Maine’s Sustainable Forestry Initiative sm Program
535 Civic Center Drive
Telephone (207) 622-9288
Augusta, ME 04330
FAX (207) 626-3002
Working to implement and promote sustainable forestry since 1995
August 1, 2013
Dear Sir/Madam,
The Maine Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) Implementation Committee would like to introduce two programs
that may be useful for woodland owners and other members of your community; Maine’s Healthy Forest Program
and Maine’s SFI GOAL program.
Maine’s Healthy Forest Program (MHFP)
Maine’s Family Woodland owners are a changing demographic with many new owners seeking information on
how to manage their newly acquired asset. The Maine Forest Service, Maine’s SFI Program and the Forest
Resources Association have teamed up to develop MHFP specifically aimed to help these family woodland
owners. The goal of MHFP is to provide woodland owners with information that will help them achieve their
goals for their property. To that end, a new web site has been developed that will help guide landowners in their
new forestry endeavor. For more information on Maine’s Healthy Forest Program, go to:
www.mainehealthyforests.org.
Maine’s SFI GOAL Program
The SFI GOAL program is a service that has been available to Maine citizens since 1997. SFI GOAL is a
confidential, toll free hot line established specifically for the purpose of responding to public questions and
concerns regarding forestry and timber harvesting practices in Maine.
Over the years we have fielded calls throughout the entire state on concerns ranging from water quality issues to
visual impacts of a timber harvest. When we receive a call regarding a specific site, we as an industry will respond
by sending forest resource professionals out to investigate.
In the course of responding to SFI GOAL calls we have been able to effectively work with loggers, landowners
and foresters to share techniques and knowledge to encourage the best possible outcomes. Although we, as an
industry, want to respond to challenges, it is important to understand that this is not an enforcement program. The
events we respond to enable SFI to identify problem areas where we can develop education and training programs
that can be delivered to our loggers, foresters and landowners.
Included is a brochure for the 1-888 SFI GOAL program. Please take the time to read it and display it
prominently at a public access point in your office. Please encourage people to call should they have a question
regarding a timber harvest in their area. Our goal is to continually improve forestry and harvesting practices on
the ground.
For more information on the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, go to: www.sfimaine.org.
Also included in this packet is a 2012-2013 Maine SFI Progress report.
Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Pat Sirois,
Program Coordinator, Maine SFI Implementation Committee