AUGUSTA, Maine — Maine Gov. Paul LePage is taking a step aimed at reining in a state tree growth program that once benefited Rep. Bruce Poliquin.
The executive order signed this week by the Republican governor offers Maine Bureau of Forestry expertise to municipal officials in reviewing, recommendations about forest management plans and assistance in bringing woodland owners into compliance.
The bureau will report its findings by Dec. 15.
LePage has been critical of the program in which more than 11 million acres is enrolled because of potential abuse of the tax breaks.
The program provides incentives to land owners who leave woodlands untouched.
Poliquin, LePage’s former treasurer, was one of the property owners criticized because he received a tax break on waterfront acreage enrolled in the program in Georgetown.