Bill > LD1529

This bill enhances the protection of late-successional and old-growth forests in Maine by defining these forest types, creating new conservation strategies, and establishing specific protections. The bill defines a late-successional forest as a naturally developed forest stand with minimal human interference, and an old-growth forest as a forest with no visible signs of human activity. It requires the Land for Maine's Future Board to prioritize land acquisition projects that conserve these forest types, specifically targeting projects that protect at least 5 acres with 100-foot buffers and permanently prohibit timber harvesting. The bill also mandates that the Director of the Bureau of Forestry include information about these forest types in annual reports, and directs the Maine Land Use Planning Commission to reclassify undeveloped, high-value lakes into more protective management categories. Most significantly, the bill requires the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry to develop a comprehensive statewide strategy for conserving late-successional and old-growth forests by 2026, which involves soliciting expert input, exploring conservation approaches like voluntary carbon markets and forest practice incentives, and submitting a detailed report with potential legislative recommendations. The overall aim is to preserve and enhance Maine's unique forest ecosystems and their ecological and carbon storage values.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=1529&snum=132