MFS seeks public help for Landowner Appreciation Day
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
The Maine Forest Service, under the Maine Department of Conservation, in cooperation with the Small Woodland Owners Association of Maine (SWOAM), is helping to organize a statewide Landowner Appreciation Clean-Up Day, scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 15.
This effort is a continuation of events held last year, during which volunteers from civic groups, snowmobile and ATV clubs and other outdoor enthusiasts banded together to clean up sites that have been affected by illegal dumping.
The Maine Forest Service is committed to supplying trucks and trash bags for the clean-up effort, but needs the support of local groups, organizations and concerned citizens to help load the items.
“Anyone who appreciates the use of privately-owned land can help,” MFS Chief Forest Ranger Bill Williams said. “It’s one way of paying back landowners for the privilege of using their land.”
MFS forest rangers are working with SWOAM to organize the clean-up event. In preparation, the forest rangers have taken dozens of calls from landowners who have had trash illegally deposited on their property, according to Lt. Jeff Currier, MFS forest ranger and organizer.
The forest rangers also have obtained specific dump site locations and entered them into a database to track progress on improving the spots.
“So far, we’ve identified more than 100 locations throughout the state,” said Currier. “These dump sites vary from a single, overturned couch and a few discarded car tires to several pickup-truck loads of shingles and mattresses. We really need help in getting these places cleaned up.”
Currier pointed out that when dumping occurs on privately-owned land, it can lead to the posting of “no trespassing” signs and the installation of gates that block access to key areas for outdoor recreation.
“If we don’t help private landowners and respect their land, we all lose important, traditional access,” said Currier.
To make it easier for clean-up volunteers, dozens of maps have been created that show the exact dump site locations. Volunteers who live near an illegal dump site may have to spend only a half hour or less to help clear the mess.
In other parts of the country, most undeveloped forest land is posted, and recreationists are required to pay club fees to use locations.
“Cleaning up an illegal dump site sends a strong message to Maine’s private landowners that all outdoor enthusiasts appreciate access to their land,” Currier said.
Over a dozen locations have been identified in Aroostook County.
“There are about 20 dump sites in Aroostook, in various areas such as Houlton, Perham, Crystal and Linneus. We could really use the volunteer help. Our primary role is to coordinate the volunteer efforts and provide logistical support. We really rely on help from volunteers to pick up and load the discarded items,” said Kent Nelson, fire prevention specialist, MFS state headquarters in Augusta.
“This isn’t the first year of the program; it is, however, the first year MFS rangers have been asked to coordinate the project,” said Willliam “Bill” Greaves, regional ranger, based in Ashland.
Greaves said the cost of improper dumping adds up for the state’s landowners.
“Illegal dumping can cost a landowner hundreds of dollars to clean up and often includes hazardous material. In frustration to this, landowners sometimes put up gates and signage in an effort to limit public access to their land,” said Greaves.
The Landowner Appreciation Day clean-up project, according to Greaves, is an excellent opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts and sportsmen to show appreciation for access to private lots.
“Maine is very unique in the idea that we have so much access to private land, including small wood lots and millions of acres of industrial land. It is not that way throughout the country. We treasure this in Aroostook County as part of our way of life, but it is good to give a little back and not spoil this for the next generations,” said Greaves.
He said while the MFS has had some legal success in keeping the land clean, rangers can’t be in all places at all times and thus need the public’s help.
“There needs to be public involvement, including education and prevention programs,” Greaves said.
Last year, volunteers collected more than 59,000 pounds of trash and nearly 1,500 tires that had been dumped in Maine’s woods.
“Littering hurts everyone,” Williams said, “and our effort will be to coordinate volunteers who are willing to give their time to enhance Maine’s environment.”
To volunteer for this important project, contact the MFS at 800-750-9777. FMI on the MFS, visit www.maineforestservice.com.
