Sustainable Forestlands

In 2022, the 1-year growth-to-removal ratio fell by 4% to 1.51 but remained above the sustainability goal.

Overview

Sustainable forestry supports Maine’s economy, environment, and quality of life, and well-planned forest management activities can help address issues related to forest health, climate change, and other factors affecting forest conditions.

The sustainable management of Maine’s forests is measured by the 10-year growth-to-removal ratio of timber by volume (not acreage). A net growth value above one means growth exceeded removals, and a value below one means removals exceeded growth. In 2022, the ten-year growth-to-removal ratio fell 4% to 1.51 but remained sustainable. Net timber volume growth has exceeded removals over the past decade. In other words, Maine has been growing more wood volume than it has been harvesting. That was not the case in the previous two decades.

Forests cover nearly 90% of Maine’s land area. Private entities and individuals own 92% of forested acreage, with much of it accessible to the public. Forests provide habitat for wildlife, help protect air and water quality, offer recreational opportunities, and supply raw materials for products ranging from paper to building materials to alternative fuels.

Fig. A

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Timberland Growth-to-Removal Ratio

Source: Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry