Maine forest groups warn Pingree that federal cuts could endanger research, forest health

MAINE MORNING STAR • June 19, 2026

U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree gathered state agencies and other forestry organizations for a roundtable discussion in Portland on Thursday about the impact of recent changes at the Forest Service and their concerns about future reorganizing. Maine forestry groups emphasized that any reductions of U.S. Forest Service research and staffing would have consequences across the state and region. Maine relies on the Forest Service to understand pests and diseases. Pingree said even though she is the ranking minority member of the House Appropriations Committee’s Interior subcommittee, she can’t get clarity on what the Forest Service reorganization might look like.