Introducing yourDistrict Foresters

MeetMikeRichard WestParis DistrictForester

It’s always a good time to ask: “Do you know who your District Forester is?” There are normally 10 District Foresters, covering the entire state of Maine.

District Foresters are the Maine Forest Service’s point persons for contact with woodland owners, loggers and foresters, and the citizenry at large. District Foresters lead educational workshops and woods tours, talk to school children and community groups, and work with private foresters and loggers to implement good woodland management. Most important, they can meet with you in your woods, and help you take the next step to achieve your goals for your land.

Mike Richard, West Paris

Mike Richard is the Maine Forest Service’s West Paris District Forester, covering Oxford county. A resident of Albany Township, Mike has lived in Western Maine for the past 7 years. He is a graduate from the University of New Hampshire’s Thompson School of Applied Science Forest Technology program and continued his studies to receive his bachelor’s degree in Forestry from UNH as well.

Prior to his current position, Mike worked as a forester for logging companies in Oxford County. He was also an operations forester with a timber investment firm in Northern New Hampshire/Western Maine. He has worked as both an intern and seasonal employee of the United States Forest Service in research projects and on the White Mountain National Forest’s timber program.

Mike is also a Maine licensed arborist and prior to working as a forester, climbed for multiple tree service companies in the region. He loves to share his passion for forestry and is always happy to help folks in need of the MFS’s help or input. When not at work Mike enjoys spending time with his wife and son, hiking, fly fishing and playing the guitar and banjo.

Mike's contact information and the towns he covers can be found at: http://www.maine.gov/dacf/mfs/ policy_management/ff/wm_df.html

As always, you can call the Maine Forest Service for more information or assistance at (207) 287-2791, or e-mail forestinfo@maine.gov

Information on District Foresters can be found at: www.maine.gov/dacf/mfs/policy_management/ district_foresters.html

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