Bill > LD1525

This bill creates a new mechanism for the Maine Bureau of Forestry to support firewood banks, which are organizations that collect and distribute firewood free of charge to individuals and families who need heating assistance. Specifically, the bill allows the bureau to donate timber from public reserved lands to firewood banks under certain conditions, such as having sufficient funds available in the Public Reserved Lands Management Fund, ensuring that harvest and trucking fees are paid or reimbursed, and meeting all existing contractual requirements for the timber harvest. Additionally, the bill requires the Bureau of Forestry to actively promote firewood banks by developing and distributing informational resources, potentially collaborating with the University of Maine System. The bureau must provide public information about firewood bank resources and maintain an online list of all operating firewood banks in the state. This legislation aims to help low-income residents access free firewood for heating during cold months by supporting and raising awareness of firewood bank organizations.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=1525&snum=132