PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • February 18, 2026
With winters growing more unpredictable, the Maine Forest Service has issued guidance to help the state’s loggers, foresters and woodlot owners navigate the new era of extreme weather. The 42-page handbook acknowledges a stark reality for people who earn their living in the Maine woods: the traditional methods are often no longer enough to handle the unseasonable thaws and heavy rains that are increasingly common in a changing climate. “Extreme weather events aren’t just more frequent and more severe but are inevitable,” the guide warns. “Being prepared for these events with the tools and ideas described in this manual is a good start.” Failure to adapt would have economic as well as environmental consequences.