As a licensed professional forester who has practiced in Maine since 1978, I was both irritated and offended by the headline in Misty Edgecomb’s Nov. 25 article that declared Mitch Lansky a “forestry expert.” I think the term “forestry activist” would be much more appropriate. Although I agree that Lansky’s first book stimulated constructive debate of forest harvest practices in Maine, I don’t think living in the north woods in a self-built timber-frame home, and writing a book or two on a subject qualifies you as a forestry expert.

I have read Lansky’s first book, and attended several meetings and workshops organized and sponsored by the Low-Impact Forestry Project. I will likely read his second book as well. Although many of the ideas espoused by the project can be quite applicable to smaller landowners, they would be hard-pressed to remain economically viable in a business setting. The article outlines some important concepts for future forest management in Maine, but please, let’s recognize one person’s opinion as just that.

Charles J. Simpson

Maine Licensed

Professional Forester No. 446

Old Town