ABOUT THIS INFORMATIONAL CD AND COMPANION WEBSITE

The people of Maine have long recognized the importance and value of their forests. Maine has the highest percentage of forest land in the country, nearly 90 percent, equating to over 17 million acres. Maine also has the highest percentage of forest being held by private citizens. The forest is the single largest contributor to Maine's economy; totaling 5.7 billion dollars of direct annual product value, employing nearly 32,000 people, and providing the largest source of exports for the state economy. This same forest also provides tremendous aesthetic, recreational, ecological and spiritual value to Maine's citizens.

Over the last five years there has been substantial public debate over the health of the Maine woods due to a series of citizen ballot initiatives. Often the information produced by the various sides is contradictory and confusing. As all Maine residents benefit directly or indirectly from our forests, it is imperative that the best information available is an accessible source to all. "The State of the Maine Forest-An informational CD-ROM and Web Site" is a means of achieving this goal. It allows citizens the opportunity to explore information and data on a range of forestry issues from a variety of sources, including the University of Maine, US Forest Service, Maine Forest Service, non-governmental organizations, and private industry. Also we have a complete set of vegetation and land cover maps (1993) for the entire state of Maine. It is hoped that this CD and web site will provide a comprehensive source of information for the general public that will facilitate informed decision-making as we enter the next chapter in the history of the Maine woods.

CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE

STATE OF THE MAINE FOREST WEBSITE

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