Photo: Fall in South Branch, Maine

Maine has the largest contiguous block of undeveloped forestland east of the Mississippi. Maine’s forests have been harvested for wood products for over 200 years, yet 90% of the state remains forested (17.8 million acres) - the highest percentage in the country. Maine also has a long history of multiple-use management on private land and a tradition of free public access to private land. In fact, the key to Maine's past, present, and future quality of life and economic prosperity for its citizens is permanently linked to the condition of the state's forest resources.

The Maine Forest Service works to ensure that the trees and forest lands of Maine will continue to provide benefits for present and future generations of Maine people. 

The Maine Forest Service does this by:

1. Developing, advocating for, and promoting activities that encourage the sound long term management of Maine's forest resources.
2. Protecting Maine's forest resources from the effects of fire, insects, disease and misuse.
3. Providing accurate, relevant, and timely information about Maine's forest resources.