Maine forest regulations​

As part of the SNA Maine Forestry Program, you can be sure that any forest management conducted on your property will comply with all town, state and federal regulations. Most laws and regulations that apply to forestry in Maine relate to forest practices, natural resource protection and environmental protection.

Forest Practices Act
The Forest Practices Act was designed to promote sustainable forestry in order to protect forest management, forest industries and rural communities in Maine. Primarily, it reduces the threat of liquidation harvesting, where forest harvesting is held to three standards: 1) Standards for Regeneration after clearcuts; 2) Performance Standards for Clearcuts; and 3) Separation Zones. This law also requires notification prior to harvest.

Liquidation Harvesting
This rule was designed to eliminate the practice of liquidation harvesting. The Maine legislature has defined liquidation harvesting as "the purchase of timberland followed by a harvest that removes most or all commercial value in standing timber, without regard for long-term forest management principles, and the subsequent sale or attempted resale of the harvested land within 5 years."

Statewide Standards for Timber Harvesting
This rule was developed to establish statewide standards for timber harvesting and related activities adjacent to water bodies. It was created in order to better protect our public and private resources from degradation to water quality and wildlife habitat.

Maine Natural Resources Protection Act
This act was created to protect certain natural resources in Maine considered to have great significance. The State has defined these natural resources to include: 1) Rivers; and Streams; 2) Great Ponds; 3) Fragile Mountain Areas; 4) Freshwater Wetlands; 5) Significant Wildlife Habitat; 6) Coastal Wetlands; and 7) Coastal Sand Dunes.

U.S. Endangered Species Act Maine Endangered Species Act
The U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA) and the Maine Endangered Species Act (MESA) are designed to protect fish and wildlife species that are in danger of becoming extinct. Species listed have many values (educational, historical, recreational, etc) and are conserved and protected as necessary to maintain and enhance their populations. It is important to be aware that not all species protected on the Maine list are protected by the federal list.

Maine Boundary Line Law

Anyone who authorizes timber harvesting shall clearly mark with flagging or other temporary and visible means any established property lines within 200 feet of an area to be harvested.

Tree Growth Tax Law

The Maine Tree Growth Tax Law provides for the valuation of land that has been classified as forestland on the basis of productivity value, rather than on fair market value. The law is based on Article IX, section 8 of the Maine Constitution that permits such valuation of forestlands for property tax purposes.

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