Maine Forest Service Launches WoodsWISE Resilience Program for Private Landowners
Maine has launched the WoodsWISE Resilience Program, a new initiative by the Maine Forest Service that encourages private landowners to practice climate-focused forest stewardship. This program aims to leverage the state's extensive forests to help achieve its climate goals.
Portland Auburn, ME, November 6, 2026 — The Maine Forest Service has introduced the WoodsWISE Resilience Program, a new statewide initiative designed to promote climate-focused forest stewardship among private landowners. The program officially launched recently, aiming to harness the significant forest resources of Maine to contribute to the state’s broader climate objectives.
The WoodsWISE Resilience Program encourages private forest landowners to adopt practices that enhance forest resilience in the face of climate change. While the specific details of the program’s operational mechanisms, such as available resources, educational components, or incentives for landowners, were not detailed in the announcement, the initiative’s core purpose is clear: to foster stewardship that aligns with climate action goals.
Maine’s extensive forest cover plays a critical role in the state’s ecosystem and economy. By engaging private landowners, the program seeks to ensure these forests can continue to provide vital ecological services while adapting to changing environmental conditions. The emphasis on climate-focused stewardship suggests an approach that may involve practices aimed at improving forest health, carbon sequestration, biodiversity, and resistance to climate-related threats such as pests, diseases, and extreme weather events.
The Maine Forest Service, a division of the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, is leading this effort. The program’s success will likely depend on the participation and engagement of the many private landowners across the state who manage a substantial portion of Maine’s woodlands. Further information regarding how landowners can participate or benefit from the WoodsWISE Resilience Program is expected to be released by the Maine Forest Service.
Story summarized from the original created by Nicole Williams – Inside Climate News on www.pressherald.com, see more information here.
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