The land base of maine is 89% forested, with 69% of that area (>12 million acres) being non-industrial private forest land

Renewable resources extension act (RREA) funded educational programs will support umaine cooperative extension staff and faculty to educate these landowners about the value of the forests. These educational programs will focus on the economic and ecosystem benefits of sustainably managed forests, and opportunities related to sustainably harvested timber and non-timber forest products. Umaine extension will develop and deliver workshops and resources to the forest landowners of maine. These programs include: a sustainable sugarbush management full day conference; maple grading school: quality control in the sugarhouse; various maple focused field days; training for backyard maple syrup production; money can grow on trees: non-timber forest product (NTFP) enterprise exploration; and maine woods and me: series for youth on careers and the various ways that we rely on the forest and forest products. An expected 252 land managers, potential land managers, or youth from rural areas will receive direct training because of these programs. 9,500 people will receive newsletter updates and resources about forest management practices. Of the beneficiaries, 45 existing businesses will note an increase in product quality and profitability, and 12 will launch new business enterprises. 65 will note enhanced management and sustainability of the land. Food production, quality, and safety is expected to be noted by 45.