There are few places where forestry affects the lives of so many as it does in the aptly-named Pine Tree State. With almost 90% of the state covered in forests, forestry in Maine accounts for $8.1 billion of the state’s economy and creates approximately 31,822 jobs. These forestry jobs include foresters, loggers, truck drivers, and…
Learning how to identify sugar maple is one of the most crucial skills for any outdoor enthusiast or woodlot owner. Not only is it an incredibly valuable species for hardwood lumber production and maple sugaring, but its propensity to grow on nice, high-productivity sites can give valuable insights into the drainage and quality of soil….
When one imagines the types of logging equipment used in forestry, they may conjure images of double-bit axes and cross-cut saws, or perhaps they imagine chainsaws wielded by men yelling, “TIMBER!” Both are perfectly real and legitimate methods of harvesting timber (though axes are almost never used these days), but they are only a small…
A couple months ago, I had the opportunity to witness a salvage operation of a particularly beleaguered stand of eastern hemlock in southern New Hampshire. I have seen many harvest operations, and this one, aside from being conducted by chainsaw and cable skidder, was no different. Nonetheless, I felt a tinge of sadness as I…
If you have spent any length of time exploring Maine’s forests, you have probably encountered a dense thicket of young trees. These are the kind of areas that can induce tears on a camping trip when you have no choice but to push through them carrying forty pounds of equipment and a canoe. They also…
Is it a good idea to invest in timberland? While the answer to this question rests solely on one’s risk tolerance, time horizons, and overall investment objectives, timberland and forests are one of the most versatile and robust investments you can own, and it is a great addition to almost any portfolio. Here are the…