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Land Use Planning Commission Announces Rule Changes
January 17, 2025 - AUGUSTA - The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry's Land Use Planning Commission (LUPC) has adopted two significant rule changes, effective this month, to improve compliance and preserve Maine's natural beauty. Continue Reading
Maine State Parks Achieve Over Three Million Visitors in 2024
January 17, 2025 - AUGUSTA, Maine - The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry's Bureau of Parks and Lands (BPL) announced this week that Maine State Parks welcomed 3.12 million visitors in 2024, marking the third time in four years that visitation surpassed three million. This represents a 6.5% increase over 2023 attendance. While overall attendance climbed, day-use visitation increased by 7.3%, highlighting the popularity of Maine's parks as trusted and accessible destinations for outdoor recreation. Camping attendance saw a slight decrease of 0.8%, partially attributed to the early closure of Cobscook Bay State Park for a construction project. Notable park-specific trends included an 18% increase in attendance at Reid State Park, while Popham Beach State Park saw a 7% decrease, likely due to beach erosion caused by January 2024 storms. Continue Reading
Aurora Mills and Farm Honored with the DACF Commissioner's Distinguished Service Award
January 15, 2025 - Augusta-The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) announced today that Aurora Mills and Farm is the recipient of the 2025 DACF Commissioner's Distinguished Service Award. This prestigious recognition honors those who demonstrate exceptional dedication and outstanding contributions to preserving Maine's agricultural heritage and future. Continue Reading
Governor Mills Proclaims 2025 as the "Year of Youth in Agriculture" in Maine
January 14, 2025 - Augusta- Governor Janet Mills, in collaboration with the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry (DACF) and Maine Department of Education (DOE), has proclaimed 2025 as the "Year of Youth in Agriculture" in Maine. The Year of Youth in Agriculture will provide opportunities to spotlight and elevate young adult voices in agriculture by leveraging resources, including events, partnerships, and the work of engaging and inspiring the next generation of agricultural leaders. including through nationally recognized organizations like 4-H and FFA. Continue Reading
USDA and Maine Award Nearly $1 Million to Projects that Strengthen Food Supply Chain Infrastructure
December 16, 2024 - WASHINGTON, Dec. 13, 2024 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) today announced it has partnered with Maine to award nearly $1 million for five projects through the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program (RFSI) to build resilience across the middle of the supply chain and strengthen local and regional food systems. Continue Reading
Discover the Future of Agriculture at the 2025 Maine Agricultural Trades Show
December 6, 2024 - AUGUSTA - The 2025 Maine Agricultural Trades Show returns to the Augusta Civic Center from January 1416, offering an unequaled opportunity to explore, connect, and grow within Maine's agricultural community. With free admission, this annual event is open to the public and provides a dynamic platform for learning, networking, and hands-on experiences. Doors open daily at 9:00 AM. Continue Reading
Land for Maine's Future Program Calls for New Conservation and Recreation Proposals
November 26, 2024 - Augusta - The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry's Land for Maine's Future Program (LMF) announced its next call for Conservation and Recreation proposals. The latest requests are for Projects of Statewide Significance and Community Conservation Projects. Continue Reading
Governor Mills Declares November 29, 2024, as "Maine Grown Christmas Tree Day"
November 26, 2024 - Augusta - The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) announced today that Governor Janet Mills has proclaimed Friday, November 29, 2024, as "Maine Grown Christmas Tree Day" to honor the valuable contributions of Maine's Christmas tree and wreath industry. Continue Reading
Send Holiday Cheer, Not Pests: Follow Out-Of-State Plant Health Regulations
November 19, 2024 - AUGUSTA - Maine residents cherish their holiday traditions, and for many, decorating with Maine-grown wreaths, trees, and decorative flora is a cherished part of the season. Another annual holiday tradition is shipping Maine's festive greenery to friends and family. The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) emphasizes the importance of adhering to state laws and regulations to ensure the seamless transport of healthy plant materials, ultimately saving time, cutting costs, and preventing product loss. Continue Reading
Hunting with Heart: Maine Hunters Deliver Thousands of Meals through Game Meat Donations
October 28, 2024 - Augusta - As Maine's Expanded Archery hunting season continues, and with key dates like Maine Resident Only Day on November 2 and the Firearm Season starting November 4, the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry's (DACF) Hunters for the Hungry program is making efforts to tackle food insecurity with the help of generous hunters across the state. This unique program transforms game meat donations into thousands of nutritious meals for Maines most vulnerable populations. Continue Reading
Maine Celebrates Forest Products Week: Honoring the Contributions and Innovation of Maine's Forest Industry
October 22, 2024 - AUGUSTA - In honor of Maine Forest Products Week, celebrated from October 20 to 26, 2024, the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) and the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD), in collaboration with the Professional Logging Contractors Northeast and the Maine Forest Products Council, have come together to celebrate and express profound appreciation for the enduring contributions of Maine's forest sector businesses and their dedicated workforce. Continue Reading
Maine Geological Survey Updates Maine Beach Mapping Viewer with 2024 Data
October 16, 2024 - AUGUSTA - The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry's Maine Geological Survey (MGS) has updated its Maine Beach Mapping (MBMAP) viewer with the latest data collected during the summer of 2024. The MBMAP program, initiated by MGS in 2005, monitors changes in Maine's dunes and beaches over time, with a focus on the seaward edge of dominant dune vegetation. Continue Reading
PFAS Fund Advisory Committee Seeks Public Input on Next Steps
October 15, 2024 - Augusta, ME - The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) announced today that the PFAS Fund Advisory Committee is actively seeking public feedback on the next phase of the PFAS Fund's implementation. A public meeting will be held on October 24, 2024, from 1:00 to 2:00 PM at Deering 101, 90 Blossom Lane, Augusta, and virtually via Zoom. Continue Reading
DACF Commissioner Amanda Beal Joins White House Event on Shaping the Future of Agriculture and Rural America
October 8, 2024 - AUGUSTA - Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) Commissioner Amanda Beal will participate in a high-level White House event today, focusing on the future of agriculture and the critical role of rural America. Hosted by senior White House officials and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, the "Farmers and Ranchers In Action" event will highlight the Biden-Harris Administration's historic investments in family farms, rural communities, and the broader food system. Continue Reading
Maine State Forester Patty Cormier Elected President of the National Association of State Foresters
September 27, 2024 - AUGUSTA - The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) proudly announces that Patty Cormier, Maine State Forester, has been elected President of the National Association of State Foresters (NASF). Cormier's election marks a significant milestone, as she becomes the first Maine State Forester to hold this prestigious position since Austin Wilkins 59 years ago. Cormier will serve a one-year term as NASF President, continuing her long-standing commitment to sustainable forestry and forest management. Continue Reading