Maine Forest Service District Forester Morten Moesswilde will present a free evening talk, “Stumped About Tree Growth? Understanding Maine’s Tree Growth Tax Law,” in three locations for residents of Knox, Lincoln and Waldo counties.

The speaker will provide details about the why's and how's of Maine’s Tree Growth Property Tax program, which provides eligible woodland owners with reduced property tax valuations if they commit to managing the land long-term for forest products.

This program is scheduled from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on:

• Wednesday, Feb. 1, at Unity Community Center, 32 School St., Unity;
• Wednesday, Feb. 8, at Midcoast Conservancy, 36 Water St., Wiscasset; and
• Thursday, Feb. 16, at Rockland City Hall, 270 Pleasant St., Rockland.

Preregistration is not required.

Maine's Tree Growth program has broad participation from small to medium-sized woodland owners across Midcoast Maine and beyond. With an annual deadline of April 1 for new enrollees and some re-certifying parcels, these presentations are designed for landowners who are considering enrolling, or who are already enrolled and need to find out more. The talks should help landowners understand their options and responsibilities under Tree Growth.

Moesswilde will present the program's basic provisions and requirements and will allow time for questions and discussion of specific situations. In addition, he will discuss further resources available for landowners, including free “walk and talks” on their land with an MFS District Forester, assistance with woodland planning, and publications on a variety of topics, as well as additional upcoming workshops.

Maine Forest Service provides numerous resources, assistance, and presentations about trees and forests in Maine, including owning, enjoying, planning for, and, where desired, harvesting forest products on woodland.

For more information or if you need assistance to attend, please contact the co-sponsors: Unity Barn Raisers (948-9005, programs@unitybarnraisers.org); Waldo County Soil & Water Conservation District (338-1964, kym.sanderson@me.nacdnet.net); Midcoast Conservancy (389-5150; news@midcoastconservancy.org); Knox-Lincoln Soil & Water Conservation District (596-2040 or info@knox-lincoln.org).

More information is also available from MFS District Forester Morten Moesswilde, 441-2895 or morten.moesswilde@maine.gov.