Westport Island, along with other towns in Maine, received a letter this week from the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. The letter reminded the town of an act to change forestry regulations in the state of Maine that go into effect January 1, 2013.

According to the letter, the law contains a provision that allows statewide standards for timber harvesting and related activities in shoreland areas.   

The new rules apply to all municipalities in the state, with each town having two options: repeal their shoreland zoning ordinance for timber harvesting in the shoreland zone or adopt an ordinance identical to the statewide standards.

Westport Island decided to repeal.

This means the Maine Forest Service will be responsible for the enforcement of the rules for timber harvesting and activities related to it in shoreland areas on Westport Island.

The town is required to remove all references relating to timber harvesting activities in the town ordinances to eliminate confusion. Instead, the state recommended adding a note that directs people to the Maine Forest Service for information on the harvesting of timber in the shoreland areas.

The Maine Forest service will hold a series of informational meetings throughout the state to inform the regulated community, including loggers, foresters and landowners of the new rules.

Municipal officials who have an interest are also encouraged to attend one of the informational meetings.

The closest meeting will be held Thursday, Dec. 13, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at the Maine Forest Product Council office, 535 Civic Center Drive in Augusta. Other meetings are scheduled in Millinocket, Farmington and Scarborough.

For more information, visit the Forest Service website at www.maine.gov/doc/mfs/fpm/swstds/sws.html or call 207-287-2791.

Charlotte Boynton can be reached at 207-844-4632 or cboynton@wiscassetnewspaper.com.