Maine Forest Products 2026

Mechanized logging operations and forest trucking program in its 10th year

COURTESY OF THE PROFESSIONAL LOGGING CONTRACTORS (PLC) OF THE NORTHEAST The Mechanized Logging Operations and Forest Trucking (MLOFT) Program, a unique hands-on training course that prepares students for careers in the logging industry, is in its tenth year of classes at an active harvest site in…

Maine’s forest acres are an essential dual economic engine

WRITTEN BY WANDA CURTIS According to the Maine Forest Service (MFS), the state of Maine boasts the highest percentage of forested land of any state in the nation. Approximately 17.5 million acres of forest land cover upwards of 89 percent of the land area. Director of…

Rooted in the game: How Maine trees power America’s pastime

WRITTEN BY DYLAN SAVAGEAU Maine hardwood finds its way into countless products, from flooring and furniture to more distinctive items — like baseball bats. During the two seasons I worked at Dovetail Bat Company, I had a firsthand look at nearly every stage of the process.…

Professional Logging Contractors (PLC) of the Northeast Holds 31st Annual Meeting

COURTESY OF THE PROFESSIONAL LOGGING CONTRACTORS (PLC) OF THE NORTHEAST The Professional Logging Contractors (PLC) of the Northeast held its 31st Annual Meeting May 7-8, raising $134,610 for Log A Load For Kids and presenting awards to businesses and individuals from across Maine, Vermont, and New…

Timber harvest visits help Maine forest rangers keep a presence

COURTESY OF THE MAINE FOREST SERVICE Did you know that Maine’s Forest Rangers have made more than 5,000 site visits to timber harvests over the last 4 years? Wildfire-related duties are not the only reason Rangers venture into the forest. From Eliot to Fort Kent, T5…

Economic impact study reveals growing list of challenges

COURTESY OF THE PROFESSIONAL LOGGING CONTRACTORS (PLC) OF THE NORTHEAST In late February, the Professional Logging Contractors of the Northeast (PLC) released results of a comprehensive study of the economic impact of Northeast logging and forest trucking, showing the industry contributed an estimated $1.3 billion to…

PLC raises more than $125,000 for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals

COURTESY OF THE PROFESSIONAL LOGGING CONTRACTORS (PLC) OF THE NORTHEAST The Professional Logging Contractors (PLC) of the Northeast once again demonstrated the logging industry’s commitment to children’s health this summer, raising a combined total of more than $125,000 at its annual Log A Load for Kids…

Protecting Maine’s forest products industry since 1868

COURTESY OF UNITED INSURANCE In Maine’s forest products industry, no two days are the same. From harvesting timber and transporting loads to managing crews and equipment, logging professionals face challenges that demand skill, dedication, and a commitment to safety. At United Insurance, we believe real protection…

Seeing red trees?

COURTESY OF THE MAINE FOREST SERVICE FOREST HEALTH & MONITORING Spruce and fir trees that turn reddish brown in summer may be showing signs of feeding damage from the native spruce budworm. The caterpillars primarily eat developing buds and needles of spruce and fir, causing the…

The Maine Forest Service: 135 years of stewardship

COURTESY OF THE MAINE FOREST SERVICE With almost 90% of the state forested, it may be hard to believe that Maine woodlands have been harvested for over 300 years. However, over 17 million acres of Maine forests stand as a testament to the benefits of responsible…

Professional Logging Contractors (PLC) of the Northeast Log A Load for Kids effort raises $292,746 in 2025

COURTESY OF JON HUMPHREY, PROFESSIONAL LOGGING CONTRACTORS (PLC) OF THE NORTHEAST The Professional Logging Contractors (PLC) of the Northeast raised $292,746 for Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) last year through its annual Log A Load for Kids fundraising efforts. The total for 2025 included funds raised at…