We at the Maine Forest Service are saddened to hear of the sudden passing of long-time forester Robert (Bob) Chandler, a resident of Topsfield. A few of us were fortunate to have a good conversation with Bob and his wife, Margie, at the most recent Agriculture Trade Show in Augusta. Bob was just an all-around nice guy who truly wanted to know how you were when he asked. Bob’s resume included serving as a wood procurement manager for Bill Mannheim, Georgia Pacific,The Timber Company, and Domtar before retiring in 2006.
Bob was an integral member of our small forestry family in Maine. After his retirement in 2006, he remained just as active in forestry, just more on his own terms. He was a dedicated manager of his own woodlots and his maple syrup business, among many other endeavors. It was always obvious that he loved his family deeply and was so committed to Margie and their two sons, Bart and Robert Jr., as well as his grandchildren. Every conversation with Bob and Margie would always include an update on them all.
All of us at Maine Forest Service extend our sincere sympathies to Bob’s entire family. His loss will be deeply felt.
Visitation will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at Mays Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 26 Church St., Calais, ME.
In memory of Bob, we encourage all who knew him to enjoy a lobster, cold beverage, and a water view with loved ones. Condolences and memories may be shared at Mays Funeral Home.
Bureau / Program: Maine Forest Service
Date: March 24, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Location: Nadeau Hall, University of Maine Fort Kent, Fort Kent Maine 04743
Event Type: Special Event
Join us for an in-person presentation to learn and ask questions about spruce budworm biology & history, upcoming aerial applications planned in Fort Kent and surrounding areas this spring, and possible impacts for local community members, including temporary trail closures. This event is free and open to the public.
These BMP workshops with the Maine Forest Service are designed for loggers and foresters and include indoor presentations and an outdoor session. The workshops will focus on the forestry BMPs for extreme weather events with an emphasis on controlling the flow of water and minimizing/stabilizing exposed mineral soil.
The workships are approved for the following continuing education credits:
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CLP – 6 credit hours
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Master Logger- 5 credit hours
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SAF – 3.5 category 1 credits
Registration is mandatory, but free, and limited to 25 people per workshop.
Bingham Workshop
When: April 8, 2026, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Location: Weyerhaeuser Bingam Office, 19 Loggers Circle, Bingham, ME
Contact: District Forester Jason Hilton, jason.a.hilton@maine.gov, 207-446-2197
When: May 13, 2026, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Location: Thorndike Town Office, 125 Mt. View Road, Thorndike, ME
Contact: District Forester Allyssa Gregory, allyssa.gregory@maine.gov, 207-441-2895
Bureau / Program: Maine Forest Service
Date: July 23, 2026 - July 24, 2026
Time: 8:30 AM
Location: University of Maine Forest Field Office - 825 College Avenue, Old Town, Maine
Event Type: Workshop/Training
Day 1 - Thursday, July 23, 2026: University of Maine Forest Field Office - 825 College Avenue, Old Town, Maine
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Scaler's Licensing Law and Wood Measurement Rules, Mike Picard - State of Maine Weights and Measures
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Basics of Wood Measurements, Keith Kanoti University of Maine
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Defects and Deductions, Mark Vannah Licensed scaler and head scaler at Robbins Lumber Co.
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Insect ID/Wood Quarantine Presentation, Michael Parisio MFS Forest Entomologist
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"Hands on" log scaling, deduction and decay (Mark Vannah)
Day 2 - Friday, July 24, 2026: O&R Lumbra Hardwood Mill in Milo, Maine
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Log Scaling & Lumber Grading, a tour of the sawmill to see logs opened up into lumber. Ben Lumbra O&R Lumbra
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Scaling High-Quality Veneer Grade Logs and Defect Description, Walker Day & Nathan Gould Columbia Forest Products
Please email Pete Johnson to register or for any further questions.
Contact: Pete Johnson, pjohnson@sfimaine.org
Cost: $100
Co-Sponsor: University of Maine; Maine Sustainable Forestry Initiative, Inc; O&R Lumbra Hardwood Sawmill, Robbiins Lumber Company, Columbia Forest Products, The State of Maine
Date: Thursday, May 14, 2026
Location: University of Maine, Orono, Nutting Hall, Room 257
Join the New England Forestry Foundation and the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife for a day of presentations and dialogue on managing for American marten and Canada lynx.
For decades, the American marten and Canada lynx have been considered appropriate umbrella species for suites of native wildlife species that require mature and early-successional habitat, respectively. Many forest managers have incorporated the habitat requirements of these species into their targets for forest age class distribution across their land base.
But how has our understanding of these species’ needs evolved over 20 years of practice and research? Should we be adjusting our management practices for these species, especially in diversified management contexts that include both timber and carbon?
Schedule and Additional Details will be posted soon.
Coffee and lunch will be provided.
This event is approved for 4 CFE credits in Category 1 through the Society of American Foresters.
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