Maine Forest Service report highlights effectiveness of forestry practices that protect water quality

AUGUSTA, Maine, October 1, 2026 - A new Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Maine Forest Service (MFS) report underscores the effectiveness of environmentally friendly practices during timber harvesting. Released Oct. 1, the "Maine Forestry Best Management Practices Use and Effectiveness Data Summary" draws on hundreds of observations at timber harvesting sites across Maine. This MFS study shows how forestry and timber industry professionals use recommended practices statewide. It also demonstrates that the risk to waterbodies greatly increases when they are improperly applied. These measures, called Best Management Practices (BMP), are voluntarily implemented by professionals to help protect water quality in Maine's streams, rivers, lakes, and wetlands. They cover planning and application recommendations for activities such as stream crossings, road construction, and controlling erosion and sediment, the primary pollutants associated with timber harvesting. Maines forest industry has made great strides in protecting water resources in recent decades, said State Forester and MFS Director Patty Cormier . The improvements weve identified through our BMP monitoring pr

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