University of Maine Studies Forest Recovery After Logging

Researchers are investigating how harvesting impacts growth and carbon levels at the Howland Research Forest.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Environmental

A young pine seedling growing from the soil of a forest floor among aged tree stumps and debris. — The U.S. Department of Energy awarded the University of Maine a $997,575 grant to track forest recovery and carbon levels at the Howland Research Forest. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Do you believe federal funding for logging impact studies effectively improves forest conservation efforts?

The U.S. Department of Energy has awarded the University of Maine a $997,575 grant to track forest recovery across 550 acres. The four-year study monitors tree growth and carbon dioxide levels following a logging harvest.

Why it matters

The project helps forest managers understand the long-term effects of partial harvesting on ecosystem health. By analyzing growth patterns and nutrient breakdown, researchers aim to improve sustainable forestry practices.

The study utilizes tree ring measurements from 96 forest plots and employs drone-based laser mapping for three-dimensional imaging. This work builds upon more than 25 years of historical carbon dioxide measurements at the site.

The players

University of Maine

This public research university serves as the lead institution for the forest recovery project.

Oak Ridge National Laboratory

This federal research institution is collaborating on the study to analyze forest growth data.

U.S. Department of Energy

This federal agency provided the grant funding to support scientific research on environmental recovery.

The details

The University of Maine is partnering with the Oak Ridge National Laboratory to compare growth data between a harvested section and a nearby untouched area. Researchers are tracking the progress of seedlings and existing trees over the project's duration.

Carbon dioxide measurements have been collected for over 25 years.
A section of the forest was harvested in August 2025.
The research study is planned to last four years.

The Big Picture

This study builds upon the legacy of the Howland Research Forest carbon measurement program to assess post-logging recovery. By integrating new drone-based laser mapping, the research updates standard forest management models.

The study's findings may lead to improved forest management techniques that support long-term timber sustainability. These results could help landowners optimize harvest strategies while maintaining healthier forest ecosystems in the state.

The takeaway

This research provides a data-driven approach to balancing logging production with environmental preservation. Residents can expect these findings to eventually inform updated forestry guidelines that affect the health of Maine's woodlands.