My Baldwin Woods
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What’s special about Baldwin?
The small town of Baldwin, Maine is situated in the Saco River watershed, which is more than 92% forested. The Saco River Floodplain is the largest intact floodplain in New England and provides some of the cleanest water in Maine to over 100,000 people. Plus, tens of thousands of visitors flock to the river each year for canoeing, camping, swimming, hunting and fishing.
And yet, this important watershed is not wilderness or owned by the government. Its woodlots are owned by families and individuals. In fact, 56% of the land is in non-industrial, family ownership totaling more than 545,000 family-owned forested acres.
Did you know?
- The watershed has a tremendous supply of wood and biomass on family-owned lands--currently containing enough wood to build 94,000 homes or provide energy for one year to almost 190,000 houses.
- Family-owned forests in the watershed also store the equivalent amount of carbon that is released from 25 million cars or 32 coal-fired power plants in one year.
- Unfortunately, 26,000 acres are threatened by development by 2020;
- 14,000 acres are threatened by a changing climate;
- 92,000 acres are at high or very high risk of destruction by insects and disease; and
- More than 130,000 acres are owned by someone 75 years or older, meaning these forests are going to change hands, and even ownership, in the near future (Butler, 2014).
What does the Baldwin community think about the woods?
- According to Baldwin community members, it is important that the community remains rural (96.7%). In addition, 93.2% also feel that it is important the Baldwin community remains wooded.
- Beyond wanting a rural, wooded Baldwin, many agree that it is important for Baldwin to protect its natural resources (93.1%). Further, community members value projects and programs that help protect the natural environment (88%).
- Community members in Baldwin value wooded land for a variety of reasons. They enjoy recreational opportunities (91.5%), beauty (91.6%), wildlife habitat (91.5%), clean water (88.2%), and a supported rural economy (86.4%).
- Many community members support (73.2%) the use of woodlot management and almost 84% understand that woodlot management may be necessary to provide the forest values enjoyed by the community. However far fewer are familiar with the specific tasks associated with woodlot management.
- Given the right help, half of landowners would do more to take care of their woodlot.
What does this mean for me as a landowner?
Baldwin landowners—both large and small—play an extremely important role ensuring the Saco River continues to provide clean water while simultaneously protecting and enhancing wildlife habitat and maintaining a charming, rural lifestyle.
How can I do more to help?
The most important thing any landowner can do is to seek the advice of an expert—whether a professional forester, a wildlife biologist or even a knowledgeable, neighboring landowner. Don’t know where to start? My Baldwin Woods can help. Contact us and we’ll provide a complementary consultation so you can rest easy knowing you’re doing your part to protect your community’s wooded legacy.
Your My Baldwin Woods' Contact:
Elizabeth Vranas
evranas@forestfoundation.org
207-370-8713