Your Woodland: Meet Fellow Woodland Owners

"Working in the woods is our passion. We've always tried to lead by example as stewards of the land; we cut properly and encourage others to do the same." - Will Cole, Sidney

Brothers Will and Don Cole of Sidney run their family-owned logging company, Trees Ltd., as an 'outcome-based' operation. The Coles take satisfaction in mapping out and achieving specific goals and objectives for each harvest, and make sure to monitor the long-term success of their projects following completion. The brothers' emphasis on foresight and efficiency increases their economic returns and keeps landowners they work with invested in their stewardship role.

"It's way more than the money..." - Harry Dwyer, Fayette

Fayette woodland owner and forester Harry Dwyer recognizes that many of his clients and neighbors see land ownership as a burden. Although Harry admits the pressures weigh on him too, owning land provides him with a satisfaction that outweighs the burdens. He buys land to create an undeveloped buffer around his house and for its timber potential, and harvests his woodlands with deep consideration for their future potential. Land ownership is more than a financial investment for Harry - it's also the enjoyment of picking blueberries, riding his horse, observing wildlife, and pondering the natural processes of his woodlands.

"My immediate concern was to protect this land, which I have so much feeling for." - George Rogers, Litchfield

Woodland owners George and Judy Rogers feel a deep connection to their property in Litchfield, which has been in George’s family since the 1700s. Despite their long-standing roots the Rogers see their ownership as temporary, and believe they have a responsibility to maintain the land they steward for later generations. Unsure of their children and grandchildren’s future plans, the Rogers donated a 117-acre conservation easement to the Kennebec Land Trust in 2005. This option, which protects the Webber-Rogers Conservation Area from development, has given George and Judy peace of mind about their land’s future while allowing them to retain ownership rights.

"Our intent was always that anything cut in those woods was to be put back into the same piece of land." - Herb Whittier, Monmouth Public Works

When the Town of Monmouth received a 60-acre woodlot from the state, it fell to Herb Whittier and his co-workers at Monmouth Public Works to manage the property. Driven by Herb's vision of public use, the Town hired a forester to write a management plan. The funds raised from Monmouth’s first round of cutting have been used to increase opportunities for public recreation on the property, where they have constructed public trails and plan to build an adjoining picnic area. This will further encourage people to spend time in this natural/outdoor area.

"What strikes me about the idea of conservation is that you're thinking long range, not just about making a quick profit today or tomorrow." - Jon Lund, Hallowell