Maine Future Forest Economy

Maine has the largest and most diverse forest products industry in New England. The state\u27s forest products manufacturing industry is facing increasing challenges from across the globe, but is taking tangible steps to address these challenges. There is clear public support for both the forest products industry and possible action steps to support the industry; this oppurtunity must be sized. If Maine is to maintain the forest products industry as the strong and diverse cluser we see today, Maine needs to encourage new investments in the latest technologies and encourage innovation. To accomplish this objective, Maine should address challenges to its business cliamte and encourage diversification of forest prodcuts, particulary in those areas such as engineered wood products or bio-products where intellectual property protections may provide a significant competitve advantage