MAINE PUBLIC • March 6, 2023
Maine forests already absorb about 70% of the state's annual fossil fuel emissions. Now, a new study shows that Maine's commercial forest landowners could increase annual carbon storage by at least 20% over the next 60 years while maintaining timber harvest levels. The findings are timely as the demand for carbon offset projects accelerates. Alec Giffen of the New England Forestry Foundation said it's essential for landowners to be compensated because it takes several decades for improved forest practices to pay off. Where that funding comes from and how it's distributed is something that has yet to be worked out.