Forest service settles clear-cutting violation

AUGUSTA – The Maine Forest Service this week announced settlement of clear-cutting violations on land owned by Irving Woodlands LLC of Ashland.

The violation occurred on a parcel in the unorganized township of Township 8 Range 5 WELS in Aroostook County.

Harvest operations on the parcel resulted in a 43-acre clear-cut that had an inadequate separation zone, as required by the state’s Forest Practices Act, and the rules governing the size and arrangement of clear-cuts. The landowner also did not have an adequate harvest plan prepared by a Maine-licensed forester before beginning the harvest.

In the settlement agreement, Irving took responsibility for the violations, and agreed to:

. Pay a $1,000 civil penalty.

. File a report certifying the existence of the clear-cut.

. Inspect and report to the Maine Forest Service all clear-cuts created between Oct. 1, 1999, and June 1, 2002.

. Institute quality-control measures to ensure future compliance with the Forest Practices Act.