Forest stewards

The Pingree lands managed by Seven Islands Land Co. are caught up in the current debate about forest management in Maine because of the Green Party’s forest practices referendum. Ninety-eight percent of our lands are in the northern Maine Land Use Regulatory Commission jurisdiction and would be subject to the draconian measures spelled out in the details behind the simplistic referendum question.

The Bangor Daily News’ lead editorial on March 13 correctly noted that our forest lands have been thoroughly examined and pronounced sustainably managed by an independent team of respected professionals who conducted one of the most intense audits I have ever witnessed. We are practicing internationally recognized, sustainable forestry. We are careful to consider not only the timber productivity of our forest, but also the ecosystem and wildlife health and the socio-economic reliance of Maine citizens who count on our land for their financial well-being and recreational enjoyment. The Pingree lands support approximately 350 jobs directly related to the management of our forest and jobs for hundreds of more Maine citizens who work in the 44 different Maine mills to which we supply wood. We believe hundreds more are employed because of our policy allowing public recreational use of these private lands.

In 1995 we clear-cut less than 100 acres, spread out over 50 different townships, on our almost 1 million-acre ownership. We are not large-scale clear-cutters, but our foresters have estimated that 50 to 80 percent of our annual harvest, all of the jobs that sustainable harvest supports, would be curtailed because of the detailed provisions spelled out in the so-called “anti-clear-cutting” referendum.

We appreciate the BDN’s suggestion that our forest management options should be preserved because of our “green” certification and hope Maine’s public and Legislature will agree. If management as conscientious as ours cannot continue in Maine, this state has no hope of maintaining the productivity of its natural resources that serve as the backbone of our economy and quality of life. Stephen W. Schley President Pingree Associates Inc. Bangor