Certification of Private Forests in Maine

Maine leads the nation in the percentage of forests certified by national and international forest certification systems, but the vast majority of its family-owned forests remain uncertified. At present, approximately one-third of Maine's total volume of forest products comes from family forests. If the state increases its number of certified family forests, Maine's forest products suppliers may not be able to meet consumer demand for certified products.

The Institute is providing technical support to the Maine Forest Service as it explores ways to increase certification of family forests.