§8612. Field foresters

The bureau shall employ by 1991, at least 16 field foresters to be located in field offices.   [PL 1989, c. 555, §8 (NEW); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §7 (REV); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §23 (REV).]

1.  Duties.  These foresters shall provide outreach services and referrals to small woodland owners and wood processors for harvesting, marketing and utilization of wood products. The foresters shall assist landowners and processors in:

A. Obtaining and explaining required forms for harvest notification and reporting;   [PL 1989, c. 555, §8 (NEW).]

B. Obtaining information to comply with the performance standards under this chapter;   [PL 1989, c. 555, §8 (NEW).]

C. Following up with landowners after harvest notification;   [PL 1989, c. 555, §8 (NEW).]

D. Reviewing landowner forest management plans;   [PL 1989, c. 555, §8 (NEW).]

E. Obtaining information to comply with environmental standards;   [PL 1989, c. 555, §8 (NEW).]

F. Explaining forest management options;   [PL 1989, c. 555, §8 (NEW).]

G. Promoting involvement in grants and incentive programs;   [PL 1989, c. 555, §8 (NEW).]

H. Disseminating educational material; and   [PL 1989, c. 555, §8 (NEW).]

I. Other duties as the director prescribes.   [PL 1989, c. 555, §8 (NEW).]

[PL 1989, c. 555, §8 (NEW).]

2.  Limitations.  Field foresters are limited to 3 site visits per landowner over a 5-year period, except as necessary to administer federal programs related to forestry or to determine compliance with provisions of this Title.

[PL 1989, c. 555, §8 (NEW).]

3.  Comprehensive plans.  The foresters may provide technical assistance on forestry issues to municipalities in developing their comprehensive plans.

[PL 1989, c. 555, §8 (NEW).]

4.  Reporting requirements.  The commissioner shall report biannually beginning in 1991, to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over forestry matters on activities under the field forester program. This report, to be completed by February 1st, must include a description of the types of assistance given to landowners and wood processors, a description of the activities of the field foresters and any recommendations for changes in the program.

[PL 2003, c. 346, §2 (AMD).]

SECTION HISTORY

PL 1989, c. 555, §8 (NEW). PL 2003, c. 346, §2 (AMD). PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §7 (REV). PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §23 (REV).