PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • November 28, 2022
An opinion piece (“Don’t be fooled by myths of carbon in…wood products,” Nov. 7) misrepresented Maine’s forest industry and the complicated issue of climate change. Maine’s responsibly managed forest provides an abundance of clean air, clean water, critical wildlife habitat and recreational access that is unparalleled – while also supporting ambitious climate goals and industry in some of the state’s most rural communities. Maine is growing more trees each year than are being removed. Maine’s private landowners are leading the nation in third-party certified sustainable forestry. Our managed forest captures 75% of the state’s annual fossil fuel emissions. Our paper mills are making investments to produce more wood-based packaging. Multiple firms plan to produce liquid fuels from wood and wood-based insulation. Colleges are investing in mass timber construction to store carbon in wood-based building products. ~ Patrick Strauch, Maine Forest Products Council