Workshops will have a field component so please bring appropriate field gear for the forecasted weather conditions. Workshop 1 Tuesday April 29, 2008, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM at Sheepscot Valley Conservation Association office in Sheepscot Village, Newcastle. Workshop space is limited and registration is required. To register e-mail (preferred method) tish at sheepscot.org or call SVCA (Sheepscot Valley Conservation Association) at (207) 586-5616. If registering please include the names of those attending and contact information for each person. Registration deadline is April 24, 2008. Workshop 2 Saturday May 3, 2008, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM at Bath City Hall in Bath. Workshop space is limited and registration is required. To register or for more information e-mail (preferred method) ken.canfield at maine.gov or call (207) 657-3535. If registering please include the names of those attending and contact information for each person. Registration deadline is April 30, 2008. Workshop 3 Saturday May10, 2008, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM at Sherwood Heights Elementary School in Auburn. Workshop space is limited and registration is required. To register or for more information e-mail (preferred method) ken.canfield at maine.gov or call (207) 657-3535. If registering please include the names of those attending and contact information for each person. Registration deadline May 7, 2008. Workshop 4 Saturday June 7, 2008, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM at The Veazie town Office in Veazie.Workshop space is limited and registration is required. To register or for more information e-mail (preferred method) keith.kanoti at maine.gov or call (207) 287-2428. If registering please include the names of those attending and contact information for each person. Registration deadline June 4, 2008. CREDITS: CEU Credits will be available for the following licenses: NH Professional Forestry License credits 3.5 SAF CED credits 3.5 Maine Pesticide Licensing credits 4 Maine Licensed Forester TBA (4.5 anticipated) Directions to Newcastle Workshop: >From Route 1: * About 2 miles south of Newcastle village, turn North onto Sheepscot Road (next to Rollins Furniture). * Travel approximately 3 miles to Sheepscot village. * SVCA is first house on LEFT after the church. >From Augusta Area/North: * Route 27 south to Route 194 to Route 218 into Alna. * Continue ~1 mile past Alna Fire Station to Cross Road on your left. * Follow to the end. At stop sign, take left onto Sheepscot Road. * Follow to yield sign and take right. * SVCA is second house on right, across from Harriet Bird Ball Field. Directions to Bath Workshop: Coming North on Route 1: * Take the Downtown exit. * At the light, turn left, heading North, onto Washington Street. * At next light turn right, heading East, onto Centre Street. * Two blocks ahead of you will be Bath City Hall. Coming South on Route 1: * Take the first exit immediately upon crossing the bridge, turning right, heading North, onto Front Street. * Bath City Hall will be to your right at the Stop sign. Direction to Auburn Workshop: >From the North and South: * Use the Auburn Exit (75) of the Maine Turnpike. * At the light turn left following the signs to Auburn. * After turnpike overpass take the second right onto Hackett Rd. * Cross the railroad tracks and take a left onto Broad St. * Take the second right onto Marian Dr. * At the stop sign take a right to the school. Directions to Veazie Workshop: >From I-95 South * Take Exit 187 (Hogan Road) Take right off exit ramp At 3rd set of lights take left onto Mt. Hope Avenue. Follow Mt. Hope Avenue until it ends, take left on to Route 2. Follow Route 2 for 0.9 miles (you will pass through one traffic light) Take right onto Main Street Municipal Building is 0.3 miles down Main Street on left. >From I-95 North: * Take Exit 191 (Kelley Road, Orono) Take left off exit ramp Follow Kelley Road until it ends. Turn right unto Route 2 Follow Route 2 for 1.7 miles At blinking yellow light turn slight left onto Main Street Municipal Building is 0.3 miles down Main Street on right. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://mailman.informe.org/pipermail/maineloggers/attachments/20080404/b9f825e7/attachment-0001.html From Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov Wed Apr 9 05:20:21 2008 From: Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov (Lord, Gregory R.) Date: Wed, 9 Apr 2008 05:20:21 -0400 Subject: [maineloggers] maineloggers -April 9, 2008 Message-ID: FRA 2008 NEW HAMPSHIRE Equipment Maintenance & Repair Workshop PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED BY FRIDAY, APRIL 11 Friday, April 18, 2008 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM Common Man Inn, Plymouth, NH The Forest Resources Association, in cooperation with the New Hampshire Professional Loggers Program, extends a personal invitation to all logging contractors, owner-operators, and equipment dealers to this season's final event of FRA's Industrial Forestry Forum Series. Informative speakers will provide presentations on a variety of timely topics and the Roundtables will provide an opportunity for problem solving and information sharing. Workshop Schedule 7:30 - 8:00 AM Registration 8:00 - 8:15AM Welcome & Introductions 8:15 - 9:00AM Fuel Efficiency - Fuel System and Engine Maintenance Expert advice on how to maintain your systems to improve fuel efficiency. 9:00 - 9:45AM Fuel Conservation Best Management Practices for Forest Operations A summary current best practices and plans for future research. 9:45 - 10:00 AM Break 10:00 - 11:30AM Equipment Maintenance Roundtable - Session I - Fuel Efficiency In keeping with tradition, the Roundtable allows participants to share tips and experience, problems and solutions they have encountered with equipment maintenance and repair. This is an excellent opportunity for operators, mechanics and contractors to offer their problem for discussion and trouble shooting. Participants are welcome to just listen in, or actively participate in the discussion. Either way, some useful information will be gained by sharing with your peers, equipment dealers and other experts in the audience. 11:30 - 11:45AM NH PLP Program Update 11:45 - 12:45PM Lunch 12:45 - 1:30PM Hydraulic System Maintenance - Tips on keeping your hydraulic systems running smoothly and efficiently. 1:30- 2:15PM Bar & Chain Maintenance for Mechanized Equipment - Expert advice on how to maintain cutting systems on harvesters and delimbers for optimum efficiency. 2:15 - 3:00 PM Equipment Maintenance Roundtable - Session II - Open Forum Pre-registration is required to assure accurate head count! The cost is $30 per person. $20 for students with valid ID. Payable in advance, or at the door. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------ NEW HAMPSHIRE Equipment Maintenance & Repair Workshop Friday, April 18, 2008, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM Common Man Inn, Plymouth, NH Please return this response form, including a check made payable to FRA, or credit card information, by Friday, April 11, 2008 to: Forest Resources Association, 535 Civic Center Dr., Augusta, ME 04330 or fax to 207-626-3002. Questions? Contact Joel Swanton, FRA at 207-745-2435 or jswan93426 at aol.com NEW HAMPSHIRE FRA/PLP ROUNDTABLE - PRE-REGISTRATION RESPONSE FORM Name(s):________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ____________ Company:________________________________________________________________ ______ Phone ___________________ People attending: _____ @ $30/person = _________________ Credit Card (circle one): VISA MasterCard American Express Credit Card #: ____________________________________ Expiration date: ________________ Name on card ______________________Signature of cardholder: ________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------ Directions to the NH FRA Equipment Maintenance & Repair Workshop Common Man Inn Rte. #3 Plymouth, NH >From I-93 North or South: Take exit 26 and at the bottom of the ramp take your first right. This right is easy to miss - look for a sign directing you to Rt.3. If you reach a Dunkin Donuts on your right, you missed this right hand turn (in this case, turn around & follow directions for coming from the West). Almost immediately you will be at a stop sign. Take a right at the stop sign onto Rt 3 heading South. We are 2/10 mile on the left, from the stop sign. >From the west via Rte. 25: You will reach a traffic circle offering options of heading East on 25 or continuing onto 3A. You want to take East on 25. You will pass entrance for a Wal-Mart, then a Hannaford Super Market will be on your Right and a Dunkin Donuts on your Left. The first Right you come to after Hannaford will be exit for Rt.3 and 25/Main Street. Take this exit - it is last exit before I-93. You will come to a stop sign and you will see us straight across the road. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://mailman.informe.org/pipermail/maineloggers/attachments/20080409/69a6253d/attachment.html From Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov Thu Apr 17 09:50:29 2008 From: Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov (Lord, Gregory R.) Date: Thu, 17 Apr 2008 09:50:29 -0400 Subject: [maineloggers] maineloggers - April 17, 2008 Message-ID: The Lammert Report Pete Lammert, Maine Forest Service April 2008 I'm sure most of you have heard the slogan, "Wake Up People" coming from an ad on your television set. Well, I have a slight change to that slogan based on what I am hearing from firewood producers in the middle part of our state. Wake Up Wood Burners! If you are one of the charter members of the wood burners procrastinators club when it comes to getting your firewood ordered, or if you depend on someone else to get your wood for you, watch out this year. As this spring was wearing on, and more and more wood burners were running out of their normal supply of seasoned wood, firewood dealers were scratching around trying to round up anything that would burn to fill the late winter orders that trickled in. This is the winter that proved my point about having a kiln to dry firewood. With all of last years 'seasoned' wood delivered long ago, the only really dry wood now is that wood that has either been fitted and under cover all winter or kiln dried wood. I haven't mentioned wood pellets, but now that at least three producers in Maine are making them, and the stove dealers are pushing their pellet stoves with some very interesting ads ($ 800 off plus a ton of pellets brags one coastal hardware store ad), I can say pellets are here to stay, and over the coming summer, a supply cushion will build so that during the coming season, Maine-made pellets will be available. There is one other product on the market that has created great interest, in that you don't have to buy a new stove to burn them. Densified wood products, in either rounds, half brick or small log shapes are in stores and being exhibited at shows this spring around Maine. Information from one energy testing lab that I have seen indicates that one of these products has a specific gravity of 1.25. If water is a constant specific gravity of 1, that means anything heavier than 1 will sink when placed in water. That's exactly what one of the densified logs did when I placed it in my kitchen sink full of water. It stayed buoyant for a few seconds while thousands of tiny bubbles escaped through the sides, but then it sank. Currently there are efforts to produce the smaller BioBricks here in Maine; by this summer someone should be making them. So if you want to burn these very dry (5.38 % moisture content according to the energy lab results) manufactured products, you should get a supply of these squirreled away, in a dry place, mind you. These products should not be exposed to moisture. Back to the theme of this message. If you are the type of person who waits until fall to order your wood, all I can say is, Wake Up People, and get your order in now. Current firewood producers may be at a production level that they can live with, and because of the uncertainty of the economy, will hesitate to expand their operation. Also, as of this writing, some historically high prices are being paid for hardwood pulpwood, which, when the market for firewood wasn't around, was the loggers' market of choice for that product. If the demand for pulp remains strong, current firewood producers could have trouble piling down the usual amount of stem lengths of hardwood for their regular customers, let alone any former oil burners who have been forced to switch to another fuel. Don't wait until it's too late to get your order in. If you haven't spent your tax rebate, invest it in fitted green firewood that can be delivered now, so that you can buy it at least cost and you can stack it up to season. You could possibly "make" $50 a cord this summer by buying it green now and seasoning it yourself over the summer. Remember what the old wood burner said: "A cord in the shed dry is worth two cords of hissy green wood in the stove." If you recall a previous report, I suggested those of you with woodlots put some cords roadside now to remind others that next winter is coming. I told of one person who sold 'racks' of firewood beside Route One in Warren last year. Well, he sold out all that he had fitted up, but I see that he has another pile of hardwood stems in place waiting to be fitted up. You could do a cord of other species for those that like a bargain, but in any case, if you have a woodlot, this is the year to try roadside sales. It should be, as they say, a no brainer. Have a safe Spring in the woods. Regards, Pete Lammert, maker of fine wood ash since 1958. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://mailman.informe.org/pipermail/maineloggers/attachments/20080417/0072d621/attachment.html From Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov Thu Apr 24 05:58:18 2008 From: Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov (Lord, Gregory R.) Date: Thu, 24 Apr 2008 05:58:18 -0400 Subject: [maineloggers] maineloggers - April 24, 2008 Message-ID: The Forest Resources Association - Northeast Region FRA MAINE INDUSTRIAL FORESTRY FORUM MEETING ANNOUNCEMENT NOTE - NOONTIME MEETING WHEN: Monday, May 5, 2008 WHERE: Jeff's Catering, Brewer, Maine TIME: 12:00 Noon - Buffet Lunch 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM - Guest Speakers COST: FRA Members - $20 Non-members - $30 Students - $15 with valid ID Payable at the door. TOPIC: NE Region Wood Supply Chain - Challenges/Opportunities A Status Report with a Maine Focus Guest Speakers: ? Resource Availability - Ken Laustsen, Maine Forest Service ? Logging Capacity - Deryth Taggart, Univ. of Maine (invited) ? Market Dynamics, Mill Perspectives - John Williams, Me. Pulp & Paper Assoc. FRA's Northeast Region Policy and Forest Operations Committees invite you to a "post-season" Noontime Forestry Forum. Numerous factors have put additional strain on Maine's wood supply chain, affecting landowners, loggers and wood using mills. Our panelists will share their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities these changes bring. Pre-registration is required to assure an accurate head count for meals! Please e-mail or fax this response form by Friday, May 2, 2008 to: Forest Resources Association, Jswan93426 at aol.com or FAX: 866-437-7252 Questions? Contact Joel Swanton at 207-745-2435 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ FRA May 5, 2008 MAINE NOONTIME INDUSTRIAL FORESTRY FORUM PRE-REGISTRATION RESPONSE FORM Name(s) of People attending: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Company: _______________________________________________________ Phone: _______________________ -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://mailman.informe.org/pipermail/maineloggers/attachments/20080424/418139fe/attachment.html From Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov Thu May 8 14:49:07 2008 From: Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov (Lord, Gregory R.) Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 14:49:07 -0400 Subject: [maineloggers] maineloggers - May 8, 2008 Message-ID: Upland Invasive Plant Species Identification and Control Workshop The Maine Forest Service in cooperation with the, Town of Veazie conservation commission, USDA Forest Service and UAP Distribution LLC will be holding an invasive plant identification and control workshop. This workshop will provide participants with an introduction to identification of common upland invasive plants. Participants will also be introduced to different control strategies for invasive plants, including both mechanical and chemical methods. The workshop will concentrate on plant species that are invasive in Maine's forests. Anyone with an interest in invasive plants is encouraged to attend. These workshop is free and lunch will be provided. The workshop will have a field component so please bring appropriate field gear for the forecasted weather conditions. Where and when: Saturday June 7, 2008, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM at The Veazie town Office in Veazie. Workshop space is limited and registration is required. To register or for more information e-mail (preferred method) keith.kanoti at maine.gov or call (207) 287-2428. If registering please include the names of those attending and contact information for each person. Registration deadline June 4, 2008. CREDITS: CEU Credits will be available for the following licenses: NH Professional Forestry License credits 3.5 SAF CED credits 3.5 Maine Pesticide Licensing credits 4 Maine Licensed Forester TBA (4.5 anticipated) Directions to Veazie Workshop: >From I-95 South * Take Exit 187 (Hogan Road) * Take right off exit ramp * At 3rd set of lights take left onto Mt. Hope Avenue. * Follow Mt. Hope Avenue until it ends, take left on to Route 2. * Follow Route 2 for 0.9 miles (you will pass through one traffic light) * Take right onto Main Street * Municipal Building is 0.3 miles down Main Street on left. >From I-95 North: * Take Exit 191 (Kelley Road, Orono) * Take left off exit ramp * Follow Kelley Road until it ends. * Turn right unto Route 2 * Follow Route 2 for 1.7 miles * At blinking yellow light turn slight left onto Main Street * Municipal Building is 0.3 miles down Main Street on right. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://mailman.informe.org/pipermail/maineloggers/attachments/20080508/ca9bdf38/attachment.html From Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov Thu May 15 09:09:10 2008 From: Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov (Lord, Gregory R.) Date: Thu, 15 May 2008 09:09:10 -0400 Subject: [maineloggers] maineloggers - May 15, 2008 Message-ID: Road Flooding in North Maine Woods The rainfall of April 29th, combined with melting snow pack, caused flooding problems in northern Maine. You have read about the damage caused in Fort Kent and other communities. Water runoff also washed out hundreds of culverts and damaged several dozen major bridge crossings on private roads in the forests of northern Maine. Roads were most severely impacted in the region east and west of Oxbow township extending west to the Allagash River and north to the American Realty Road. Once above the American Realty Road, damage extended west to the St. John River, east to Route 11 and from there all the way north towards Estcourt, St. Francis and Fort Kent. Water crossings at Umsaskis and Henderson Brook on the Allagash River are still under water and indications are the bridges under the water may not be passable for some time. Although roads in the southern parts of North Maine Woods did not receive as much damage, the causeway across the west end of Seboomook Lake is impassable. Landowners, members of the Maine Warden Service and Maine Forest Service Rangers have been reporting locations where passage is not possible and, with mapping capabilities provided by the Maine Forest Service, we are mapping this information as a service to the public. The map is available at www.northmainewoods.org . This is a dynamic situation with road repairs taking place daily, so information on the web site will be updated on Mondays and Fridays until conditions are somewhat back to normal. There are significant safety issues related to this event. Water has undermined many roads leaving only the top few inches of road surface remaining. Many bridges have also suffered unnoticeable structural damage. Passing over these road sections and unstable bridges can cause cave-ins, vehicle damage and serious personal injury. Due to these safety concerns, and to hasten the repair process, we are closing the American Realty Road and Fish River/Big Brook road systems to public travel until at least Memorial Day Weekend. Frost is still coming out of the ground, causing unstable road surfaces. Keeping unnecessary traffic off road systems will allow crews to do their job without interruption. If you have questions about a specific road, please contact us at info at northmainewoods.org, and we will do our best to help you. Forest roads south of the damaged region are in better than average condition for this time of year, so there are still many other opportunities to enjoy the North Maine Woods. ########## CHAINSAW SAFETY FOR WOMEN 2008 WORKSHOP SCHEDULED Come learn chainsaw safety, what safety gear is needed and what to look for when buying a chainsaw. Also learn how to and actually "do" bucking and felling of small trees safely*. This year's workshop will be held at Hidden Valley Nature Center, Jefferson Maine on June 22 and June 29. June 22 is a morning half- day session and June 29th is an all day session. Workshop is free but donations will be gladly accepted! Sessions will include: * Personal Protective Equipment Review * Other Safety Equipment Review * Buying and maintaining a saw * Q and A * Demonstrations of safe-felling techniques * Hands-on work * Assessing the safety of the cuts * Answers to your chainsaw questions! The instructors for this class are Pete Tracy, Licensed Forester and CLP Instructor and tish carr, Licensed Forester and Licensed Arborist. These two bring combined skills, experience and knowledge of nearly 60 years! There is a limit of 15 participants for each class. Sign up early! For more information or to sign up for either class, please contact tish carr, Skyline Tree Services, at 1.800.611.5118 . * PPE and a chainsaw are required for class session two . This includes chaps, eye protection and feet protection. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://mailman.informe.org/pipermail/maineloggers/attachments/20080515/1f4d0855/attachment.html From Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov Wed May 21 05:07:35 2008 From: Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov (Lord, Gregory R.) Date: Wed, 21 May 2008 05:07:35 -0400 Subject: [maineloggers] maineloggers - May 21, 2008 Message-ID: Governor's Wood to Energy Task Force Announces Public Hearing The Governor's Wood to Energy Task Force is holding a public hearing regarding the conversion of wood to energy in Maine. The hearing will take place Wednesday, May 28, at the Sportsman's Alliance of Maine (SAM) Conference Center, 205 Church Hill Road in Augusta, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The public is invited to speak and to submit written testimony. The Task Force on Wood to Energy was initiated by Governor Baldacci with a mission statement of: The Governor's Task Force on Wood to Energy was established to identify, evaluate and promote the economically advantageous use and development of sustainable alternative energy resources and technologies for buildings by capitalizing on the abundance of Maine's forest resources. The Task Force will evaluate the economic, environmental and public health impacts of forest-based energy alternatives and will provide recommendations to reduce energy costs, reduce reliance on foreign oil, develop and preserve new and existing markets and ensure the responsible stewardship of Maine's forest resources. The Task Force shall also examine European technologies and resource management, drawing lessons from their existing markets. Les Otten, Chairman of the Task Force states, "Maine is in an energy crisis and while there are no silver bullets that will immediately solve the high cost of oil and our dependence on foreign oil, Governor Baldacci has shown strong leadership by understanding the severity of the situation and creating and supporting the work of this Task Force. The Task Force is working hard to address this issue before things spiral out of control." Some dire facts facing Maine citizens: * Maine has the highest dependence on home heating oil of any state in the nation. * Maine residents spent $1.375 billion last year for #2 heating oil. The recent increase in heating oil prices just this year will add more than $400 million to that total. * Without substantial change in current trends before the coming winter, many Maine citizens will be unable to heat their homes, feed their families, and manage their most basic health care needs. For more information: Les Otten Edie Smith Leso at megalink.net edie at wscg.net Office: (207) 824-7402 Office: (207) 582-9724 Cell: (207) 557-1505 Cell: (207) 458-9393 Governor's Wood to Energy Task Force Les Otten (Chair) - Maine Energy Systems LLC Pat McGowan - Commissioner, Maine Department of Conservation Chip Gavin - Director, Maine Bureau of General Services Dale McCormick - Director, Maine State Housing Authority Jack Cashman - Senior Economic Advisor for Governor Baldacci John Kerry - Director, Maine Office of Energy Independence Doug Smith - Maine State Senator Jon Hinck - Maine State Representative John Fitzsimmons - President, Maine Community College System Bill Strauss - FutureMetrics Charlie Agnew - Biomass Commodities Corp. George Soffron - Corinth Wood Pellets Keith Van Scotter - Lincoln Pulp and Tissue Jim Delamater - Northeast Bank Wick Johnson - Kennebec Tool & Die Patrick Strauch - Maine Forest Products Council Ian Burnes - Maine Office of Energy Independence Ed Miller - American Lung Association of Maine Charlie Spies - CEI Capital Management LLC Bill Bell - Maine Association of Conservation Districts Doug Baston - Small Woodlot Owners Assoc. of Maine (SWOAM) Peter Triandafillou - Huber Resources Corp. Dana Connors - Maine State Chamber of Commerce Hemant Pendse - University of Maine Professor Doug Gardner - University of Maine Professor Dutch Dresser - Maine Energy Systems LLC Sean Mahoney - Conservation Law Foundation Paul Davis - Plum Creek Timber Company Directions to SAM Conference Center, 205 Church Hill Road, Augusta: >From 95, take the ME- Route 3 exit (EXIT 113) toward AUGUSTA/BELFAST. Stay STRAIGHT on Route 3 for 3.2 miles; Turn LEFT onto CHURCH HILL RD.; go 0.1 mile and 205 Church Hill Road is on your right; large log building. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://mailman.informe.org/pipermail/maineloggers/attachments/20080521/10f13471/attachment.html From Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov Fri May 23 09:55:23 2008 From: Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov (Lord, Gregory R.) Date: Fri, 23 May 2008 09:55:23 -0400 Subject: [maineloggers] maineloggers - May 23, 2008 Message-ID: New Additions to MFS certification, BuyMainewood.com websites Please check out the new additions to the MFS certification and BuyMainewood.com websites. We've added some new landowners to the MFS certification page: http://www.state.me.us/doc/mfs/certification/ We've also added a number of new firms to the listing of Maine firms with chain-of-custody certificates: www.buymainewood.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://mailman.informe.org/pipermail/maineloggers/attachments/20080523/557f4257/attachment.html From Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov Tue May 27 09:42:44 2008 From: Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov (Lord, Gregory R.) Date: Tue, 27 May 2008 09:42:44 -0400 Subject: [maineloggers] maineloggers - May 27, 2008 Message-ID: POSTPONED: Governor's Wood to Energy Task Force Public Hearing The Governor's Wood to Energy Task Force announces the postponement of their Public Hearing originally scheduled for May 28. The postponement is a result of continued work between the Governor's office and the Task Force on a draft report which will be released to the public for comment prior to the Public Hearing. A new date, time and location for the Public Hearing will be announced later this month. For more information: Les Otten Leso at megalink.net Office: (207) 824-7402 Cell: (207) 557-1505 Edie Smith edie at wscg.net Office: (207) 582-9724 Cell: (207) 458-9393 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://mailman.informe.org/pipermail/maineloggers/attachments/20080527/ed377860/attachment.html From Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov Wed May 28 07:51:43 2008 From: Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov (Lord, Gregory R.) Date: Wed, 28 May 2008 07:51:43 -0400 Subject: [maineloggers] maineloggers - May 28, 2008 Message-ID: Demonstration Forest Community Day on National Trails Day Saturday, June 7th, 2008 The Piscataquis County Soil and Water Conservation District (PCSWCD) and the Small Woodland Owners Association of Maine (SWOAM) are hosting a Demonstration Forest Community Day on National Trails Day - Saturday, June 7th, 2008 at 8:30AM at the Demonstration Forest in Williamsburg. "American Hiking Society's National Trails Day(r) (NTD), held the first Saturday of every June, and is America's largest celebration of trails and the outdoors. The day will start out with an Introduction to Woodland Aesthetics at 8:30AM, followed by trail clearing and other forest projects from 9:00AM to noontime. At noontime there will be a picnic lunch, followed by a Woodland Aesthetics II Workshop from 12:30 to 2:45PM. Woodland Aesthetics will be presented by Andy Shultz of the Maine Forest Service, and will raise awareness of some of the visual aspects of silviculture and forest management, and discuss the costs and benefits of managing for aesthetics. This is a great opportunity for individuals and/or civic groups to get involved in our community forest, to learn about the woodlands around us, and for any students seeking community service hours. NTD continues to inspire the public to flock to their favorite trails to discover, learn about and celebrate trails while participating in educational exhibits, trail dedications, gear demonstrations, instructional workshops and trail work projects. With more than 1000 events hosted by trail and community groups, public agencies, and businesses from coast to coast, there is something for everyone! For more information, please contact the SWCD at 564 - 2321, extension 3, info at piscataquisswcd.org, or www.piscataquisswcd.org. SWOAM may be contacted by calling Pete Robinson at 564 - 7433, emailing grbns1 at aol.com or by calling John Gilbert at 924 - 3534 or emailing jgilbert at panax.com. You may also visit their website at www.swoam.org. Pre - registration is requested by Tuesday, June 3rd. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://mailman.informe.org/pipermail/maineloggers/attachments/20080528/7359cb46/attachment.html From Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov Mon Jun 2 12:37:51 2008 From: Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov (Lord, Gregory R.) Date: Mon, 2 Jun 2008 12:37:51 -0400 Subject: [maineloggers] maineloggers -June 2, 2008 Message-ID: 6/6 & 6/7/08 - GPS Workshops - Beaver Park, Lisbon - 9 am to 1 pm - $7 Space is still available. Thinking of buying a GPS, or do you already have one that's never come out of the box? Choose either the Friday or Saturday morning workshop to learn GPS basics with Maine Forest Service District Forester Ken Canfield and the Androscoggin Valley Soil and Water Conservation District. We will provide GPS units for the day (please leave yours at home.) The day will consist of approximately 2 hours in classroom and 2 hours outside (so please dress appropriately) with GPS units. Coffee and snack provided. Please register in advance by contacting Jane Heikkinen at (207) 753-9400 x 400 or via email at jane.heikkinen at me.nacdnet.net -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://mailman.informe.org/pipermail/maineloggers/attachments/20080602/97655f09/attachment.html From Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov Tue Jun 3 10:48:24 2008 From: Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov (Lord, Gregory R.) Date: Tue, 3 Jun 2008 10:48:24 -0400 Subject: [maineloggers] maineloggers -June 3, 2008 Message-ID: Forestry Operations Level One Course, June 30 - July 18, 2008 Hosted by Central Maine Community College and the Western Maine Forest Resources Training Consortium This three week program scheduled from June 30 - July 18, will provide participants with entry level skills in mechanical harvesting. It's open to high school forestry / wood harvesting program graduates and adults who may or may not have experience in the logging profession. This certificate program will prepare participants for the fast paced world of machinery operators. A job fair with potential employers will take place at the end of the program. Resumes will beposted on the Wester maine Forest Resources Training Consortium website, http://www.wmfrtc.org. Course topics includes: Certified Logging Professional - Mechanical Harvesting Training SFI training Welding Basics Equipment Systems Troubleshooting Job Readiness For more information email: aschaeffer at sad17.k12.me.us Seats are limited. Early registration is suggested. Deadline for registration is June 6, 2008. Forest Certificate $475 - Includes all necessary materials. Register through: Registrar's Office Central Maine Community College 1250 Turner Street Auburn ME 04210 Telephone #: 1-800-891-2002 ext. 292 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://mailman.informe.org/pipermail/maineloggers/attachments/20080603/19eafb13/attachment.html From Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov Thu Jun 12 10:51:09 2008 From: Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov (Lord, Gregory R.) Date: Thu, 12 Jun 2008 10:51:09 -0400 Subject: [maineloggers] maineloggers -June 12, 2008 Message-ID: Maine Forest Service Publishes 100th Anniversary Edition of "Forest Trees of Maine" AUGUSTA, ME - The Department of Conservation's Maine Forest Service announced the release of the centennial edition of its most popular publication, "Forest Trees of Maine." The Maine Forest Service published the first edition of "Forest Trees of Maine" in 1908 as a small black and white booklet that detailed how to identify about 50 of Maine's important trees. It was immediately popular with the public. In his 1910 report to the Legislature, Forest Commissioner Edgar Ring wrote, "For the 'Forest Trees of Maine' there has been a large and constant demand which will very soon exhaust the edition. Possibly in order to meet the demands for this pamphlet it will be considered wise and money well spent to issue another edition." The Maine Forest Service has published 13 editions in the past century. Several generations of Maine Forest Service staff have used the book to introduce tens of thousands of Mainers to Maine's trees and forests. In celebration of the book's centennial, the Maine Forest Service has completely revised the book, incorporating many changes asked for by the public over the years. The new book is in full color and has over 250 color photographs of Maine's trees in all four seasons as well as the traditional pen and ink line drawings from previous editions. The book also includes historic photographs from Maine Forest Service archives, illustrating Maine's rich logging and forest products history. "I'm very pleased with the quality of the 100th anniversary edition of 'Forest Trees of Maine,'" said Donald Mansius, Director of Forest Policy & Management. "The team that created it did an outstanding job. Our signature publication should be in the collection of anyone who cares about Maine's forests." Single copies of the book can be obtained by contacting the Maine Forest Service at (207) 287-2791. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://mailman.informe.org/pipermail/maineloggers/attachments/20080612/2eb75aaf/attachment.html From Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov Fri Jun 20 08:31:56 2008 From: Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov (Lord, Gregory R.) Date: Fri, 20 Jun 2008 08:31:56 -0400 Subject: [maineloggers] maineloggers -June 20, 2008 Message-ID: Constructing Reinforced Soil Arches Seminar and Field Trip University of Maine - Forest Operations Science By: Calvin VanBuskirk, P.Eng, P.Geo. Terratech Consulting, British Columbia Canada July 11, 2008 8:00 - 9:30 Seminar (Rm. 204 Nutting Hall) 9:30 - 1:00 Field Trip (Penobscot Experimental Forest) Registration Information: Registration is required. This is a FREE event, but participants are responsible for their own lunch and transportation on field trip. Continuing Forestry Education credits have been requested from SAF and Maine's Licensure Board. Contact Jeff Benjamin (jeff_benjamin at umenfa.maine.edu) for more information. Abstract The construction, maintenance and replacement of crossing structures on forest resource roads are critical aspects of this transportation infrastructure. Cost effective means of constructing, maintaining and replacing crossings are vital to maintaining the transportation system. Historically, economical crossings involving log box culverts and log stringer bridges were constructed with locally available materials (logs and soil). However, these structures had limited and in some cases short design lives. By utilizing the knowledge of the behaviour of GRS (geosynthetic reinforced soil) with the understanding of soil arching and underground ground support principles, GRS arches can be constructed using local mineral soil fill reinforced with economical geotextile fabrics. This presentation provides the rationale for constructing GRS arches and the benefits of this construction technique. In addition, a number of brief case histories illustrating the application of GRS arch construction on resource roads are presented. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://mailman.informe.org/pipermail/maineloggers/attachments/20080620/6643b22a/attachment.html From Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov Fri Jun 27 13:36:52 2008 From: Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov (Lord, Gregory R.) Date: Fri, 27 Jun 2008 13:36:52 -0400 Subject: [maineloggers] maineloggers -June 27, 2008 Message-ID: Franklin Logger Fined for Forest Practices Act Violation AUGUSTA, Maine - (June 27, 2008) The Department of Conservation's Maine Forest Service announced today the settlement of Forest Practices Act clearcutting violations on land harvested by Dean Young. The violations occurred on a parcel of land in the Town of Columbia in Washington County. Harvest operations resulted in a 25-acre clearcut that did not have an adequate separation zone or a harvest plan prepared by a Licensed Forester prior to the harvest as required by the state's Forest Practices Act and the rules governing the size and arrangement of clearcuts. In the Settlement Agreement, Young agreed to pay a $5,500.00 civil penalty. Maine Forest Service Director Alec Giffen noted that, "To make them effective as a deterrent, penalties for forest practices rule violations are intended to remove the financial benefit obtained through such violations." Regional Enforcement Coordinator Paul Larrviee noted that Young told the Maine Forest Service that he did not intend to create a clearcut. According to Larrivee, "Mr. Young was very cooperative and took full responsibility for the violation. He has taken steps to reduce the likelihood of a repeat violation." Larrivee further noted that, "These types of violations often result from inadequate harvest planning and supervision. Landowners should seek professional assistance from a Licensed Forester and employ a timber sale contract to insure that harvests meet the landowners' objectives. When landowners harvest to the minimum requirements of the Forest Practices Act but fail to leave enough of the right trees, it can result in the unintentional creation of clearcuts and Forest Practices Act violations." "Our goal is to improve the management of Maine's forests," said Maine Forest Service Director Alec Giffen. "Our agency focuses on educating and informing landowners to reduce the possibility of such violations. When violations do occur, we have a responsibility to uphold the law. We take this and our other responsibilities very seriously." The FPA investigation and settlement negotiations were carried out by Maine Forest Service foresters and rangers. Contact: Paul Larrivee, 592-2231 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://mailman.informe.org/pipermail/maineloggers/attachments/20080627/7265c760/attachment.html From Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov Mon Jul 14 10:11:05 2008 From: Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov (Lord, Gregory R.) Date: Mon, 14 Jul 2008 10:11:05 -0400 Subject: [maineloggers] maineloggers -July 14, 2008 Message-ID: Invasive Pest Found at Ferry Beach State Park Augusta, ME - Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA), an invasive insect that infests, damages and kills hemlock trees, has been found at Ferry Beach State Park in Saco. The adelgid is established in many forested and residential areas of Eliot, Kittery, South Berwick, Wells and York. A quarantine on hemlock material is in place in those five towns and Ogunquit. Park ranger Janet Mangion, who received HWA detection training three years ago, discovered what she believed to be HWA while pruning roadside trees in the park. She sent a sample to the Maine Forest Service (MFS) Insect and Disease lab, where entomologists confirmed its identity on July 1. "We depend upon an informed public for help in fighting this pest. They are a critical piece of our detection process," said MFS entomologist Allison Kanoti. Early detection is key in slowing the artificial spread of HWA. While natural spread of the insect, caused when HWA is carried by birds, wildlife and wind, is inevitable, it is slow. When HWA is artificially exported from infested areas, on recreational vehicles, clothing, live hemlocks, or pets, there is great potential for a much more rapid distribution of the insects. Maine Forest Service, Forest Health and Monitoring staff members are working with park personnel to determine the level of infestation and address high risk areas. Early results indicate a low-level, spotty presence of the adelgid. Park rangers have pruned infested hemlock material likely to be encountered by hikers, picnickers and other park users. Further management options include chemical, mechanical and biological controls. An integrated management strategy will be developed as survey results give managers a more detailed picture of the infestation. "We are taking this recent discovery of HWA seriously and implementing all necessary procedures to monitor its presence and prevent artificial spread," Department of Conservation Commissioner Patrick K. McGowan said. "We are very grateful to Janet Mangion and other conscientious people who take note of suspected invasive pests and bring them to our attention." "The MFS cannot survey all of Southern Maine's threatened hemlocks by ourselves," said Kanoti. "MFS volunteers, arborists and foresters are key partners in finding new infestations. I encourage people to inspect hemlocks surrounding their homes for signs of the adelgid." HWA appear as white, cottony, immobile masses on hemlocks. They attach to the undersides of hemlock twigs, at the bases of the needles. Suspected HWA samples can be sent to the Forest Insect and Disease Lab in a sealed, Ziploc-type bag for identification. "If you live in or near an infested area, help prevent the artificial spread of HWA by pruning hemlock branches that delivery vehicles, people and pets may brush up against," Kanoti said. "Because birds can move HWA on their feet and feathers, try to place feeders away from any hemlock trees and consider removing them between March and August when adelgid eggs and mobile young are present." The MFS can provide assistance to groups and individuals who want to learn more about identifying HWA. For more information, please visit the Maine Forest Service website: >. Or, call or write the Insect and Disease Lab at: (207) 287-2431; 50 Hospital Street, Augusta, ME 04330. ########## Forest Tax Webinar scheduled for 06 August The USDA Forest Service is hosting a Forest Tax Update session from 10:00 am-12:00 noon on August 6, Wednesday, 2008 in the Yates Building of USDA Forest Service in Washington D.C. Tax researchers and specialists from the USDA Forest Service, Purdue University, and the IRS will explain the latest development in timber tax law and rules. New tax legislation's from 2007 to 2008, proposed IRS regulation, tax policy, and forest transaction with example of filled-in Form T will be covered. This 2-hour session will be provided livearound the country-you will be able to listen to it in your office if you can not attend it in person. The cost of this event is FREE. You may register by email to: Neal Bungard, USDA Forest Service Forest Legacy Specialist, at: nbungard at fs.fed.us (613-868-7719) or Linda Wang, USDA Forest Service Tax Specialist, at: lwang at fs.fed.us (404-347-2067) Please see details at: http://www.timbertax.org. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://mailman.informe.org/pipermail/maineloggers/attachments/20080714/4fba3de8/attachment.html From Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov Wed Jul 23 06:08:09 2008 From: Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov (Lord, Gregory R.) Date: Wed, 23 Jul 2008 06:08:09 -0400 Subject: [maineloggers] maineloggers -July 23, 2008 Message-ID: The Lammert Report I have had more questions about wood pellets and pellet stoves than I have had questions about fire wood if you can believe that. Recently I visited the third pellet manufacturing operation to start up in Maine located at the former wood to energy plant site in Athens, Maine. The other two operating pellet mills are in East Corinth and Ashland. The morning of the visit the plant manager told me the pellets they were making from a mix of 80% hardwood and 20% softwood burned with a heat value of 8,600 BTU's per pound. The pellets are put up in 40 pound bags with 50 bags on a pallet. That's a ton of pellets which, at 8,600 BTU's per pound, equals 17,200,000 BTU's. If you have a chart of approximate fuel values for local species, American Elm and Gray Birch have air dry heat values of 17,500,000 BTU's. Number 2 home heating oil yields 139,000 BTU's per gallon, so a ton of pellets would equal 124 gallons of fuel oil. Pellet stoves run by an auger, bringing pellets from the storage hopper within the unit, to a cup-like device in which the pellets burn assisted with a forced air draft. Hollow tubes encircle part of the combustion chamber and a fan forces air through these tubes blowing the heated air into the room. The controls for the amount of pellets burned can be as simple as a setting of one to five on the auger speed or a digitally controlled remote thermostat which can hold a more precise temperature setting. The ash content of the pellets I watched falling out of the pelletizer (think of grandma's meat grinder making hamburger out of chunks of meat, only these pelletizers take ground up kiln dried wood fiber and push this material through ? inch holes, using a 400 horse power electric motor to do the pushing ) is reported at one teaspoon per 40 pound bag. Pellets containing this small amount of ash are usually considered a premium grade of pellet. As a cup equals 48 teaspoons, that 40 pound bag of pellets will produce around one cup as wood ash. Pellets can have a higher ash content, but these pellets are usually sold to commercial wood burning operations. I have seen previous pelletizing attempts in Maine - about 1980 and again in the mid 90s - but the local demand, for the most part, wasn't there. I remember seeing a chicken grain delivery truck with its delivery tube stuck through a window in the old Hazel Greens Restaurant in Augusta. I think they had reconverted an old coal fired boiler that had been converted to oil back to burning pellets. This time around, with the growing cost of anything to do with oil, pellet stoves are selling like hot cakes, and there are Maine made pellets to use in them. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://mailman.informe.org/pipermail/maineloggers/attachments/20080723/759cc91a/attachment.html From Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov Wed Jul 23 11:14:16 2008 From: Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov (Lord, Gregory R.) Date: Wed, 23 Jul 2008 11:14:16 -0400 Subject: [maineloggers] maineloggers -July 23, 2008 - CORRECTION Message-ID: Sorry for any inconvenience, an error was found in the original message sent out earlier today. The correction is highlighted in bold (5th paragraph). The Lammert Report I have had more questions about wood pellets and pellet stoves than I have had questions about fire wood if you can believe that. Recently I visited the third pellet manufacturing operation to start up in Maine located at the former wood to energy plant site in Athens, Maine. The other two operating pellet mills are in East Corinth and Ashland. The morning of the visit the plant manager told me the pellets they were making from a mix of 80% hardwood and 20% softwood burned with a heat value of 8,600 BTU's per pound. The pellets are put up in 40 pound bags with 50 bags on a pallet. That's a ton of pellets which, at 8,600 BTU's per pound, equals 17,200,000 BTU's. If you have a chart of approximate fuel values for local species, American Elm and Gray Birch have air dry heat values of 17,500,000 BTU's. Number 2 home heating oil yields 139,000 BTU's per gallon, so a ton of pellets would equal 124 gallons of fuel oil. Pellet stoves run by an auger, bringing pellets from the storage hopper within the unit, to a cup-like device in which the pellets burn assisted with a forced air draft. Hollow tubes encircle part of the combustion chamber and a fan forces air through these tubes blowing the heated air into the room. The controls for the amount of pellets burned can be as simple as a setting of one to five on the auger speed or a digitally controlled remote thermostat which can hold a more precise temperature setting. The ash content of the pellets I watched falling out of the pelletizer (think of grandma's meat grinder making hamburger out of chunks of meat, only these pelletizers take ground up kiln dried wood fiber and push this material through ? inch holes, using a 400 horse power electric motor to do the pushing ) is reported at one teaspoon per 40 pound bag. Pellets containing this small amount of ash are usually considered a premium grade of pellet. As a cup equals 48 teaspoons, that 50 bag pallet of 40 pound bags would produce around one cupful of ash. Pellets can have a higher ash content, but these pellets are usually sold to commercial wood burning operations. I have seen previous pelletizing attempts in Maine - about 1980 and again in the mid 90s - but the local demand, for the most part, wasn't there. I remember seeing a chicken grain delivery truck with its delivery tube stuck through a window in the old Hazel Greens Restaurant in Augusta. I think they had reconverted an old coal fired boiler that had been converted to oil back to burning pellets. This time around, with the growing cost of anything to do with oil, pellet stoves are selling like hot cakes, and there are Maine made pellets to use in them. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://mailman.informe.org/pipermail/maineloggers/attachments/20080723/6d96352b/attachment.html From Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov Fri Aug 1 14:09:25 2008 From: Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov (Lord, Gregory R.) Date: Fri, 1 Aug 2008 14:09:25 -0400 Subject: [maineloggers] maineloggers - August 1, 2008 Message-ID: Washington County Firms Ordered To Pay Penalty for Environmental and Forest Practices Act Violations August 1, 2008 AUGUSTA, Maine - (August 1, 2008) The Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Department of Conservation's Maine Forest Service (MFS) announced that the two agencies entered into an agreement with Worcester Holdings LLC and Worcester Peat Co., Inc. for violations cited by both agencies. The Washington County Superior Court has approved a consent order incorporating that agreement. The violations occurred on multiple sites in Washington County. Regarding laws administered by the MFS, Worcester Holdings' harvest operations on a 350-acre parcel resulted in 139 acres and 32 acres of timber being cleared as a change of land use for a wreath brush operation. However, Worcester Holdings failed to complete the land use change within two years of completing the timber harvest as required by Maine's forest practices rules. The landowner was therefore responsible for complying with the state's law and rules governing the size and arrangement of clearcuts. These actions resulted in the creation of Category 2 and Category 3 clearcuts that lacked required harvest plans prepared prior to the harvest by a licensed forester, and that lacked required separation zones. Other harvesting activities resulted in the creation of additional clearcuts. In the consent order, Worcester Holdings LLC and Worcester Peat Co., Inc. accepted responsibility for the violations and agreed to pay a $95,000.00 civil penalty. The civil penalty is intended to remove the financial benefit associated with the violations. The order also contains provisions regarding future performance intended to minimize the potential for future violations. The consent order also resolves the following violations of laws administered by the DEP: Maine's Storm Water Law for not obtaining permits for construction of a warehouse and worker housing; Site Location of Development Act for failing to properly construct and maintain ponds and other structures at the Denbo Heath peat mining site; Protection and Improvement of Waters Act (PIWA) for the discharge of peat and other sediment into McCoy Brook and the Narraguagus River; Natural Resources Protection Act as well as PIWA for disturbing a stream channel, discharging soil into a stream, improperly replacing culverts with rocks, and placing fill material in a wetland; Protection and Improvement of Air Act for failing to renew an air emissions license prior to its expiration; and, Hazardous Waste, Septage and Solid Waste Management Act for the use of wood bottom ash in the construction of a road without a license. The investigation, enforcement action, and settlement negotiations were carried out by the Office of the Attorney General, DEP staff, MFS Foresters and MFS Forest Rangers. Contacts: Alec Giffen, Maine Forest Service, 287-2795 Jim Beyer, Department of Environmental Protection, 941-4593 Jerry Reid, Attorney General's Office, 626-8800 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://mailman.informe.org/pipermail/maineloggers/attachments/20080801/dd429f9a/attachment.html From Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov Wed Aug 6 08:49:43 2008 From: Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov (Lord, Gregory R.) Date: Wed, 6 Aug 2008 08:49:43 -0400 Subject: [maineloggers] maineloggers - August 6, 2008 Message-ID: Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Identification and Detection Workshop The Maine Forest Service will present a workshop on identification and detection of hemlock woolly adelgid on Tuesday, August 12th from 10am to 2:30 pm in Saco ME. Location/Schedule: 10-12 Saco Community Center, 75 Franklin Street, Saco, ME Hemlock identification and ecology Hemlock woolly adelgid identification and ecology How to survey for hemlock woolly adelgid 12-1 Break for Lunch (not provided), and travel to field site 1-2:30 Ferry Beach State Park Field ID of host and insect and practice survey for HWA Wrap up, Fill out workshop evaluation and pesticide continuing education credit forms Cost: Free Contact: Allison Kanoti, Maine Forest Service 287-3147, allison.m.kanoti at maine.gov Workshop is limited to 30 participants; please register with Allison Kanoti by 5:30pm Monday 8/11 (additional workshops may be offered this fall if there is demand) Community Center Driving Directions (75 Franklin Street): If you are coming north/south on the Maine Turnpike take Exit 36 Saco/Old Orchard Beach. After passing through the toll booth, take your next right (Industrial Park Rd. exit). At the bottom of the ramp take a left onto Industrial Park Rd. and follow that to the end (stop light). At this light take a left onto North St. Drive approximately 1/2 mile. On your right will be Young School (school, tennis courts & softball field). After passing the softball field, take a right onto Franklin Street. The Saco Community Center will be located on your left. It is the second brick building on the left. ########## Meeting Invitation >From River Valley Growth Council and Professional Logging Contractors of Maine You are invited to attend a discussion about a new business opportunity in the River Valley. The company of interest already has operations in Canada and is investigating the idea of bringing manufacturing and 20+ new jobs to the Androscoggin River Valley in western Maine. We expect information shared at the meeting to be held in confidence. This business venture calls for anywhere from 4,000 to 60,000 air dry tons of wood and wood waste in order to produce the key products. Sourcing this raw material is critical to the success of the business venture, and so we invite you to come learn more about the overall opportunity and enter into conversation about new ways of doing business that can create a win/win for all parties. Your expertise in logging, land management and/or forest products is important to helping the region build solid new businesses. Please come and learn, please come and share your thoughts and ideas. When: August 21, 2008, 6pm Where: River Valley Technology Center (Behind Dunkin Donuts in Rumford) What: Information Exchange; Dessert & Coffee served RSVP: Beverly Crosby 207-369-0396, OK to leave a message, beverly at rvgc.org Sincerely, Diane Ray - River Valley Growth Council Sandy Brawders - Professional Logging Contractors of Maine -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://mailman.informe.org/pipermail/maineloggers/attachments/20080806/72adbd25/attachment.html From Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov Fri Aug 8 07:00:42 2008 From: Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov (Lord, Gregory R.) Date: Fri, 8 Aug 2008 07:00:42 -0400 Subject: [maineloggers] maineloggers - August 8, 2008 Message-ID: PUBLIC FORUM TO BE HELD ON TASK FORCE WOOD TO ENERGY REPORT The Governor's Wood to Energy Task Force will host a Public Forum to receive public comment on their report on Wednesday, August 13, 2008 at 6:00 PM in Room 208 of the Cross State Office Building in Augusta (the Business, Research and Economic Development Committee Room). The Public Forum will be available via audio link through the legislative website http://janus.state.me.us/legis/audio/ The report of the Task Force can be accessed on the website of the Department of Conservation: www.maine.gov/doc/initiatives/wood_to_energy/task_force.html Written comments will be received up until Friday, August 15 and can be mailed directly to: Governor's Wood to Energy Task Force Department of Conservation 22 State House Station Augusta, Maine 04333 The Task Force plans to work on a final report, after considering the public comments, and present the report to the Governor shortly after Labor Day. Chairman Les Otten states, "We are pleased that the report looks at both short term and long term solutions to the energy crisis we are experiencing. While the report does not provide all the answers, I believe it does provide the Governor with comprehensive information on how to get Maine citizens off our dependence on foreign oil." ########## Invasive Plant Management When Chemicals Are Not an Option Tuesday, September 16th, 2008 from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM Good Will-Hinckley School Prescott Center - Rt. 201 Hinckley, Maine Speakers: Tom Rawinski - Botanist, USDA Forest Service Nancy Sferra - Director of Science and Stewardship, Maine Nature Conservancy The Maine Forest Service in cooperation with the Good-Will Hinckley School, USDA Forest Service and the Maine Nature Conservancy will be holding an invasive plant identification and control workshop. This workshop will provide participants with an introduction to identification of common upland invasive plants. Participants will also be introduced to non-chemical strategies for invasive plant control. Anyone with an interest in invasive plants is encouraged to attend. Workshop is free and includes a field session so please bring appropriate field clothing. Pre-registration is required: to register please e-mail Keith Kanoti at keith.kanoti at maine.gov or call 287-2428. ########## 2007 Stumpage Price Report available The Maine Forest Service has published the 2007 Stumpage Price Report. It is available on their website at: http://www.state.me.us/doc/mfs/pubs/annpubs.htm#stump ########## -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://mailman.informe.org/pipermail/maineloggers/attachments/20080808/7e19886d/attachment.html From Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov Tue Aug 12 09:23:23 2008 From: Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov (Lord, Gregory R.) Date: Tue, 12 Aug 2008 09:23:23 -0400 Subject: [maineloggers] maineloggers - August 12, 2008 Message-ID: Natural Resource Agency Task Force Survey My apologies if this is a duplicate. Please see the below survey - they are looking for your input and ideas. Alec R. Alec Giffen, Director Maine Forest Service #22 SHS Augusta, ME 04333 (207) 287-2795 (207) 592-0755 (cell) alec.giffen at maine.gov FORWARDING ON BEHALF OF REP. WENDY PIEH & KARIN TILBERG Dear Interested Citizen: We are writing you because of direct involvement in, or connection to, Maine's natural resources and natural resource agencies. The Legislature recently enacted LD 2289, the Supplemental State Budget (PL 2007, Chapter 539). Contained in this law are provisions that require Maine's natural resource and environmental agencies to work with a task force comprised of diverse interests to "consider all ideas and organizational configurations, eliminate duplication and create greater efficiencies to improve the delivery of services to the citizens of the State of Maine." We are the co-chairs of this Task Force that has now met three times and we are seeking as much information as possible in this initial phase of our work. To this end, we are reaching out on behalf of the Task Force to interested citizens and organizations to obtain initial ideas and input. As we move forward, there will be additional opportunities to obtain your feedback on specific ideas as they emerge from the work of the Task Force. Your initial ideas and responses will be collated and shared in an anonymous format to the Task Force. These responses will serve as helpful guidance to the group during its fall meetings. Attached is the charge of the Task Force and an initial set of questions. We encourage you to take a few minutes to respond to this questionnaire and to share your views. Please note that you can follow the progress of the Task Force on a web-site located at: www.maine.gov/spo; see Special Projects and "Natural Resource Agency Task Force". After August 3, you can also download a copy of this questionnaire at the web-site. Thank you in advance for your interest in the Natural Resource Agency Task Force. Sincerely, Representative Wendy Pieh Karin R. Tilberg, Senior Policy Advisor Your Thoughts Please...email to sbaez at umext.maine.edu by August 22 The charge of the Natural Resource Agency Task Force is to recommend a plan to improve the delivery of services to the citizens of Maine, using existing resources and those created by efficiencies achieved by cooperation, coordination, integration of functions and organizational configurations. Successful implementation of such a plan will enable Maine to successfully meet current, emerging, and future resource management challenges and opportunities, for the benefit of Maine people and natural systems. Therefore, the Task Force has agreed that such a plan and associated recommendations: * improve service to Maine people, businesses and others using public and private natural resources * ensure efficient, effective use of human resources and agency capacities * address current, emerging and future natural resource management challenges and opportunities * assure healthy, sustainable ecosystems into the future, as well as long-term economic and other benefits to Maine people We would very much appreciate your help as we frame our work and consider all ideas. Please respond to the questions below and add any other comments you would like the task force to consider. As you work with or experience Maine's natural resources or the services provided by the several agencies charged with protecting and managing those resources (Departments of Agriculture, Conservation, Environmental Protection, Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and Marine Resources): What is working well? What recommendations do you have for how we can do things differently? What future challenges should our plan/recommendations anticipate? What future opportunities should our plan/recommendations anticipate? Please add any other comments or suggestions that you think would be helpful. Thank you. Please respond by August 22 (or sooner!) to have your contributions considered. Please send your responses by email to sbaez at umext.maine.edu, or by fax 207 667 2003 or in writing to Natural Resources Agency Task Force, c/o Suzanne Baez, University of Maine Cooperative Extension, 63 Boggy Brook Road, Ellsworth, Maine 04605. Your responses will be collated and shared, without identifying authorship, with members of the Task Force. If you have any questions, please contact Task Force Co-Chair Karin Tilberg at 287-3531 or Ron Beard, University of Maine Cooperative Extension, Task Force facilitator at 667 8212 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://mailman.informe.org/pipermail/maineloggers/attachments/20080812/61ed2e1e/attachment.html From Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov Thu Aug 28 09:19:16 2008 From: Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov (Lord, Gregory R.) Date: Thu, 28 Aug 2008 09:19:16 -0400 Subject: [maineloggers] maineloggers - August 28, 2008 Message-ID: Forest Trees of Maine Centennial Edition available online You may now download all or portions of the Forest Trees of Maine Centennial Edition. It can be found at: http://www.maine.gov/doc/mfs/pubs/ftm/ftm_centennial.html ########## Asian Longhorned Beetle found in Massachusetts The Asian Longhorned Beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis) has been positively identified in an infestation in the Greendale section (northeast sector) of Worcester, MA. Personnel from the USDA PPQ and Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) inspected the site on Saturday August 2, 2008 and discovered the infestation. The inspection was prompted by the keen observations and persistence of a local resident who suspected the presence of this exotic invader. Positive verification occurred on Tuesday (8/5/08) from the authority at the USDA Systematic Entomology Laboratory in Beltsville, MD. The USDA APHIS and Forest Service, MDCR and MDAR have been meeting frequently with Worcester City officials to formulate the plan for the management and eradication of this pest population. A press conference was held in Worcester late Wednesday (8/6/08) to announce the find. As result of the detection, portions of Worcester and portions of the towns of Shrewsbury, Boylston, West Boylston, and Holden are now a regulated area for the movement of woody plant material. A Federal Order will be issued soon that parallels the state regulated area. As part of the process of eradicating the ALB from Worcester, the movement of woody debris, lumber, firewood, and nursery stock that could host ALB infestations will need to be contained. This will keep the beetle from moving via human transport. Companies that work with host material will be contacted by officials. Only cursory surveys have been conducted thus far and the exact area regulated would change if more infested trees are found. Organized and thorough survey work will begin soon. The estimation, right now at least, for how long this beetle may have been active at this location is thought to be 5 years given its range and visible damage. Affected trees will be cut down and either chipped or burned in the regulated area. This will not begin until after the first hard frost kills any remaining adult beetles. To take trees down before the hard frost risks spreading the infestation. This is a sound practice, as adult beetles tend to stay on the same tree unless that tree is severely infested. Once the exact details of the federal quarantine are published a link will appear at this web site (www.umassgreeninfo.org ). UMass Extension will remain on the forefront for the dissemination of information as it becomes available. MDAR will continue to respond to any reports of suspected new findings and the City of Worcester has set up a 'Hotline FAQ' , see below: Resources for Asian Longhorned Beetle Information in Massachusetts o Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) Report ALB sightings at: www.massnrc.org/pests/albreport.aspx or call 617-626-1779 (Pest Alert Hotline) o City of Worcester: Office of the City Manager http://www.ci.worcester.ma.us/cmo/beetles.htm 508-929-1300 o UMass Extension www.umassgreeninfo.org Links to more information about this and other invasive insects can be found at: www.maineforestservice.org/InvasiveThreats.htm. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://mailman.informe.org/pipermail/maineloggers/attachments/20080828/4a00cc36/attachment.html From Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov Tue Sep 2 10:05:23 2008 From: Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov (Lord, Gregory R.) Date: Tue, 2 Sep 2008 10:05:23 -0400 Subject: [maineloggers] maineloggers - September 2, 2008 Message-ID: NEW GUIDE TO Wood Energy SHOWS COMMUNITIES HOW to SAVE MONEY, replace oil, expand sustainable forestry Bristol, Vermont-As energy costs continue to rise, one Vermont community with the help of the Forest Guild and its partners has developed a community wood energy plan that saves money, reduces its dependence on oil, combats climate change, improves forest health, and supports local industries and workers. The lessons the Bristol, Vermont community learned are now laid out step-by-step for the benefit of other communities in a just-released publication by Caitlin Cusack entitled Harnessing the Power of Local Wood Energy. In 2006, Mt. Abraham Unified High School (Mt. Abe), located in Bristol, Vermont, installed a woodchip heating system. A broad-based group of students, teachers, and local residents wanted to ensure that wood used to heat the new system would be sourced in a way that is "Sustainable, Efficient, Local and Fair (SELF)." So they got involved in the woodchip procurement at all points along the supply chain. The steps to create a reliable supply of woodchips sourced using a SELF standard include: consulting with local experts, identifying the suppliers and elucidating the wood supply chain from forest to school, developing a community-accepted procurement standard, and increasing the number of local family-forest owners who contribute to the woodchip supply. This innovative community wood energy program also gives landowners a financial incentive to engage in sustainable forest management that preserves other forest values including clean water, recreation, and wildlife habitat. Mt. Abe also enlisted the help of regional forestry and wood energy experts, including the Forest Guild, Vermont Family Forests, the Northern Forest Alliance, Robert Turner of RJ Turner Company, and the Biomass Energy Resource Center. Caitlin Cusack, Forest Guild summer intern and PhD student at the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, worked with Forest Guild member David Brynn to determine the potential to supply SELF-rated woodchips for the boiler from local, sustainably managed woodlots. Throughout last fall and winter, Brynn identified and demonstrated how sustainably produced wood from local woodlots could supply Mt. Abe. Cusack's just-released publication, Harnessing the Power of Local Wood Energy, is the first step-by-step guide that shows how rural communities throughout New England can profit from the Mt. Abe community's experience and follow in Mt. Abe's footsteps to develop their own community energy plan that saves money, reduces dependence on foreign oil, decreases carbon dioxide emissions, promotes forest health, and supports the local economy. "The success of the Mt. Abe project has inspired the Forest Guild to grow our Community Wood Energy Project into other communities in the Northeast," says Bob Perschel, Northeast Region Director of the Forest Guild. "We are currently working with the Northern Forest Alliance (NFA) and other partners in New Hampshire and Maine to launch projects there." The Community Wood Energy Project was made possible in part by generous funding from the Vermont Community Foundation, the Merck Family Fund, and the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation. The Forest Guild, headquartered in Santa Fe, New Mexico, is a national organization of more than 600 foresters, allied professionals, and supporters who manage forestlands in the United States and Canada and advocate for ecologically sound forest practices. The mission of the Forest Guild is to practice and promote ecologically, economically, and socially responsible forestry-"excellent forestry"- as a means of sustaining the integrity of forest ecosystems and the human communities dependent upon them. The Forest Guild's Northeast Region includes the states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New York. www.forestguild.org A copy of Harnessing the Power of Local Wood Energy, A ONE-Page summary, and an abstract can be downloaded at http://www.forestguild.org/Publications.html#RP Contact: Jennifer Marshall 505-231-1776 jennifer at jmarshallplan.com www.jmarshallplan.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://mailman.informe.org/pipermail/maineloggers/attachments/20080902/de5c54aa/attachment.html From Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov Fri Sep 5 14:41:08 2008 From: Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov (Lord, Gregory R.) Date: Fri, 5 Sep 2008 14:41:08 -0400 Subject: [maineloggers] maineloggers - September 5, 2008 Message-ID: ROGER MILLIKEN, JR. RECEIVES 2008 AUSTIN WILKINS AWARD Roger Milliken, Jr., President of Bashkahegan Company, received the 2008 Austin Wilkins Award from Governor Baldacci on Tuesday, 02 September. The Wilkins award recognizes a Maine individual, group, organization or company that stands above its peers to show a continuous commitment or a single exemplary contribution to the culture, heritage and future of the Maine forest. The award also recognizes lifelong leadership by Austin H. Wilkins to the stewardship of Maine's Forests. Wilkins was active in forest issues into his mid 90's. Governor Baldacci noted in his remarks that, "Roger Milliken's lifelong commitment to sustainable leadership in forest management embodies the sentiment of this award completely. Roger has long been an advocate for the protection of the northern forest while at the same time recognizing the need to sustain Maine's timber industries." Baskahegan Company owns and manages 100,000 acres of forestland in eastern Maine. Baskahegan is a recognized leader in Maine's forest products industry, known for its commitment to managing for timber while respecting the dynamics of natural systems. Baskahegan's forest has been certified by the Forest Stewardship Council since 2004. Milliken is the incoming Chair of The Nature Conservancy of Washington, DC and a Trustee of the Conservancy's Maine Chapter. He chairs the Advisory Board of the Manomet Forest Conservation Program, is an advisor to the Open Space Institute's Northern Forest Protection Fund, a past President of the Maine Forest Products Council, and served on the board of the Land for Maine's Future program for nine years where he chaired the Appraisal Review Committee. Milliken also leads wilderness rites of passage. He is currently writing a book about his lifelong exploration of right relationship with land. This year's Austin Wilkins Award was made possible by the Maine TREE Foundation, the Department of Conservation, Huber Resources, Plum Creek Timber Company, Robbins Lumber Company, Seven Islands Land Company, and Sustainable Forest Technologies. A copy of Roger Milliken's remarks and a photo from the ceremony are attached. <> <> -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://mailman.informe.org/pipermail/maineloggers/attachments/20080905/1cc7b8fd/attachment-0001.html -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: Wilkins award RM.doc Type: application/msword Size: 34816 bytes Desc: Wilkins award RM.doc Url : http://mailman.informe.org/pipermail/maineloggers/attachments/20080905/1cc7b8fd/WilkinsawardRM-0001.doc -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: Wilkins Award September 2_012.JPG Type: image/jpeg Size: 907305 bytes Desc: Wilkins Award September 2_012.JPG Url : http://mailman.informe.org/pipermail/maineloggers/attachments/20080905/1cc7b8fd/WilkinsAwardSeptember2_012-0001.jpe From Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov Tue Sep 9 12:09:15 2008 From: Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov (Lord, Gregory R.) Date: Tue, 9 Sep 2008 12:09:15 -0400 Subject: [maineloggers] maineloggers - September 9, 2008 Message-ID: Intro & Advanced GPS, Map Reading Classes for Outdoorsmen, Rescuers & Geocachers FARMINGTON - Ever wondered if your GPS will work on a cloudy day, or if it will really work when you have to go around a lake? Are you sure it's working and you'll be able to safely find your vehicle after a long day in the woods? Or would you like to be able to assist with search and rescue missions or become involved in the popular growing geocache scavenger hunts? Those issues and others will be addressed during Franklin County Soil & Water Conservation District's Intro and Advanced GPS classes for the hunters, outdoorsman, rescuers, and geocachers. Specifically tailored to their needs, this class will teach people how to use a Global Positioning System, expand their GPS skills and avoid expensive, time consuming and risky mistakes. Additionally, FCSWCD is hosting a compass, map reading workshop after the Intro GPS class. This class is open to participants in both the Intro and Advanced classes as well as others who would like to become more astute at map reading. The Introductory GPS Class is set for Tuesday, Sept. 23 in Farmington from 8 - 12. Compass and Map Reading class will be held Tuesday, Sept. 23 from 1-4:30 in Farmington. The Advanced GPS class will be held in Farmington on Thursday, Sept. 25 from 8 - 12. Patty Cormier of the Maine Forest Service will be conducting the GPS training sessions. Amanda Down-Smith, consulting forester, will conduct the compass, map reading class. These classes are also sponsored by the Upper Kennebec Valley Chapter of the Small Woodlands Owner's Association of Maine. The Maine Forest Service has 25 GPS units that participants will use for the training. Each class is limited to 25 people. Cost of each training session is $20 which includes materials and light refreshments. If a person signs up for both the GPS and map/compass reading, the cost will be $35. Participants should come prepared with bug spray and clothing appropriate for outside weather conditions. To register, send a check or drop in to the Franklin County Soil & Water Conservation District, 107 Park St., Farmington. Registration forms are also available on the FCSWCD website, http://www.franklincswcd.org/index10.html. For more details, call 778-4279. ########## Planning for the Future Starts Now FARMINGTON - There are many challenges when making plans to keep your forest land in the family once you pass on. The issues are complex and very challenging. It's best to be prepared ahead of time and have the information you need to make the best decisions. Franklin County Soil & Water Conservation District, the Maine Forest Service and the Upper Kennebec Valley Chapter of the Small Woodland Owners Association of Maine will host a workshop, Planning for the Future Starts Now, Creating A Family Forest Legacy, Securing the Future of Your Woodlands, on Monday, Sept.29 from 9 am to 3 pm in Farmington Presenters will include Roger Monthey of the US Forest Service, Gary Anderson of University of Maine Extension Service, Paul Dillon, an attorney with experienced in the legal aspects of transferring forested lands, George Richardson CPA for Austin and Associates speaking on tax issues concerning estate planning and Kevin Doran of the Maine Forest Service facilitating. Issues to be covered include Challenges in Planning the Future of Family Lands, The Team Approach to Estate Planning and Successful Family Lands Planning. Registration is $35. Light refreshments will be provided with lunch on your own. For more information on this workshop, contact FCSWCD at 778-4279 or email info at franklincswcd.org. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://mailman.informe.org/pipermail/maineloggers/attachments/20080909/dd78ff17/attachment.html From Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov Fri Sep 12 12:16:32 2008 From: Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov (Lord, Gregory R.) Date: Fri, 12 Sep 2008 12:16:32 -0400 Subject: [maineloggers] maineloggers - September 12, 2008 Message-ID: 2007 Silvicultural Activities Report available The Maine Forest Service has published the 2007 Silvicultural Activities Report. The report is available online at: http://www.maine.gov/doc/mfs/pubs/pdf/silvi/07silvi.pdf -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://mailman.informe.org/pipermail/maineloggers/attachments/20080912/0d9655ea/attachment.html From Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov Sat Sep 20 08:09:22 2008 From: Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov (Lord, Gregory R.) Date: Sat, 20 Sep 2008 08:09:22 -0400 Subject: [maineloggers] maineloggers - September 20, 2008 Message-ID: Governor's Conference - Youth and the Natural World * In a typical week, only 6% of children aged 9 to 13 play outside on their own. * Nearly 1/3 of children from 6 months to 6 years live in households where TV is on all or most of the time. * In just one generation, the number of kids who walk or bike to school has dropped by 70% * Obesity in children has increased from about 4% in the 1960s to almost 20% today. * From 1997 to 2003, there was a decline of 50% in the proportion of children 9 to 12 who spent time in such activities as hiking, walking, fishing & beach play. The Governor's conference seeks to address these issues. Come to help ensure the next generation enjoys the fun, sense of wonder and good health that comes from getting outside. Hear fellow Mainers who have had success with local programs, learn about funding sources & share your ideas for connecting our children with the world around them. WHEN: October 2, 2008, begins at 8:30 AM WHERE: Augusta Civic Center, Augusta Maine WHO's SPEAKING: Larry Selzer, National Forum on Children and Nature & CEO of the Conservation Fund; and expert panelists on Family & Nature, Health, Nature in our Schools, Outdoor Recreation, Places & Nature and Media & the Outdoors. WHO SHOULD ATTEND: Parents, government officials, teachers, conservationists, health care providers, recreation enthusiasts, principals, planners, young Mainers, journalists and anyone who cares enough to do something. EXHIBITS: Outside and indoor exhibits, demonstrations and lectures. FUN ACTIVITIES: Guided walks, Geocaching (bring your own GPS device or use a Delorme unit for demo and exploring), Climbing Wall & Bike demos. TO REGISTER: visit http://www.take-it-outside.com/ or contact Gale Ross, Department of Conservation at 207-287-5266 or by email at gail.ross at maine.gov -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://mailman.informe.org/pipermail/maineloggers/attachments/20080920/6781f3e0/attachment.html From Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov Wed Sep 24 14:39:43 2008 From: Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov (Lord, Gregory R.) Date: Wed, 24 Sep 2008 14:39:43 -0400 Subject: [maineloggers] maineloggers - September 24, 2008 Message-ID: Planning for the Future Starts Now FARMINGTON - There are many challenges when making plans to keep your forest land in the family once you pass on. The issues are complex and very challenging. It's best to be prepared ahead of time and have the information you need to make the best decisions. Franklin County Soil & Water Conservation District, the Maine Forest Service and the Upper Kennebec Valley Chapter of the Small Woodland Owners Association of Maine will host a workshop, Planning for the Future Starts Now, Creating A Family Forest Legacy, Securing the Future of Your Woodlands, on Monday, Sept.29 from 9 am to 3 pm in Farmington Presenters will include Roger Monthey of the US Forest Service, Gary Anderson of University of Maine Extension Service, Paul Dillon, an attorney with experienced in the legal aspects of transferring forested lands, George Richardson CPA for Austin and Associates speaking on tax issues concerning estate planning and Kevin Doran of the Maine Forest Service facilitating. Issues to be covered include Challenges in Planning the Future of Family Lands, The Team Approach to Estate Planning and Successful Family Lands Planning. Registration is $35. Light refreshments will be provided with lunch on your own. For more information on this workshop, contact FCSWCD at 778-4279 or email info at franklincswcd.org. ########## Lammert Report-Firewood Theft I am hearing the first reports of firewood theft. The fitted (cut to length and split) wood that was stolen was dumped at or near the edge of the road by a residence in a rural area. Other than stowing your wood inside of an enclosure there isn't too much you can do to prevent theft. I doubt one of the famous "no trespassing" signs would have prevented the theft but if the police ask if you had your woodlot or pile where the theft occurred posted and you could say that yes it was posted, then there would be no doubt that the taker did so intentionally. If someone is desperate enough to steal it, then they are going to steal it. What is unusual this time around is that the thieves are not using the wood themselves but are selling it to wood burners who are desperate enough to pay $250 to $300 a cord for "seasoned" wood. I have a suggestion that may help in the identification and recovery of stolen wood. Just as contractors and loggers are marking their machinery with specific encryptions in hidden places, you the owner of a "pile" of firewood can mark your wood for identification. Somewhere in your barn cellar or shop, there are partial cans of paint that didn't get used and haven't hardened up as yet. Get all the latex or alkyd or lead and oil, if you still have any, and separate it by kind, starting with the latex. Mix all the latex together in a can big enough to hold it all and stir thoroughly. I guarantee you will come up with a color that is unique. Now take an old paint brush and head for your outside wood pile. Dip the brush in your unique color latex and just shake the brush at the pile with a snapping motion of your wrist allowing the paint to just make small droplets on the pieces of wood. Walk your way around the pile or up and down your stacks of wood, marking both ends. If you run out of latex, then go mix up the leftover alkyd and so on. Once you have "freckles" of paint on all exposed surfaces, be sure to keep a representative piece in a safe place so that in case your wood is stolen, you can show the authorities the piece with your individual paint speckles on it. When in the course of their duties, they see piles of firewood , they could, if so inclined, take a closer look to see if the pile is freckled with paint. Then if there is a question of ownership, you can check the pile with paint freckles against the piece you saved. My father always told me about the old timer who put a sign on his wood pile to prevent pilfering. The sign said something to the extent that there were five or six sticks of wood with black powder hidden inside and that it was up to you to figure out which sticks would explode upon burning. If that were really to happen in today's society, the thief with the now demolished stove and possibly house, would probably sue you. For the driest possible firewood in the remaining days of fall, get your fitted wood piled off the ground oriented so that the prevailing wind will blow along the length of the piles and be sure to put a non overlapping roof over each row. Don't forget to "freckle" your wood with paint spots if you think it could be stolen. Have a safe and happy wood burning season. ########## FRA MAINE INDUSTRIAL FORESTRY FORUM MEETING ANNOUNCEMENT WHEN: Thursday, Oct. 2, 2008 WHERE: Jeff's Catering, Brewer, Maine TIME: 5:30 - 6:15 PM Social "Hour" 6:15 - 7:00 PM Buffet Dinner 7:00 - 8:30 PM Guest Speakers COST: FRA Members - $20 Non-members - $30 Students - $15 with valid ID Payable at the door. TOPIC: Proposed Endangered Status for Atlantic Salmon in Major Maine Rivers Impacts on the Forestry Community Guest Speakers: ? Lori Nordstrom - US Fish & Wildlife Service, Old Town, Me. ? Mary Colligan - National Marine Fisheries Service, Gloucester, MA (Invited) ? Melissa Laser - Me. Bureau of Sea-Run Fisheries and Habitat, Hallowell, ME ? Mike Barden - Me. Pulp & Paper Association, Augusta, ME On Sept. 3, the National Marine Fisheries Service and US Fish and Wildlife Service proposed to list the Atlantic Salmon as an endangered species in Maine's Kennebec, Penobscot and Androscoggin Rivers and to designate critical habitat for the salmon in these areas in the future. The salmon has been listed as endangered in eight Down East rivers since 2000. Listing means no "takes" of protected Atlantic Salmon, some requirements to seek consultation, development of a recovery plan, and identification of critical habitat. Our speakers will share federal, state, and industry perspectives on the potential impacts of the listing to forestry, harvesting and manufacturing activities across Maine's major watersheds. Join us at the Forum to find out what this will mean to you, your business and community. Invite a friend to the Forum! We anticipate a large turnout. Pre-registration is required to assure an accurate head count for meals! Please e-mail or fax this response form by Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2008 to: Forest Resources Association, Jswan93426 at aol.com or FAX: 866-437-7252 Questions? Contact Joel Swanton at 207-745-2435 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ FRA OCT. 2, 2008 MAINE INDUSTRIAL FORESTRY FORUM PRE-REGISTRATION RESPONSE FORM Name(s) of people attending: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Company: _______________________________________ Phone: __________________________________________ The Industrial Forestry Forum is open to everyone and FRA membership is encouraged but not required. Meals can be purchased at the door with check, cash or credit card. For more information, please contact Joel Swanton at (207)-745-2435 or jswan93426 at aol.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://mailman.informe.org/pipermail/maineloggers/attachments/20080924/a3cab721/attachment.html From Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov Mon Sep 29 06:16:22 2008 From: Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov (Lord, Gregory R.) Date: Mon, 29 Sep 2008 06:16:22 -0400 Subject: [maineloggers] maineloggers - September 29, 2008 Message-ID: Things to Consider When Harvesting and Buying Hemlock from Southern York County Do you plan to harvest hemlock in the southern York County towns of Eliot, Kittery, Ogunquit, South Berwick, Wells or York? Do you plan to buy hemlock harvested in any of those six towns or from adjacent areas in southern New England? If you answered yes to either question, the information that follows may impact you. Hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) is an introduced insect which is spreading throughout eastern North America and killing hemlock trees. To help slow the spread of this insect within our state, Maine has a quarantine on all hemlock products with bark from HWA infested areas. v Movement of nursery stock and other live hemlock material from quarantined areas is prohibited. v Movement of harvest related products such as logs, pulp, and chips, although not prohibited, is restricted. At this time of year, adelgid nymphs are settled on hemlock twigs and eggs and crawlers are not present. There is a low risk of spreading adelgid on harvest-related hemlock products and those products may be moved from within the quarantine zone to any facility outside the quarantine zone that has a compliance agreement for HWA. If you plan to harvest or buy hemlock from the HWA quarantine area (in Maine, the southern York County towns of Eliot, Kittery, Ogunquit, South Berwick, Wells or York), plan to move products to their final destinations before February 28th. After that date, hemlock must be inspected by a Maine Forest Service inspector (or equivalent from the state of origin) and certified apparently free of adelgid. If you plan to buy hemlock products from the quarantine area, be sure you have an up-to-date compliance agreement with the Maine Forest Service. For more information about hemlock woolly adelgid and the quarantine, visit our website at www.maineforestservice.org/HemlockWoollyAdelgid.htm or contact Allison Kanoti at allison.m.kanoti at maine.gov or (207) 287-3147. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://mailman.informe.org/pipermail/maineloggers/attachments/20080929/d715514b/attachment.html From Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov Mon Oct 6 05:53:20 2008 From: Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov (Lord, Gregory R.) Date: Mon, 6 Oct 2008 05:53:20 -0400 Subject: [maineloggers] maineloggers - October 6, 2008 Message-ID: Lammert Report Several articles have appeared in the newspapers recently about the apparent lack of bagged wood pellets. Maine has three pellet making operations and a fourth is supposed to come on line this fall. I cannot say if the three operating mills are producing 24/7 but I'm sure they are producing all that their fiber supply and equipment allows them to produce. There are also several mills just over the Canadian border which are shipping pellets into Maine on a regular basis. So what is causing this "shortage?" >From what I see and have heard, folks who have purchased new pellet burning stoves have in some cases also purchased what they think will be enough pellets to last them the entire heating season. That's somewhat contrary to what homeowners using oil fired boilers do. Very few have put in 1000 gallon or larger oil storage tanks and fill them up in the former "off season," but this is just what some pellet burners have done. They have purchased an entire heating season's worth of pellets before the heating season has even begun. Add this unexpected purchase of an entire year's worth of fuel by new pellet stove owners along with the unexpected purchase of so many pellet stoves and you have created a temporary shortage. Remember the law of supply and demand. The more product demanded from a finite resource, the higher the price will go for the amount of that product that comes into the market. I've watched the price of a ton of pellets rise this summer from $200 plus to $300. This price increase has been fueled in large part by the unexpected demand. Can you imagine what would have happened to the price of #2 fuel oil this past summer if all oil burners did indeed have the capacity to store a year's worth of fuel oil and did in fact try to fill their storage tanks? The purchase of a season's worth of pellets is in part what is causing the "shortage." Another factor in the restricted production of wood pellets is the depressed home building market. Saw mills and other secondary wood manufacturing facilities have curtailed production, which limits the amount of residue available. This wood residue often is the "raw material "for pellet manufacturing. In the meantime, as I travel around Maine, I see pallets of pellets sitting outside of homes and garages, and I'm not sure that the owners of these pellets realize that they have a commodity that can't get wet. The outer pallet wrapper and the 50 bags inside should each have a notice in very large letters that says "DO NOT ALLOW PELLETS TO GET WET." When produced, some pellets have a moisture content as low as 7 percent. Our average air moisture content on a bright warm sunny day can be as high as twenty percent. Any little tear or hole in the wrappers will expose the pellets inside to the higher moisture content and the pellets will swell up as they suck moisture into the punctured bag. Once the pellets swell up, they lose their density and will crumble into sawdust when moved. Like the old timers said about their black powder on a rainy day, don't forget to keep your powder dry! Once pellets get wet and expand, they disintegrate. Apparently there has been at least one home fire this year caused by the pellet stove owner in that home trying to burn pellets that had reverted back to the sawdust from which the pellets were made. If you cannot store all the pellets that you want to buy in guaranteed dry storage, then possibly you should only purchase what you can store in the dry storage area that you have. If you don't burn pellets but have a friend that does, please pass this message along. Outdoor storage of bagged pellets is not recommended. They should be stored in as dry a place as possible away from anything that can puncture a bag. If a bag is accidentally punctured, either use the contents as soon as possible or put duct tape over the puncture site. Enjoy your new pellet stove not only for the heat it provides but for the satisfaction of the amount of money that you spent for fuel that is staying right here in Maine. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://mailman.informe.org/pipermail/maineloggers/attachments/20081006/a93560ff/attachment.html From Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov Wed Oct 15 08:49:31 2008 From: Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov (Lord, Gregory R.) Date: Wed, 15 Oct 2008 08:49:31 -0400 Subject: [maineloggers] maineloggers - October 15, 2008 Message-ID: 2007 Wood processor Report available online The Maine Forest Service has published the 2007 Wood processor Report and is available online. It can be downloaded at: http://www.maine.gov/doc/mfs/pubs/pdf/wdproc/07wdproc.pdf ########## Women and the Woods Announces a Few Great "Kitchen Table Gatherings" Working with forestry professionals and working your woodlot will be of the topics at the upcoming Woman and the Woods Program's "kitchen table" meetings. On October 23rd Wendy Sherif of St. Albans will host a gathering to discuss work on her woodlot and Patty Cormier, District Forester with the Maine Forest Service will provide the training and answer questions on working with forestry professionals and working your woodlot. The event starts at 4:30 p.m. and goes to 7:00 p.m. The workshop is sponsored by the Women's Agricultural Network (WAgN) , the Maine Forest Service and the Upper Kennebec Valley chapter of the Small Woodland Owners Association of Maine. The Women and the Woods Program is designed to teach women woodland owners about options for caring for their woodland. The program provides opportunities for discussion and networking with other women woodland owners, and offers participatory, hands-on and/or outdoor learning activities. Women and the Woods was created in direct response to requests from women landowners for a forestry program for women. Everyone is welcome; For more information, directions and to pre-register, call Patty at 474-3499, or e-mail patty.cormier at maine.gov. There is no charge for this workshop. Other Locally organized kitchen table meetings are scheduled. The dates for 2008 Women and the Woods Kitchen Table Meetings are as follows: * Lexington: November 5th, 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Working with forestry professionals and working your woodlot. * Starks: November 12 , 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Working with forestry professionals and working your woodlot. * Mercer: November 19th, 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Working with forestry professionals and working your woodlot. ########## State Conservation Staff fights adelgid infestation Saco, ME - Staff with the Maine Forest Service (MFS) and the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands (BPL) are taking steps to fight a highly destructive, exotic insect that has been detected at a local state park and elsewhere in the Saco area. In July, the hemlock woolly adelgid, Adelges tsugae, (HWA) was found in Ferry Beach State Park by Janet Mangion, a park ranger and MFS Take A Stand volunteer. Mangion recognized the distinctive white woolly masses as HWA while she was pruning roadside hemlocks in the park. She immediately contacted the MFS Insect and Disease Laboratory to report the problem. "This detection represents a significant northward expansion of the adelgid's known distribution in Maine" Allison Kanoti, MFS entomologist, said. "The adelgid is very damaging to hemlocks. However, its impact goes beyond hemlocks and can include degraded wildlife habitat and reduced water quality. It's important that we work to reduce the effect of this insect for the benefit of our forests and the communities that rely on them." Several public information sessions, including hikes and workshops, have been scheduled to help local residents learn more about HWA in Maine. Since Mangion's discovery, park and forest service personnel have been working together to evaluate the extent and severity of the infestation in the park and in Saco. Local residents have also reported suspect material on their hemlocks. To date, a low-level scattered infestation has been detected on park property; one additional infested area has been found on private property adjacent to the park; and infested trees were detected by homeowners in forest hemlocks in Kennebunkport and planted hemlocks in South Portland. BPL and MFS managers are pursuing an integrated management approach to the HWA infestation in Ferry Beach State Park. Physical, biological and chemical controls will be used to control the pest. Physical controls, including the pruning and removal of hemlocks overhanging the park access road and other high use areas, already are under way. The MFS recommends a similar approach to trail and road-side hemlock management in areas with high public use within and near adelgid infestations. HWA can be unintentionally transported by people on clothing, pets, vehicles, recreational equipment, such as tents and backpacks and other items. Biological control using beetles that prey on HWA is planned for the park. The U.S. Forest Service recommends releasing multiple species of natural enemies as the best long-term option for managing adelgid in the forest. This fall, the MFS plans to release Laricobius nigrinus, an important HWA predator from the West Coast. MFS also has applied for grants to purchase and release Sasajiscymnus tsugae, a tiny black Japanese lady beetle, in 2009. It is expected to take several years for these helpful insects to get established. Noticeable impacts of their feeding activity may not be seen in Maine for many years. States south of Maine, however, have seen positive effects using the same biological control species. As a part of its Slow-the-Spread Program, MFS also is prescribing targeted chemical control of adelgid populations that are likely to cause unintended spread. Two infested spots along the park access road will be included in this fall's control program. This efficiently reduces the risk of artificial spread while minimizing impacts on beneficial insects. In addition to direct management activities, MFS and BPL personnel will continue efforts to increase awareness of the adelgid and, through education, reduce human-caused movement of this insect. Additionally, they will monitor the impacts of their management actions on HWA populations and adapt their plans as new needs and tools arise. Several upcoming events offer the public opportunities to learn about HWA and participate in efforts to detect this insect: ? 10 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 26, 2008, South Berwick, ME: MFS personnel will lead a hike to look for hemlock woolly adelgid and learn about the trees and shrubs on Great Works Regional Land Trust property off the Punkintown Road. Meet in the Brixham Dancewear parking lot on Punkintown Road off of Rte. 236 in South Berwick (across from Marshwood High School). For more information contact Allison Kanoti allison.m.kanoti at maine.gov, (207) 287-3147 or Christine Bennett Magruder (207)646-3604 ? 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 30, 2008, Saco, ME: A workshop to train people in the recognition, detection and monitoring of the hemlock woolly adelgid will be held. This free event will be open to the first 30 registrants. Participants will be encouraged to adopt a hemlock forest to survey for adelgid. The training session will be both indoor at the Saco Community Center in the morning and outdoor at Ferry Beach State Park in the afternoon; pre-registration is required. To register or for more information contact Allison Kanoti at allison.m.kanoti at maine.gov or (207) 287-3147. Saco Community Center Driving Directions (75 Franklin Street): If you are coming north/south on the Maine Turnpike take Exit 36 Saco/Old Orchard Beach. After passing through the toll booth, take your next right (Industrial Park Rd. exit). At the bottom of the ramp take a left onto Industrial Park Rd. and follow that to the end (stop light). At this light take a left onto North St. Drive approximately 1/2 mile. On your right will be Young School (school, tennis courts & softball field). After passing the softball field, take a right onto Franklin Street. The Saco Community Center will be located on your left. It is the second brick building on the left. ? Time to be announced, Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008, York, ME: An introduction to the field characters of hemlock woolly adelgid will be followed by a search for hemlock woolly adelgid in the Third Hill area of the Mount Agamenticus Conservation Area. For more details contact Allison Kanoti allison.m.kanoti at maine.gov (207) 287-3147or Robin Stanley (207) 361-1102. For more information, contact, Allison Kanoti at 287-3147 or go to: http://www.maine.gov/doc/mfs/HemlockWoollyAdelgid.htm ########## Chainsaw Training at Lake George Regional Park, Skowhegan, Maine SATURDAY, 08 NOVEMBER 2008, HOURS: 9:30-3:00. Sponsored by the Upper Kennebec Valley Chapter of the Small Woodland Owners Association of Maine, the Maine Forest Service, the Somerset Soil and Water Conservation District, JT's Finest Kind Saws, and the Lake George Corporation. Pete Tracy, a Maine Licensed Forester and Certified Logging Professional will be your trainer. He is also a Tree Farmer and part-time logger on his Tree Farm. He has been doing this training since 1985 in Maine, New Hampshire, and Canada. Pete will demonstrate the latest Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). This is the chainsaw user's last line of defense, clothing which protects chainsaw operator from cuts and other woods related injuries. He will also show and explain the safety engineering built into today's modern chainsaws. These features were designed to protect you, whether you like it or not! He will emphasize the importance of emergency planning, with ideas for your plan. Pete will teach the parts of the saw tooth and how they work, while demonstrating tools and techniques to aid the chainsaw operator in the art of filing. Pete will demonstrate modern felling methods designed exclusively for the chainsaw. He will fell several trees using the open face notch, a conventional back cut, and a bore cut or plunge cut. He will demonstrate the firewood stump felling technique, which keeps the tree and the operator's work off the ground, saving filing and back ache! He will show the power of the simple, plastic wedge. He will explain the hazards of dead wood and spring poles, and how to safely deal with them. Want to handle some of these modern chainsaws? JT's Finest Kind Saw, on Rt. 2 in Skowhegan, will have saws, tools , and PPE for demonstration, display, and sale. Please join us and if you have your own chaps, hard hat, gloves, saw, bring them along. Please prepare for being outside all day too! Light refreshments will be provided throughout the day. Cost is $15.00 per person unless you are a SWOAM member, then it is $10.00. Space is limited, and pre-registration is required. To sign up, please call Carol at the Somerset Soil and Water Conservation District office at 474-8324, ext 102 or e-mail info at somersetswcd.org. ########## New Maine Stream Crossing Poster Available A broad coalition of state and federal agencies and nongovernment organizations announce the availability of a new poster: Maine Stream Crossings, New Designs to Restore Stream Continuity. Safe and stable stream crossings can accommodate wildlife and protect stream health while reducing expensive erosion and structural damage. Safe and stable stream crossings can accommodate wildlife and protect stream health while reducing expensive erosion and structural damage. By adhering to the standards in the Maine Department of Transportation Fish Passage Policy and Design Guide, town officials, highway departments, and private landowners can help protect and restore stream continuity in Maine. The poster/fact sheet is a simple educational tool that presents reasons for replacing undersized culverts, especially, with bridges and open bottom arches to improve aquatic organism passage. This past April rains highlighted the long-term value of well-designed crossings when many towns and landowners had to re-install washed out undersized culverts. The poster details open bottom crossings that can last 75 years - a wise investment in for your roads. To view and download the poster, MAINE ROAD-STREAM CROSSING SURVEY MANUAL and associated materials go to: http://www.maine.gov/doc/mfs/fpm/water/stream_crossing.html For more information contact: Keith Kanoti Water Resources Forester Maine Forest Service 22 State House Station Augusta, ME 04330 (207) 287-1073 keith.kanoti at maine.gov ########## Sawmill Days 2008 Date: November 8th & 9th Time: 7:00 -5:00 Place: Higmo's Inc. 15 Bridge Road Brunswick, Maine 04011 7:00-8:00 am - Meet & Greet..Home made donuts, coffee, etc... 8:00 -12:00 - Past & present logging demo's to include: Ax, Cross-cut Saw, Chainsaws, Farm Tractor, Horses, skidders, Log Loader & Slasher. 12:00 - 1:00 - Lunch will be provided "as long as it lasts." 1:00- 4:00- Sawmill & "Hopefully" Planer Mill demonstration Other activities: Chainsaw Carving by Tim Pickett, owner of "Wood Yah Believe" Painting by Margaret: She will paint a picture on a saw blade and a tree cookie and each piece will be raffled off at the end of each day. Gordon Libby and his team of Belgians. Representatives of the Maine Forest Service, Peter Lammert & Ken Canfield will be her to talk about Forest Management and Utilization. SWOAM (Small Woodland Owners Assoc. of Maine) will also be present. There will be door prizes. Old logging videos being played throughout the day. Feel free to bring your antique log splitter, farm tractor or any logging equipment to show. *Dress appropriately, most activities are outside.* Directions: From Rt #1 North or South take the New Meadows Exit. Turn right onto the New Meadows Road. Go to the stop sign. Turn left onto the Old Brunswick Road. Go across the green bridge to the top of the hill and turn Right on the Bridge Road. Higmo's is the first driveway on the left. FMI Visit www.higmos.com or call 207-442-0701 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://mailman.informe.org/pipermail/maineloggers/attachments/20081015/3c1011c3/attachment-0001.html From Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov Fri Oct 17 08:26:41 2008 From: Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov (Lord, Gregory R.) Date: Fri, 17 Oct 2008 08:26:41 -0400 Subject: [maineloggers] maineloggers - October 17, 2008 Message-ID: WOMEN IN THE WOODS CHAINSAW TRAINING, and LEARN ALL ABOUT USING FIREWOOD FOR HEAT SUNDAY - 02 NOVEMBER 2008, HOURS: 8:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. Sponsored by the Maine Forest Service, UMaine Extension, Somerset County, and the Upper Kennebec Valley Chapter of the Small Woodland Owners Association of Maine. Pete Tracy, a Maine Licensed Forester and Certified Logging Professional will be your trainer for the morning from 8:00 to 11:30 a.m. on chainsaw safety and proper use. He has been doing this training since 1985 in Maine, New Hampshire, and Canada. Pete will demonstrate the latest Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). This is the chainsaw user's last line of defense, clothing which protects chainsaw operator from cuts and other woods related injuries. He will also show and explain the safety engineering built into today's modern chainsaws. Pete will teach the parts of the saw tooth and how they work, while demonstrating tools and techniques to aid the chainsaw operator in the art of filing. Pete will demonstrate modern felling methods designed exclusively for the chainsaw. He will fell several trees using the open face notch, a conventional back cut, and a bore cut or plunge cut. He will demonstrate the firewood stump felling technique, which keeps the tree and the operator's work off the ground, saving filing and back ache! He will show the power of the simple, plastic wedge. He will explain the hazards of dead wood and spring poles, and how to safely deal with them. In the afternoon, Patty Cormier, District Forester with the Maine Forest Service and Kathy Hopkins of UMaine Extension will talk on firewood, such as the measurement, storage, moisture content, efficiency etc. Please join us for a full day of good information at the Somerset Extension office on the Back Road in Skowhegan. To sign up, please contact Tammy at the Extension office at 474-9622, or 1-800-287-1495 or email: tbodge at umext.maine.edu. The cost for the day is $15:00 per person, unless you are a SWOAM member, then it is $10.00. Light refreshments will be available through out the day, and the workshop will be held rain or shine. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://mailman.informe.org/pipermail/maineloggers/attachments/20081017/9e73d3b9/attachment.html From Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov Mon Oct 20 11:18:54 2008 From: Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov (Lord, Gregory R.) Date: Mon, 20 Oct 2008 11:18:54 -0400 Subject: [maineloggers] maineloggers - October 20, 2008 Message-ID: Meeting on State's Draft Position on Proposed Listing of Atlantic Salmon The Maine Department of Marine Resources, Bureau of Sea Run Fisheries and Habitat will host a meeting on October 29th at 9:00 AM at their office in Hallowell (address below) to present the state's draft position on the proposal by the National Marine Fisheries Service and US Fish and Wildlife Service to list the Atlantic Salmon as an endangered species in Maine's Kennebec, Penobscot and Androscoggin Rivers and to designate critical habitat for the salmon in these areas in the future. Meeting attendees will have an opportunity to provide additional comments. For further information contact: Melissa Laser, Ph.D. Department of Marine Resources Bureau of Sea Run Fisheries and Habitat 172 State House Station Augusta ME 04333 Office: 6 Beech Street, Hallowell ME 04347 Office: 207/287-4436 Cell: 207/458-9059 melissa.laser at maine.gov -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://mailman.informe.org/pipermail/maineloggers/attachments/20081020/26cc7c49/attachment.html From Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov Mon Oct 27 08:13:23 2008 From: Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov (Lord, Gregory R.) Date: Mon, 27 Oct 2008 08:13:23 -0400 Subject: [maineloggers] maineloggers - October 27, 2008 Message-ID: LOGGER/TRUCKER CONGRESS MARK YOUR CALENDARS! This is your chance to weigh in on the future of the logging and forest products trucking industries. Please join us for dinner and conversation. WHAT IS THE LOGGER/TRUCKER CONGRESS? The purpose of the Logger/Trucker Congress is to help secure the forest products supply chain by seeking grassroots involvement in developing recommendations to strengthen the logging and forest products trucking community. "Strengthening the logging and forest products trucking community" means: (1) that Maine has adequate harvesting and trucking capacity to continue to harvest and transport 15-20 million green tons of wood annually to various markets through variable weather and ground conditions; (2) that loggers and truckers and their workers are profitable in their businesses to assure their continued economic viability; and (3) that Maine's social conditions, educational programs, and economic development and business support programs support continued recruitment into the logging and trucking industries at replacement level. We'll discuss these issues over dinner (provided). To help you prepare for the discussion, please give some thought to this question - For each of the three issues identified above, what are the: * Strengths that exist now - Things that need to be maintained? * Strains / Problems / Barriers - Opportunities for improvement? * Solutions that address specific problems? WHEN AND WHERE: Monday, 17 November: Lincoln, Timber House Restaurant, 1 Fleming Street Tuesday, 18 November: Houlton - Courtyard Caf?, 59 Main Street Thursday, 20 November: Fort Kent - Swamp Buck Restaurant, 250 W Main Street Monday, 08 December: Ellsworth - Jaspers Restaurant & Motel, 200 High Street Tuesday, 09 December: Farmington - Homestead Bakery Restaurant, 186 Broadway Monday, 15 December: Gray - Cole Farms Restaurant, 64 Lewiston Rd All Congresses start at 5:00 p.m., with dinner served at 6:00 p.m. We will end by 9:00 p.m. QUESTIONS? Sandy Brawders, Professional Logging Contractors of Maine, 834-3835 or brawders at aol.com Donald Mansius, Maine Forest Service, 287-4906 or donald.j.mansius at maine.gov ########## John Deere Energy Wood Bundler Demo - Wed. & Thurs., Oct. 29-30 - ME. West Branch Region Nortrax Northeast, in conjunction with Northwoods Management, will host a Maine field demonstration of the JD 1490D Energy Wood Bundler this Wednesday and Thursday, Oct. 29-30. The demo will be held on the Ragmuff Road, off the Golden Road in Maine's West Branch Region. This demo. is open to all who are interested. The Energy Wood Bundler uses a long-reach boom and loader to gather limbs and tops after harvest, then compress, wrap and cut a slash log for further transport and processing for energy use. For further information contact: Mike Campbell Nortrax Northeast LLC Bangor, ME Cell: 653-7992 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://mailman.informe.org/pipermail/maineloggers/attachments/20081027/b13f2e06/attachment.html From Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov Thu Oct 30 08:19:34 2008 From: Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov (Lord, Gregory R.) Date: Thu, 30 Oct 2008 08:19:34 -0400 Subject: [maineloggers] maineloggers - October 30, 2008 Message-ID: 2007 Wood processor Report Updated The 2007 Wood processor Report has been updated. Copies can be downloaded from: http://www.maine.gov/doc/mfs/pubs/pdf/wdproc/07wdproc.pdf ########## FRA MAINE INDUSTRIAL FORESTRY FORUM MEETING ANNOUNCEMENT WHEN: Thursday, Nov. 6, 2008 WHERE: Jeff's Catering, Brewer, Maine TIME: 5:30 - 6:15 PM Social "Hour" 6:15 - 7:00 PM Buffet Dinner 7:00 - 8:30 PM Guest Speaker COST: FRA Members - $20 Non-members - $30 Students - $15 with valid ID Payable at the door. Pre-registration is required to assure an accurate head count for meals! TOPIC: Timber GuideTM Harvest Management System Guest Speaker: Chad Geis - Genesis Industries, Arcadia, LA At FRA's Fall Board meeting, Chad Geis of Genesis Industries briefed the National Supply Chain Committee on Genesis' Timber GuideTM Harvest Management System. Timber Guide is a GPS navigation / GIS data management system that provides real-time harvest data which can be used to improve supply chain operational efficiency, manage costs and improve the overall quality of both harvesting and land management activities. Several FRA members are using or exploring this system as an opportunity to improve efficiency and productivity. Chad agreed to travel to the Northeast to share this information and is seeking a partner for a field demonstration of the system. Please contact Joel if you're interested in a field demonstration. Thanks to Genesis Industries for generously underwriting our November Forum. Invite a friend to the Forum! Pre-registration is required to assure an accurate head count for meals! Please e-mail or fax this response form by Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2008 to: Forest Resources Association, Jswan93426 at aol.com or FAX: 866-437-7252 Questions? Contact Joel Swanton at 207-745-2435 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------ FRA NOV. 6, 2008 MAINE INDUSTRIAL FORESTRY FORUM PRE-REGISTRATION RESPONSE FORM Name(s) of people attending: ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ______________ Company: _______________________________________ Phone: __________________________________________ -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://mailman.informe.org/pipermail/maineloggers/attachments/20081030/6866bee3/attachment.html From Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov Mon Nov 3 06:26:46 2008 From: Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov (Lord, Gregory R.) Date: Mon, 3 Nov 2008 06:26:46 -0500 Subject: [maineloggers] maineloggers - November 3, 2008 Message-ID: >From American Forest Foundation- New 2008 Farm Bill Opportunities for Family Forest Owners Get Involved at the Local and State Level The 2008 Farm Bill, passed by Congress in June 2008, gives the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), an agency of U.S. Department of Agriculture, new and improved programs to help family forest owners conserve and manage their forests. Through these new programs, qualifying landowners can receive both technical and financial assistance to deal with forest management concerns like wildfire, insects and disease, and wildlife management. To make sure these new programs actually work on the ground, FOREST OWNERS NEED TO PARTICIPATE AND SPEAK UP at local working group and state committee meetings. These meetings will help decide how the Farm Bill programs are implemented. For a summary of the Farm Bill and to learn more about the new and improved programs for family forest owners visit www.treefarmsystem.org/actionalerts. http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001g7FVuoQnbCACSDDUDlc6q8y_dQjnHMTuEfKwi_ebb0YiU 5U47tMd_MeIi2rC4dmGSv5Gxp4jSOY0OKnM6Maj7ClRgthdB82iSY5DfyZF1b9cp9sGHuZW- 6CLI7KOgMHC9ZQ6BhI-YSfejg04_cfxJhz7XOts506P HOW NRCS PROGRAMS ARE IMPLEMENTED Landowners can influence the process by attending and participating in local work groups and State Technical Committees - two bodies that advise NRCS State Conservationists on the implementation of certain NRCS programs in the state. NRCS State Conservationists are the federal agency employees in charge of NRCS programs in each state. State Technical Committees and local work groups influence many programs that are important to forest owners. These programs include: the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, the Conservation Stewardship Program, the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program, and the Healthy Forests Reserve Program. Because of changes in the 2008 Farm Bill, each State's Technical Committee must include spokespersons for family forest owners. This is an important opportunity for people like you to serve on your state committee and influence program implementation. State Technical Committees and local work groups advise NRCS State Conservationists on conservation issues in the state, help set state priorities for conservation program funding, and make conservation program policy recommendations. With forest owner involvement, forest issues can be brought to the table for funding and program consideration. HOW TO GET INVOLVED Local Work Groups: To participate at the local level, contact your local Soil and Water Conservation District Office, likely located at your local USDA service center. You can find your local USDA Service Center by visiting http://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app. State Technical Committees: To participate in your State Technical Committee take the following steps to get involved. 1. Contact your NRCS State Conservationist and ask whether they now have representation of family forest owners on the Committee. You can find a listing of the State Conservationists and more information about joining your State Technical Committee at www.treefarmsystem.org/actionalerts. 2. If there is an opening for family forest owner representation on your State's Technical Committee, coordinate with the leadership of your State Tree Farm Committee to get a family forest owner representative on the Committee. To find the contact information for your State Tree Farm Committee visit www.treefarmsystem.org/stateleaders. 3. Even if you are not appointed as an official member of your State Technical Committee, you can still attend Committee meetings, which are open to the public. STAY INVOLVED Want to stay involved in Farm Bill activities or other policy issues affecting family forest owners? Join our Grassroots Action Network!! Why should I join the Grassroots Action Network? * Stay on top of the latest public policy issues impacting family forests * Get timely alerts so you can influence public policy when the time is right * Get training, tools, and tips on effective advocacy How do I join? It's simple, just go to www.treefarmsystem.org/grassrootsnetwork and enter your contact information. Please direct your questions to: Rita Neznek Vice President, Public Affairs American Forest Foundation 202.463.2594 rneznek at forestfoundation.org www.treefarmsystem.org www.forestfoundation.org -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://mailman.informe.org/pipermail/maineloggers/attachments/20081103/4370f3aa/attachment.html From Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov Tue Nov 4 10:45:18 2008 From: Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov (Lord, Gregory R.) Date: Tue, 4 Nov 2008 10:45:18 -0500 Subject: [maineloggers] maineloggers - November 4, 2008 Message-ID: Bandit 2400 Tracked Chipper Demo. - Thurs.& Fri., Nov. 6 & 7, West Branch Region, ME Bandit Chippers, Hammond Tractor and Northwoods Management are hosting a demo of Bandit's Model 2400 Tracked Chipper this Thursday and Friday. Nov. 6 & 7. The demo will be held on the Ragmuff Road, off the Golden Road in Maine's West Branch Region. This demo. is open to all who are interested. The Bandit 2400 is a 24" disc chipper on tracks with a loader and a grapple saw. The machine has a 220 degree rotating chute, so the infeed can be aimed at the pile and the chute can be aimed at the truck. It is a 700 HP unit. The concept is that there is just one engine to start and maintain and fuel consumption will be lower in relation to a chipper, crane, and truck running. For further information contact: Pete Erickson Hammond Tractor 207-513-6137 pete at hammondtractor.com ########## Announcing the Pennsylvania Forests Web Seminar Center With the cost of travel and the value of time what it is, many folks would rather just stay home than go to meetings and workshops to learn new information. Now, thanks to Penn State, they can sit it in the comfort of their own home or office and attend high quality educational programs for free! Penn State Natural Resources Extension is rolling out a new monthly on-line seminar series for forest landowners and natural resources professionals alike. The Pennsylvania Forests Web Seminar Center will offer one-hour online, live presentations by experts in a variety of fields related to the stewardship and issues of Pennsylvania's forest resources. The online seminars offer a chance for landowners, extension educators, and natural resources professionals to learn and gain resources to enhance their own practices. Live seminars are scheduled for the second Tuesday of every month at noon and 7 p.m., skipping July and August. The next web seminar, "Timber Taxation," occurs on Tuesday, November 11 at noon and 7 p.m. Future topics include: oil, gas, and mineral leasing; harvesting; timber sales and markets; wildlife habitat; invasive insects; succession planning; invasive plants; forest management and regeneration; and water resources on your forestland. Each session will be recorded and loaded onto the Web Seminar Center along with a copy of the presentation and any handouts. So, if you are unable to participate in the "live" session, a recording of it will be available for you to view at your convenience. Of course, none of the interactive elements will be available when watching the recording. To participate in the live seminars you must register and have a "Friend of Penn State" userID. The "Register Now" page on the website will walk you through this process. The seminars will be viewed online at what is referred to as a meeting area. It is simply a web page, with a unique web address, that allows you to view, listen to, and interact with a live seminar. At the on-line meeting area you can view and hear the presentation and ask questions using the chat feature. Presentations will usually last about an hour, though sometimes questions can run long. To view live and previously recorded seminars you will need a high-speed Internet connection and sound. Participation in the web seminar does not require any special software. To view the upcoming seminars schedule and to register to take part in the live seminars, visit http://rnrext.cas.psu.edu/PAForestWeb/. We look forward to having you join these discussions and learning experiences. "See" you there on November 11. Peter J. Smallidge NYS Extension Forester and Director, Arnot Teaching and Research Forest Cornell University 116 Fernow Hall Ithaca, NY 14853 607-592-3640 voice (cell) 607-255-2815 fax www.ForestConnect.info www.CornellMaple.info www.ArnotForest.info -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://mailman.informe.org/pipermail/maineloggers/attachments/20081104/2766eaa2/attachment.html From Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov Thu Nov 6 05:23:56 2008 From: Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov (Lord, Gregory R.) Date: Thu, 6 Nov 2008 05:23:56 -0500 Subject: [maineloggers] maineloggers - November 6, 2008 Message-ID: REMINDER - RSVP REQUIRED LOGGER/TRUCKER CONGRESS - MARK YOUR CALENDARS! This is your chance to weigh in on the future of the logging and forest products trucking industries. Please join us for dinner and conversation. WHAT IS THE LOGGER/TRUCKER CONGRESS? The purpose of the Logger/Trucker Congress is to help secure the forest products supply chain by seeking grassroots involvement in developing recommendations to strengthen the logging and forest products trucking community. "Strengthening the logging and forest products trucking community" means: (1) that Maine has adequate harvesting and trucking capacity to continue to harvest and transport 15-20 million green tons of wood annually to various markets through variable weather and ground conditions; (2) that loggers and truckers and their workers are profitable in their businesses to assure their continued economic viability; and (3) that Maine's social conditions, educational programs, and economic development and business support programs support continued recruitment into the logging and trucking industries at replacement level. We'll discuss these issues over dinner (provided). To help you prepare for the discussion, please give some thought to this question - For each of the three issues identified above, what are the: Strengths that exist now - Things that need to be maintained? Strains / Problems / Barriers - Opportunities for improvement? Solutions that address specific problems? WHEN AND WHERE: Monday, 17 November: Lincoln, Timber House Restaurant, 1 Fleming Street Tuesday, 18 November: Houlton - Courtyard Caf?, 59 Main Street Thursday, 20 November: Fort Kent - Swamp Buck Restaurant, 250 W Main Street Monday, 08 December: Ellsworth - Jaspers Restaurant & Motel, 200 High Street Tuesday, 09 December: Farmington - Homestead Bakery Restaurant, 186 Broadway Monday, 15 December: Gray - Cole Farms Restaurant, 64 Lewiston Rd All Congresses start at 5:00 p.m., with dinner served at 6:00 p.m. We will end by 9:00 p.m. PLEASE RSVP TO AUSILIA EVANS: 688-8195 OR ausilia at tcnef.org PLEASE NOTE: Space is limited to the first 40 signups. QUESTIONS? Sandy Brawders, Professional Logging Contractors of Maine, 834-3835 or brawders at aol.com; or, Donald Mansius, Maine Forest Service, 287-4906 or donald.j.mansius at maine.gov -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://mailman.informe.org/pipermail/maineloggers/attachments/20081106/04e483dc/attachment.html From Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov Fri Nov 7 06:38:49 2008 From: Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov (Lord, Gregory R.) Date: Fri, 7 Nov 2008 06:38:49 -0500 Subject: [maineloggers] maineloggers - November 7, 2008 Message-ID: The Forest Resources Association Northeast Region NEW HAMPSHIRE NORTH COUNTRY INDUSTRIAL FORESTRY FORUM MEETING ANNOUNCEMENT WHEN: Thursday, November 13, 2008 WHERE: Northland Restaurant, Berlin, NH TIME: 5:30 - 6:15 PM Social "Hour" 6:15 - 7:00 PM Buffet Dinner 7:00 - 8:30 PM Guest Speakers COST: FRA Members - $20 Non-members - $30 Students - $15 with valid ID Payable at the door by cash, check, or credit card Need a minimum of 15 to attend this Forum! Pre-registration is required to assure an accurate head count for meals. TOPIC: North Country Wood Energy Update Guest Speaker: * Mel Liston, Clean Power Development Clean Power Development is proposing construction of a new 25 megawatt bio-energy plant in Berlin, NH. The plant would directly employ about 24 people and create up to 150 jobs in the forest products and trucking industries. Invite a friend to the Forum! Need a minimum of 15 to attend this Forum! Pre-registration is required to assure an accurate head count for meals. Please e-mail or fax this response form by Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2008 to: Forest Resources Association, Jswan93426 at aol.com or FAX: 866-437-7252 Questions? Contact Joel Swanton at 207-745-2435 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------ FRA/NHTOA November 13, 2008 NEW HAMPSHIRE INDUSTRIAL FORESTRY FORUM PRE-REGISTRATION RESPONSE FORM Name(s) of People attending: ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ _________ Company: ________________________________________________________________________ ____ Phone: _______________________ The Industrial Forestry Forum is open to everyone and FRA membership is encouraged but not required. Meals can be purchased at the door with check, cash or credit card. For more information, please contact Joel Swanton at (207)-745-2435 or jswan93426 at aol.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://mailman.informe.org/pipermail/maineloggers/attachments/20081107/37067289/attachment.html From Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov Fri Nov 7 13:15:31 2008 From: Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov (Lord, Gregory R.) Date: Fri, 7 Nov 2008 13:15:31 -0500 Subject: [maineloggers] maineloggers - November 7, 2008 - SUPPLEMENT Message-ID: 2006 - 2007 Report on Maine Forestry Best Management Practices Use and Effectiveness is now available The 2006-2007 report on Maine's Forestry Best Management Practices Use and Effectiveness in now available for download from the Maine Forest Service website http://www.state.me.us/doc/mfs/pubs.htm#bmp_rpt_06_07. This report shows a continued high level of BMP use on Maine's Timber harvests, despite the challenging conditions of the past couple of years. If you are interested in receiving a printed copy of the report please contact Keith Kanoti at (207) 287-1073 or at keith.kanoti at maine.gov -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://mailman.informe.org/pipermail/maineloggers/attachments/20081107/995585ba/attachment.html From Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov Wed Nov 19 11:52:51 2008 From: Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov (Lord, Gregory R.) Date: Wed, 19 Nov 2008 11:52:51 -0500 Subject: [maineloggers] maineloggers - November 19, 2008 Message-ID: Eastbrook Landowners Fined for Forest Practices Rule Violations Contact: Paul Larrivee, 624-3706 AUGUSTA, ME - The Maine Forest Service, Maine Department of Conservation, announced today the settlement of violations of the state's forest practices rules on land owned by Tree Top Manufacturing Inc. and WGJ Maine Properties LLC. The violations resulted from harvesting by Tree Top Manufacturing Inc. of Ellsworth on a parcel of land in the town of Eastbrook in Hancock County. Harvest operations on the 1,400-acre parcel resulted in unplanned 68- and 71-acre clearcuts that did not have harvest plans prepared by a licensed forester prior to harvest as required by the state's forest practices rules governing the size, arrangement, and management of clearcuts. In the settlement agreement, Tree Top Manufacturing Inc. agreed to pay a $3,000 civil penalty. Both Tree Top Manufacturing and WGJ Maine Properties admitted responsibility for the violation. "To make them effective as deterrent, penalties for forest practices rule violations are intended to remove the financial benefit obtained through such violations," Maine Forest Service Director Alec Giffen noted. Regional Enforcement Coordinator Paul Larrivee said that Tree Top Manufacturing officials told the Maine Forest Service that they did not intend to create a clearcut. "Tree Top Manufacturing was very cooperative and took full responsibility for the violation," Larrivee said. "They have taken steps to reduce the likelihood of a repeat violation." A licensed forester already has prepared after-the-fact harvest plans to comply with the state's forest practice rules. "These types of violations often result from inadequate harvest planning by the landowner and logging contractor," Larrivee continued. "When landowners harvest to the minimum requirements of the forest practices rules but fail to leave enough of the right trees, it can result in the unintentional creation of clearcuts and rule violations." "Our goal is to improve the management of Maine's forests," Giffen said. "Our agency focuses 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 and to enforce the state's forest practices rules," the MFS director said. "We take this and our other responsibilities very seriously." The investigation and settlement negotiations were carried out by Maine Forest Service foresters and rangers. ########## Farmington Landowner Fined for Forest Practices Act Violation Contact: Paul Larrivee, 624-3706 AUGUSTA, Maine - The Maine Forest Service, Maine Department of Conservation, announced today the settlement of violations of the state's forest practices rules on land owned by Tracy Gordon. The violations resulted from harvesting on a parcel of land in the town of Farmington in Franklin County. Harvest operations resulted in a 44-acre parcel clear cut that did not have an adequate separation zone or a harvest plan prepared by a Licensed Forester prior to the harvest as required by the state's forest practices rules governing the size, arrangement, and management of clear cuts. In the settlement agreement, Gordon agreed to pay a $4,000.00 civil penalty. "To make them effective as deterrents, penalties for forest practices rule violations are intended to remove the financial benefit obtained through such violations," Maine Forest Service Director Alec Giffen noted. Regional Enforcement Coordinator Paul Larrviee stated that Gordon told the Maine Forest Service that he did not intend to create a clear cut. "Mr. Gordon was very cooperative and took full responsibility for the violation," Larrivee said. "He has taken steps to reduce the likelihood of a repeat violation. "These types of violations often result from inadequate harvest planning and supervision," Larrivee continued. "Landowners should seek professional assistance from a Licensed Forester and employ a timber sale contract to insure that harvests meet the landowners' objectives. When landowners harvest to the minimum requirements of the Forest Practices Act but fail to leave enough of the right trees, it can result in the unintentional creation of clear cuts and forest practices rule violations." "Our goal is to improve the management of Maine's forests," Giffen said. "Our agency focuses 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." The FPA investigation and settlement negotiations were carried out by Maine Forest Service foresters and rangers. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://mailman.informe.org/pipermail/maineloggers/attachments/20081119/32e313a6/attachment.html From Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov Thu Nov 20 10:44:39 2008 From: Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov (Lord, Gregory R.) Date: Thu, 20 Nov 2008 10:44:39 -0500 Subject: [maineloggers] maineloggers - November 20, 2008 Message-ID: 130 Maine Foresters Attend Forester's Institute The Maine Forest Service recently held two successful Forester's Institutes. Over 130 Maine Licensed Foresters attended "Challenges and Opportunities for Managing Maine's Forest Insects and Diseases" in Augusta and Bangor. These Institutes provide professional training for Maine's forestry professionals who play a vital role in the health and sustainability of Maine's forests. One forester remarked, "The Forester's Institute is an excellent idea, long overdue, well done, and welcomed by the profession. Thank you for providing such a valuable service to the state and Maine Licensed Foresters - excellent!" MFS Forest Pathologist Bill Ostrofsky and Forest Entomologist Charlene Donahue, both part of the Division of Forest Health & Monitoring were featured speakers. The Maine Forest Service's Division of Forest Health & Monitoring was established in 1921 to protect the forest, shade and ornamental tree resources of the state from significant insect and disease damage and to provide pest management and damage prevention for homeowners, municipalities, and forest land owners and managers, thereby preserving the overall health of Maine's forest resources. Note: In October the Maine Forest Service launched a new series of educational programs for Maine Licensed Foresters. Called the Forester's Institute, its objectives are to provide topical and interactive sessions for Maine Licensed Foresters, delivered on a regular schedule at low or no cost. Six subjects will be offered each year - the same material repeated in successive months in both locations. Due to budget considerations workshops will be announced via MFS Foresters and Woods Wise list serves and will be posted on our website. The next institute is one of the most requested topics by Maine Licensed Foresters - Maine Timber Harvesting Laws. These will be offered as follows: Date Topic Location Time January 22, 2009 Maine Timber Harvesting Laws Pine Tree State Arboretum, Augusta 8:30 - noon February 18, 2009 Maine Timber Harvesting Laws Bangor Motor Inn, Bangor 8:30 - noon March 18, 2009 Maine Timber Harvesting Laws DOC Northern Region Headquarters, Ashland 8:30 - noon To register for Maine Timber Harvesting Laws, go to: http://www.maine.gov/doc/mfs/fpm/forester_institute/workshop_reg.html. You may also register by calling the Maine Forest Service at 207-287- 2791 or 1-800-367-0223. For more information: contact Kevin D. Doran, Natural Science Educator, Email: kevin.doran at maine.gov Phone: 207-287-4988. To receive Foresters' Institute email announcements, please sign up for the forester's list serve by emailing Greg Lord at gregory.r.lord at maine.gov or visit our website at http://www.maineforestservice.gov and under Featured Links (right side of web page) follow the link to the Foresters Institute The Mission of the Maine Forest Service is to effectively and efficiently plan for and oversee the management of Maine's 17.5 million acres of forest lands to conserve, protect, and enhance the state's unique character and forest-based economy, while facilitating sustainable use of the forest's resources. (12 MRSA ? 8003). Visit the Maine Forest Service's web site ( http://www.maineforestservice.gov ) for more information on our programs and services. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://mailman.informe.org/pipermail/maineloggers/attachments/20081120/14ae4bac/attachment.html From Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov Tue Nov 25 04:53:49 2008 From: Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov (Lord, Gregory R.) Date: Tue, 25 Nov 2008 04:53:49 -0500 Subject: [maineloggers] maineloggers - November 25, 2008 Message-ID: Introducing the Watershed Forestry Resource Guide A free webinar hosted by the USDA Forest Service Norteastern Area and the Center for Watershed Protection REGISTER NOW DATE: December 2, 2008 TIME: 12-1 EST 11am- 12 CST 10-11am MST 9-10:00am PST The Center for Watershed Protection and the USDA Forest Service Northeastern Area are pleased to announce the upcoming launch of the Watershed Forestry Resource Guide, a new online resource for all things related to forests and their role in watershed and stormwater management. This website contains pages specific to Forest Planning and Assessment; Reducing Stormwater Runoff; Forest-Friendly Development; and Planting and Maintaining Trees. Whether you are an engineer needing information on using forests to provide stormwater treatment, or an urban planner working towards an urban tree canopy goal, this site will equip you with all the fact sheets, slideshows, how-to videos, training exercises, research papers, reports and essential websites you will need. Key topics to be covered: * An introduction to basic concepts in watershed forestry * A quick tour of the Watershed Forestry Resource Guide * Time for questions and feedback on the site Speakers: Karen Cappiella, Center for Watershed Protection and Al Todd, USDA Forest Service To register for this webinar, please visit: http://tinyurl.com/62wmxl -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://mailman.informe.org/pipermail/maineloggers/attachments/20081125/c3f3ad3e/attachment.html From Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov Wed Nov 26 09:08:04 2008 From: Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov (Lord, Gregory R.) Date: Wed, 26 Nov 2008 09:08:04 -0500 Subject: [maineloggers] maineloggers - November 26, 2008 Message-ID: The Lammert Report I have used the term "moisture content " in many articles and have been asked to explain what moisture content is and why it is so important in drying firewood for optimum heat value. Tree needles and leaves need moisture to make the photosynthetic process work. The roots absorb the moisture from the ground and send it up the stem to the leaves. In the spring and summer when trees are growing at their maximum, a tree can be up to 50 percent moisture by weight. In the fall when growing stops and the leaves fall from hardwoods, the moisture content is reduced. This lower moisture content is why winter cut firewood dries faster than trees cut during the growing season. On occasion, one might see trees felled on the edge of a field lying on the ground with the branches still attached. Over the course of a month or so, the sun will pull the moisture out of the leaves which turn brown, This drying in turn pulls some of the moisture out of the branches and stem of the tree. This method of seasoning works to some extent but the resulting wood is not as moisture free as winter cut stems. I have never seen statistics on the moisture content of winter cut wood but based on little moisture in the stem, it could be as low as 30 to 35% moisture content. The moisture content of wood cut at different times of the year varies. The drier the wood is when cut, the less time it will take to properly "season" it. Seasoning or drying of firewood is a function of the air temperature where the wood is piled, how it is piled, the amount of, and the moisture content of, the air passing by the wood and lastly, based on the previous conditions, the length of time needed to get the free water out of the cells that comprise the wood being dried. When there is no free water remaining inside the cells, then the wood, composed of those cells, can be considered "dry." So the drying of wood can be expressed as "T cubed "or the Temperature, Turbulence or wind flow, and the amount of Time needed based on the prior Ts values. As an example, if green wood ( 50% moisture content +/- ) is cut to length and stacked so that the prevailing air flow can pass by the ends of the pieces in the pile ( depending on species, wood dries from 7 to 15 times faster from the ends as compared to the split faces ) and the temperature gets up to 90 degrees and no moisture falls on the wood in the form of rain or dew, and the wind occasionally gets up to 25 MPH, then this pile of wood will dry in about 3 months time. This is what I would call truly "seasoned wood" If you increase the wind flow or the temperature or both while keeping the wood from being rained upon, you can shorten the drying time considerably, One firewood dry kiln operation that I am familiar with can dry mixed hardwood (no red oak) in three days with the kiln he built. For mixed wood with oak in it, four days in the kiln are needed. But back to the question first posed: what is moisture content? Moisture content is determined by the combination of air temperature and relative humidity in the area where the wood is being dried. When wood is left to dry outside for a long time (like many years ) in a covered but not enclosed situation, there comes a time when your moisture meter would show no loss or gain in moisture in the wood. This point is known as the Equilibrium Moisture Content or EMC. From a table I have from University of Maine's School of Forest Resources Technical Notes No. 75- Determining the Moisture Content of Firewood by my friend and retired U Maine professor Richard Hale; he gives interesting statistics for Maine. Believe it or not, the lowest EMC of the year, 13.7 %, is in April when the average temperature is 42 degrees and the relative humidity is 72 %. In June, with the temperature at 62 degrees and the relative humidity at 75 %, the EMC rises to 14.4. The increase in the EMC peaks in December at 15.5 when the average air temperature is 21 degrees and the Relative Humidity at 76. A dry cellar with an average temperature and relative humidity of 50 degrees over time yields an EMC of 9.4 A house, heated to 65 degrees with a relative humidity of 35 %, would over time yield an EMC of 7.1 %. This dryness is why cracks in the woodwork open up in the winter and close in the summer. The low EMC in April is from the gusty spring winds and "relatively" dry weather. Later on, summer rains and morning dews increase the EMC. A note of caution, do not put fitted green wood in a closed space like your cellar without supplemental air flow. The excess moisture will harm items in the cellar and the wood may mold where it is. Remember the Three Ts? Wood needs turbulence or air flow to dry. Unless cellar windows and doors are left open, green wood piled in the cellar is a mistake. The drier your firewood is, the more BTUs you will get from a pound of wood. If the wood is green, the fire under the green wood will waste between 9 and 15 % of the heat value driving off the moisture that the flames first reach. After some moisture is driven off, in the form of steam or brown foam coming out of the ends of the stick that is trying to ignite, the stick will give off smoke which contains about 203 different compounds the resultant mix of which will form creosote in your chimney. When enough smoke is burned from the piece, it actively burns but only after wasting about half (if the wood was green ) of its BTU value. If you are new to wood burning, take the advice of the old wood burners. Get your wood in a year in advance. Buy winter cut wood and fit it up and stack it, with just a roof over it, outside. The following year, before the next load comes, put that wood under cover and let it dry that second summer. Come fall you will have firewood with, what you will discover, is extraordinary heating value all because you dried it properly. I would be glad to send you a copy of Professor Hale's Wood Drying Note. Call me at 624-3729 Maker of Fine Wood Ash Since 1954 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://mailman.informe.org/pipermail/maineloggers/attachments/20081126/6a5579df/attachment.html From Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov Fri Dec 5 08:53:13 2008 From: Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov (Lord, Gregory R.) Date: Fri, 5 Dec 2008 08:53:13 -0500 Subject: [maineloggers] maineloggers - December 5, 2008 Message-ID: Maine loggers use best practices to protect state water quality Dec. 3, 2008 Contact: Jeanne Curran (207) 287-3156 Augusta, ME - Most Maine loggers are using best logging practices to protect the state's water quality, according to a Maine Forest Service report issued in November. A survey of 250 randomly chosen timber harvest sites shows that in 2006 and 2007, more than three-quarters of Maine loggers are using "best management practices" (BMPs) - or appropriate logging methods - to protect water quality at their harvest sites. The survey results indicate that most Maine loggers are highly conscientious about using BMPs, even under difficult weather and climate conditions, and are working cooperatively with the Maine Forest Service to protect water quality and wetland areas in Maine's forests. "Maine loggers hold themselves to the highest standards in protecting and using one of the state's most precious resources," Commissioner Patrick K. McGowan of the Maine Department of Conservation, said. "This survey confirms in hard data what we already know from the professionalism shown throughout the industry, that they respect Maine's great forestlands." "The vast majority of loggers in Maine are professionals and care about what they do," Keith Kanoti, MFS water resource forester, said. "They recognize the importance of monitoring water quality on timber harvests. They understand the importance of using BMPs." Kanoti said the survey shows "there's a real partnership between us and the logging industry." The efforts being made by Maine loggers also help the industry avoid the implementation of stricter federal regulations, he said. "We really appreciate the fact that the Maine Forest Service is doing the monitoring of BMP implementation," Pat Sirois, director of the Maine Sustainable Forestry Initiative, an organization that sets standards for forest management, said. "The monitoring report is an important tool for those involved with SFI and other initiatives to support our continuous improvement process. Water quality is identified as a specific objective within the SFI standard. The monitoring information helps us assess our progress and identify areas we need to focus on through our extensive education efforts." The 2008 data currently is being compiled and will be released at the beginning of next year, Kanoti said. Under mandates from the state Legislature and the federal Clean Water Act, the forest service began monitoring water quality on timber harvests in 2000. In 2005, the Maine Forest Service began using a new scientific method, or protocol, for surveying harvest sites. The method, using scientific observation rather than anecdotal reports, was developed by MFS in cooperation with the USDA Forest Service and has been adopted by several other states in the northeast, Kanoti said. "We were really the leader in developing the protocol," Kanoti said. "It's an objective way to monitor conditions." The protocol uses a repeatable scientific process to assess areas at high risk of sedimentation in streams, lakes and wetlands. Timber harvesting has the potential to create sedimentation, or soil movement from woods to water areas, which damages water quality, Kanoti explained. In the past, sedimentation has caused serious problems, affecting drinking water, fish habitat and recreational use of water areas, he said. The new measuring protocol compares new data to previous data and focuses on critical areas where sedimentation could occur on harvest sites, such as roads or skidder trails that cross streams. The sites are examined for such things as gullies, ruts, and rills in the ground, for the quantity of sediment in streams and for the use of BMPs, Kanoti said. The protocol uses a large set of factors that are based on scientific definitions and measurements, he said. In 2004, the Maine Forest Service and industry partners developed a manual, Best Management Practices for Forestry: Protecting Maine's Water Quality, outlining the best logging practices for protecting water quality. Water quality, the manual defines, refers to the characteristics of water in nature that support life, and the small book outlines fundamental BMP principles and procedures for protecting it. All Maine loggers who have had training by organizations, including Certified Logging Professional, Qualified Logging Professional and the Master Logger Certification Program are familiar with the practices, which are "widely distributed throughout the state," Kanoti said. "They are not laws or regulations; they are recommendations that, when implemented properly, will help protect water quality on timber harvests," the forester said. For example, the manual recommends building a water bar, or a mound of dirt, to divert water off a road to the forest floor. Taking the time to carefully plan a harvest, such as picking the right time of year based on the site, is another BMP, he said. "We always want people to think about how water is moving around on the timber harvest," Kanoti said. "Monitoring tells us the story." Every year for the past three years, the MFS has picked harvest sites at random, and in cooperation with landowners and loggers, to monitor for water quality. The MFS's 10 district foresters go out and examine the selected sites, Kanoti said. For the 2006-2007 season, 250 sites, representing large and smaller land owners, were selected and monitored, he said. Of those sites, 77 percent had properly implemented BMPs; 4 percent had no BMPs implemented; 19 percent had some BMPs implemented or had not implemented them adequately. Of the sites with properly implemented BMPs, 87 percent "had no sediment reaching the streams," Kanoti reported. "Most loggers are implementing some form of BMP," the forester said. "The majority of timber harvests are having BMPs properly implemented. Most of the timber harvests are not impacting water quality negatively." Kanoti pointed out that for the last two years, loggers also have had to face difficult climate challenges. The amount of rain and the winter conditions have added to challenge of implementing adequate BMPs, he said. "It's been a tough time to operate responsibly," Kanoti said. "We see, however, that most loggers are doing this. The monitoring protocol gives us the data to back this up." The survey data is provided both to industry members and to the federal EPA, Kanoti said. By voluntarily gathering and using the survey data, the industry also avoids the implementation of federal harvesting regulations, Kanoti said. "Most good timber harvests are invisible to the public," Kanoti concluded. "The stuff that sticks out is the bad stuff. Maine loggers are doing a good job under really tough conditions." For more information, go to: http://www.state.me.us/doc/mfs -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://mailman.informe.org/pipermail/maineloggers/attachments/20081205/0460e72a/attachment.html From Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov Tue Dec 16 13:57:26 2008 From: Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov (Lord, Gregory R.) Date: Tue, 16 Dec 2008 13:57:26 -0500 Subject: [maineloggers] maineloggers - December 16, 2008 Message-ID: Mobile Command Vehicle Date: Dec 15, 2008 On November 18th, 2008, Forest Fire Supervisors from the Northeast Forest Fire Protection Compact's (NFFPC) operations committee received a tour and demonstration of the Maine Forest Service's newly acquired Mobile Command Vehicle (MCV). The Forest Fire Supervisors were in Augusta for an operational meeting with Division Director Bill Williams and received a briefing on the MCV from two Maine Forest Service District Rangers. The vehicle was manufactured in 2003 and was acquired through the Maine Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) earlier this year. It was originally made available through Federal Homeland Security funds and despite current state budget restrictions, allows the Maine Forest Service to improve its capacity to manage large incidents. The MCV is set up with several computers and video monitors, two satellite systems and three types of radio communications equipment. It has two separate workspace areas and the outside of the vehicle features a large screen monitor and public address system that can be used for briefings. The Maine Forest Service has nearly finished setting up the vehicle so it can function as a command center on large disasters ranging from large wildfires to "all-risk" incidents including floods, ice / snow storms and hurricanes. If it wasn't being utilized in Maine, it could possibly be loaned to other members of the NFFFC. The NFFPC was formed in 1949 as a result of the 1947 forest fires in Maine, which burned over 200, 000 acres. Stateside members of the "Compact" include Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island and New York. Canadian members include New Brunswick, Quebec, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador. Additional members include the New England National Forests, managed by the USDA Forest Service. Maine provides a vital role in the NFFPC by sharing resources such as personnel and equipment with other members. The Compact functions as a regional mutual aid group and also works to offset specialized training costs by combining training. Associated links: www.maineforestservice.gov www.NFFPC.org Department of Conservation Newsletter WELCOME ... to the first edition of the Maine Department of Conservation newsletter! We intend to make this a regular publication, appearing every two weeks or so, to keep you informed about all the things that we do at the MDOC. The department consists of four bureaus: the Bureau of Parks and Lands; the Maine Forest Service; the Bureau of Geology and Natural Areas; and the Land Use Regulation Commission. (complete newsletter is attached) <> Maine Seeks Nominations for Big Trees Maine, more than any other state in the country, is blessed with trees, and the Maine Forest Service, Maine Department of Conservation, is looking for the largest specimens. Nominations for the 2009/2010 Maine Register of Big Trees can be submitted through December 31, 2008. Since 1968, the Maine Forest Service has been compiling a list of the largest known specimens of native and naturalized trees in Maine. The 2007/2008 Register contains 160 trees, representing 150 species. Of these, the Maine Forest Service has been notified that five are dead, including the National Champion Tamarack, located in Township13 Range 8. State champion big trees capture our imagination for their size and strength. There is more to a champion than just its size, however. They are symbols of all the good work that trees do for the quality of the environment and our quality of life. Big trees provide more cooling shade and more places for wildlife to perch and nest. They sequester more carbon dioxide, trap more pollutants, and purify more water. To determine if a tree is a champion, the Maine Forest Service gives each tree a score based on a formula that adds circumference in inches, height in feet, and one-quarter of the crown spread. In addition to 160 state champions, Maine also has two trees that are national champions; the Eastern white pine, located in Morrill - total points 379, and the bigtooth aspen, located in Appleton - total points 238. For more information on Maine's Register of Big Trees and to receive a copy of the 2009-2010 Register (when published), contact Jan Santerre, Big Tree Coordinator, at the Maine Forest Service, 22 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333 or call 1-800-367-0223. The register also can be viewed by visiting the Project Canopy website: http://projectcanopy.maine.gov -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://mailman.informe.org/pipermail/maineloggers/attachments/20081216/7c44ed7b/attachment-0001.html -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: conservation_newsletter_1.pdf Type: application/octet-stream Size: 397779 bytes Desc: conservation_newsletter_1.pdf Url : http://mailman.informe.org/pipermail/maineloggers/attachments/20081216/7c44ed7b/conservation_newsletter_1-0001.obj From Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov Tue Dec 30 06:12:49 2008 From: Gregory.R.Lord at maine.gov (Lord, Gregory R.) Date: Tue, 30 Dec 2008 06:12:49 -0500 Subject: [maineloggers] maineloggers - December 30, 2008 Message-ID: Building the Carbon Markets to Improve Forest Management Markets for carbon emissions, normally measured in metric tons of CO2 emissions or their equivalent in other gases, are created when companies are required to, or voluntarily agree to, limit their emissions. Emitters buy carbon allowances when it is cheaper for them to so than it is to reduce their emissions. Emitters sell allowances when they can reduce their emissions more cheaply than what the allowances are worth. Allowing trading in carbon allowances spurs creativity and reduces the overall cost of reducing atmospheric greenhouse gases. The global markets for carbon allowances are expected to be worth more than $100 billion by the end of the year, and if the US adopts an emissions cap-and-trade scheme, more than 3 trillion by 2020 - one of the largest commodity markets in the world. Beyond reducing atmospheric greenhouse gas levels, cap-and-trade programs, and the markets for carbon allowances and offsets which result, present an opportunity to improve forest management, provide a new revenue stream for landowners; and hence, an additional incentive for keeping forests as forests. The benefits to forests could be achieved either through offset projects, or by using the proceeds from the sale of carbon allowances (essentially permits to emit carbon) to support programs which promote keeping forests as forests and forest management which sequesters additional carbon when compared with business-as-usual management. The last session of Congress considered several bills that would have established a national cap-and-trade program, and President-Elect Obama has indicated his support for dealing effectively with climate change through such a program. The Maine Forest Service has been in the forefront of state, regional, and national discussions about how to capitalize on the opportunities that forests present for reducing atmospheric greenhouse gas levels. For more on this topic, go to the MFS website at http://www.maine.gov/doc/mfs/mfs/topics/carbon/. ########## Forest Rangers Discover Water Quality Violation in Steuben On December 5th, 2008, Forest Rangers from the Department of Conservation, Maine Forest Service, Forest Protection Division found what they are calling a serious water quality violation in the Washington County town of Steuben. Ranger Courtney Hammond of Jonesboro found an illegal water crossing on a timber harvest off Dyer Bay Road. He came across the violation while leading an investigation of timber trespass on an adjacent woodlot. As Ranger Hammond conducted his inspection of the timber trespass, he observed a skidder trail which led directly to a stream. Upon closer inspection, it appeared that a skidder had driven through the stream several times and allowed large amounts of sediment to enter the water and travel downstream. Soon after, Ranger Hammond observed the skidder pulling a twitch of wood across and through the stream, causing further damage. Forest Rangers found muddy water downstream from a logging operation in Steuben. District Ranger Jeff Currier, who was with Ranger Hammond on the investigation, stopped the skidder after it crossed the stream, and ordered the operator to cease using the crossing, telling the operator that it was a clear violation of state law. Maine law prohibits logging or construction activities that cause displaced soil to wash into a protected natural resource. According to the Rangers, the siltation continued all the way down to the tidal water. The skidder driver complied with the order immediately and discontinued using that skid trail. Before leaving the site, the Rangers offered suggestions to avoid stream crossings in the future. By installing temporary skidder bridges and working with a licensed forester (who could pre-plan skid trails that avoid stream crossings) water quality violations can be avoided. The Rangers then contacted the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to request an investigator inspect the violation and determine what remedial steps might be taken to prevent further damage. Jim Beyer, an investigator with the DEP's Bureau of Land and Water Quality office in Bangor joined Ranger Hammond at the Steuben site and agreed that it was a serious violation. It is likely that DEP will file charges against the logging contractor. Maine's Forest Rangers enforce rules and regulations relating to timber harvesting and routinely conduct joint investigations with the Department of Environmental Protection. Last year, Maine's 57 Forest Rangers conducted over 30,000 inspections across Maine while enforcing laws dealing with the forest and forest preservation. These inspections include looking for and preventing water quality, clearcutting, timber theft and trespass, litter and other environmental law violations. Contact information: Kent Nelson, Maine Forest Service, 287-4989 District Ranger Jeff Currier, 441-2580 ########## FRA MAINE INDUSTRIAL FORESTRY FORUM MEETING ANNOUNCEMENT >From Forest Resources Association Inc. WHEN: Thursday, Jan. 8, 2009 WHERE: Jeff's Catering, Brewer, Maine TIME: PLEASE NOTE EARLY STARTING TIME 3:30 - 4:00 PM Registration 4:00 - 5:30 PM Equipment Presentations 5:30 - 6:15 PM Social "Hour" 6:15 - 6:45 PM Buffet Dinner 6:45 - 7:15 PM Outstanding Logger Award 7:15 - 8:45 PM Equipment Presentations COST: FRA Members - $20 Non-members - $30 Students - $15 with valid ID Payable at the door. We anticipate a large turnout. Pre-registration is required to assure an accurate head count for meals! TOPICS: FORESTRY EQUIPMENT UPDATE - The Latest And Greatest In Wood Energy Production Equipment decisions are critical to any operation. Following last year's successful program, at this month's Forum area equipment dealers will share news on the latest developments and what's coming for equipment that can help make your operation more successful, specifically highlighting those products related to wood energy production (harvest systems, chippers, grinders, etc.) that can economically handle lower value, smaller diameter stems and currently unused, available fiber. Guest Speakers: Bandit / Chadwick-Baross / Milton Cat / Nortrax / Oliver Stores / Tigercat 2008 NORTHEAST REGION OUTSTANDING LOGGER PRESENTATION Anthony Madden, A.W. Madden Inc., Milford, ME Tony Madden comes from a family with four generations of logging experience. After starting with his father's operation, he formed his own company in 1980. Tony has built his business into a versatile, well respected operation that excels in safety, forest management and running the business. Please join us to learn more about his operation as FRA and Stihl, Inc. honor A. W. Madden, Inc. with the 2008 NE Region Outstanding Logger Award. Thanks to our local equipment dealers for generously underwriting this January Forum. We anticipate a large turnout. Pre-registration is required to assure an accurate head count for meals! Please e-mail or fax this response form by Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2009 to: Forest Resources Association, Jswan93426 at aol.com or FAX: 866-437-7252 Questions? Contact Joel Swanton at 207-745-2435 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------ FRA Jan. 8, 2009 MAINE INDUSTRIAL FORESTRY FORUM PRE-REGISTRATION RESPONSE FORM Name(s) of people attending: ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ Company: _______________________________________ Phone: __________________________________________ -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://mailman.informe.org/pipermail/maineloggers/attachments/20081230/2fe9fda2/attachment-0001.html -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... 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