A brief summary of these laws follows.

Unlawful cutting of trees. 1. Unlawful cutting. Any person who in fact cuts down or fells any tree without the consent of the owner of the property on which the tree stands commits a civil violation for which the forfeitures provided in this maine tree cutting laws may be adjudged. Proof of a culpable state of mind is not required.

Generally, in the first 75 feet from the normal high-water line or the upland edge of a wetland, 40% percent of the volume of trees four inches or more in diameter, measured at 4 1/2 feet above ground level can be removed in any ten year period, although no “clear-cut openings” (openings in the forest canopy greater than square feet) are permitted.

(1) Except for timber harvesting, correction or mitigation of a violation that involves the cutting of a tree or trees must include, but is not limited to, replacement of each tree cut with a tree or trees of varying size and species such that the visual impact from the cutting will be remediated, the tree canopy that was cut will be restored within a reasonable time period and a total basal area equal to at least 50% of the basal area cut.

Always have a written contract for all timber harvesting.

A landowner, landowner representative or harvester who authorizes the timber harvesting or in fact harvests a line tree without first obtaining permission from the abutting landowner commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less thannor more than 1, may be adjudged. [PLc.§1 (NEW).] [PLc.§1 (NEW).] 3.