AUGUSTA – State Rep. Maggie O’Neil, D-Saco, introduced a measure on Monday to improve forest policy and encourage stakeholder input by establishing a state Forest Advisory Board.

“Maine forests are an extraordinary asset. They support our forest products industry and contributes to our tourism and outdoor recreation sectors. It also helps clean our air and water, protect biodiversity and mitigate climate change,” said O’Neil. “We can’t take this amazing resource for granted. That means bringing people with diverse perspectives and expertise together to find solutions to the complex challenges that threaten the future of our forests.”

Under LD 993, a 21-member advisory board would be charged with advising the state Bureau of Forestry on policy issues and providing input on the state Forest Action Plan required under federal law. Members would include scientists, policymakers, representatives of forest products industry groups, conservation advocates and others.

“For too long, Maine has only relied on a few voices to shape forest management policies and practices. This puts our workers, industry, environment and region of the state at risk. It’s time for the state to ensure that all the voices in Maine’s forest management process — from small woodland owners, to tribal members and the folks doing the dangerous and grueling work — are heard,” said Senate President Troy Jackson, D-Allagash, a cosponsor of the bill and fifth-generation logger. “By establishing the Maine Forest Advisory Board, we can shine a light on how the decisions regarding forest management are made and ensure that all relevant stakeholders have a voice in this process.”

An estimated 17.6 million acres of Maine land is forested, nearly 90% of the state’s total land area, making it the most forested state in the country. The forest products industry contributes an estimated $8.5 billion and a total of more than 30,000 jobs to Maine’s economy. Maine forests further contribute to the state’s economy and character by offering recreational and tourism opportunities and by providing habitat for Maine’s native plant and animal species.

“Engaging in ongoing dialogue on one of Maine’s most critical and important assets is proactive, prudent and practical. After all, Maine’s 17.5 million acres of forest absorb 60% of the state’s annual greenhouse gas emissions and support the forest products and recreational sector,” said Senator Rick Bennett, R-Androscoggin County, the lead cosponsor of the bill. “We cannot take these benefits for granted.”

Forests act as an important carbon sink, a fact that is increasingly relevant as policymakers seek to combat climate change. While forests already absorb more than half of Maine's annual greenhouse gas emissions, a recent study suggests they could absorb even more.

“While 90% of Maine’s forests are privately owned, their current and future health is of tremendous interest to all of us. Yet many complex dynamics threaten the forest. That’s why we strongly support this legislation,” said Eliza Townsend, Maine conservation policy director for the Appalachian Mountain Club. “We are at a pivotal moment for the future of our planet. If we take action now, we may head off the worst effects of climate change and the collapse of nature. Recognizing the full panoply of values of Maine’s forest is a very modest step in that direction, but an important one.”

“We may ignore problems like biodiversity loss now, but they will still be here in the future, and instead with more impact and damage than there needs to be. You are the decision makers, the ones that need to make the right decision for my generation,” Cole Cochrane of Maine Youth Action told members of the Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Committee.

The committee will hold a work session on the bill in the coming days, at which time committee members will have the opportunity to debate and offer amendments before voting on a recommendation to the full Legislature.

O’Neil sponsored a similar measure in 2021. It earned support in the Legislature but was vetoed by Gov. Janet Mills and ultimately did not become law. A coalition of lawmakers and advocates brought the bill forward again to create a transparent, balanced and accessible public conversation about forest policy.

O’Neil is serving her fourth term in the Maine House. She represents part of Saco and is a member of both the Environment and Natural Resources Committee and the Government Oversight Committee.