Medway man to pay fine for improper clear-cut

The Maine Forest Service has fined a Medway man $3,000 for performing an illegal clear-cut on land he used to own in Moro Plantation.

Harvest operations on the 517-acre parcel in Aroostook County resulted in a 30-acre clear-cut that did not meet the standards for size and arrangements of such cuts under the Maine Forest Practices Act.

The landowner, Galen York of Medway, also did not have a harvest plan prepared by a licensed forester as required.

York purchased the property, harvested the trees on it and then resold it to a real estate broker. The violation was discovered prior to the sale.

Under the terms of a settlement agreement with the forest service, York agreed to pay a $3,000 civil penalty and to file a report certifying the existence of the clear-cut.