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Dana Doran is executive director of the Professional Logging Contractors of the Northeast.
On Feb. 27, the Professional Logging Contractors of the Northeast released results of a comprehensive study of the economic impact of Northeast logging and forest trucking, showing the industry contributed an estimated $1.3 billion to the regional economy in 2024, including $534 million in Maine alone.
The study, The Economic Contribution of Logging and Trucking in the Northeast, also revealed the industry in Maine supports about 4,460 jobs, generates $283 million in total labor earnings, and contributes an estimated $23 million in state tax revenues.
Perhaps most importantly, the study revealed the industry in Maine and in neighboring states is in crisis, facing an ever-mounting list of challenges that threaten its future, including loss of markets and market uncertainty, rising costs, shrinking profits, worker shortages, and lack of succession planning. This study — the first truly regional impact study of its kind — clearly demonstrates both the immense importance of the industry, and the very real possibility that it has reached a breaking point.
Maine’s logging and forest trucking community is the state’s oldest heritage industry, with its roots cultivated before Maine became a state. Over that timeframe, loggers have learned to become patient, waiting for the forest to grow as a result of their management. That patience continues as they wait for meaningful support from state policymakers. Despite broad discussion in Augusta about strengthening rural economies and protecting Maine’s forests, the people who harvest and haul the wood that keeps the forest products industry alive are waiting for the Legislature to take action on primary tools they need to compete and survive before they leave town for the year in mid-April.
In 2025, the Legislature stepped up and provided $2 million in forest protection assets for spruce budworm. Protecting Maine’s forests is essential, but these investments lose much of their long-term value if the state does not also support the people who actually harvest and deliver this protected wood to mills.
As the 132nd Legislature works steadily toward adjournment in April, lawmakers have an opportunity to support a bond request that would provide a huge benefit to Maine’s heritage industries. LD 2094, An Act to Authorize a General Fund Bond Issue to Support Maine’s Agricultural and Forestry Sectors, if passed by the voters, would provide much needed resources to support important work being done by Maine’s logging industry.
LD 2094, which was supported by a majority of the Appropriations Committee on Thursday, now requests $45 million for farming and forestry. It includes $2.5 million for a dedicated low-interest revolving loan program for logging companies, established but never funded in the first session of the 132nd Legislature.
Despite the fact that the bond provides $30 million more to farming than forestry, we are supportive of the objectives it aims to achieve. Funding from the bond could provide a lifeline for logging companies to invest in modern, environmentally responsible equipment that protects Maine’s forests while keeping loggers safe. This investment isn’t just about equipment, it’s about preserving Maine’s oldest heritage industry, protecting jobs, and ensuring that Maine’s working forests remain productive in preparation for future markets.
As the Legislature continues its work over the next two weeks, Maine’s logging community is looking for solutions, not in words or through campaign promises, but through action. The Agriculture, Forestry, and Food Producers bond represents a simple, bipartisan, and economical solution to stabilize and propel an industry that is in desperate need of help.
With our partners in the agricultural sectors, we will be pushing for support for the legislation and funding through multiple channels to let legislators know loggers are struggling and can use all the help they can get right now. We urge them to support LD 2094 and the funding for a low-interest revolving loan program for logging companies.
If we want the jobs that our heritage industries provide for rural Maine both now and in the future, the Legislature must act now to support LD 2094!
