Maine - The Most Forested State

I was living in Hawaii when a peer, and native Mainer, told me that Maine is the most forested state. Conceptually this took me a moment to grasp, but as you think about the dense pines, firs, and spruces that line the winding Maine back roads it isn’t difficult to believe. Of the 22.646 million acres of land in Maine, 17.7 million of it is forested, or 89.5%, in 2022. This abundance of forest led me to wonder about old-growth versus recently planted forests, activism in the arborist community, and how climate change is impacting the forest make up. What I found may engage any Maine native or visitor, and lead to some interesting discoveries of your own!

First, my inquiry on old-growth forests was met by an interesting discovery about the CCC, implemented by FDR in the 1930s. In many places the CCC planted trees ultimately, we now know, creating environments that do not naturally occur, and shading out grasslands and prairies. In Maine, however, the work the CCC did on trees focused on pest control removing brown tail and gypsy moths that were harming native tree populations. Their worked helped sustain the high percentage of forest land in Maine throughout the 20th century.

On my drive through southern Maine to summer on Sebago Lake, the smell of pine trees is a mile marker for Maine. The lush forest that lines the winding roads is stunning, transporting me from the hustle of downtown to the tranquility of clean air, clear water, and big healthy trees. The “Pine Tree Amendment” ensures just that. Sharing the name of Maine’s state tree the Eastern White Pine, the “Pine Tree Amendment” makes access to clean air, water, and healthy environment, a right.

In Maine, the primary impact of climate change that comes to mind is the rise in sea levels. Forests are at risk too as threats of fire increase with droughts and irregular rain patterns. As organizations in Maine continue to mitigate climate change risk through activism, policy changes, and community efforts, it is likely the biggest threat that this vast forested state faces.

I hope some information on Maine as the most forested state sparks intrigue and awe about your role as part of this greater forest ecosystem.