Resources
The Southern Aroostook Soil and Water Conservation District works with a variety of local, state and federal agencies in order to carry out conservation projects in our area. Below is a list of some of the organizations we work with and others within the state and regionally that can provide assistance. Click on the links to these agencies web sites for more information about the types of services they provide.
Agriculture Resources
Heart of Maine - Resource Conservation and Development
The Heart of Maine Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) Area was legally authorized in February 1992, as part of the USDA Food and Agriculture Act of 1962. The Area encompasses 7.6 million acres of Penobscot, Piscataquis, and Somerset counties in Central Maine. The mission of the Heart of Maine RC&D is: "To inspire and cultivate the leadership needed to create jobs and enrich lives through the conservation and development of local natural resources."
Maine
Association of Conservation Districts
There are 16 soil and water conservation districts in Maine. By working with landowners, organizations and government, local districts have helped to protect our soil, water, forestry, wildlife and other natural resources for over 60 years.
Are you a farmer looking for employees and employment resources ? Are you are worker interested in an agricultural job and career resources ? The Maine Career Center can help.
Maine Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources
The Department of Agriculture, Food & Rural Resources is the State's lead agency dealing with all aspects of the food system from the field to the table. This site features links to all Department divisions, programs, boards and commissions as well as news and upcoming events. Be sure to check out their regular newsletter, Ag Today.
Maine Department of Environmental Protection
The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is responsible for protecting and restoring Maine's natural resources and enforcing the state's environmental laws. Legislative mandate directs DEP to prevent, abate and control the pollution of the air, water and land. The charge is to preserve, improve and prevent diminution of the natural environment of the State. The Department is also directed to protect and enhance the public's right to use and enjoy the State's natural resources. The Department administers programs, educates and makes regulatory decisions that contribute to the achievement of this mission.
Maine Farmland Trust
Established in 1999, Maine Farmland Trust is Maine’s only statewide land trust focused exclusively on farmland. They work with landowners, land trusts, farm groups, towns and state agencies, to identify and preserve valuable agricultural land, so that it will forever remain available for agriculture
Maine Farm Link is a farm transfer program that connects farmers seeking farmland with retiring farmers and farm owners who wish to see their agricultural lands remain active.
Maine Farms for the Future
Farms for the Future is a two-phase assistance program that helps Maine farmers plan for the future of their agricultural enterprise. Farms for the Future is a program of the Maine Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources and is administered by Coastal Enterprises INC.
The mission of the Maine Potato Board is to provide a competitive environment for our growers, processors, and dealers, creating both stability and the infrastructure for future growth, while promoting the economic importance to the state and quality of the product.
University of Maine Cooperative Extension
Cooperative Extension provides research-based information designed to meet the needs of Maine citizens; programs cover a wide range of topics related to sustainable agriculture, natural resources, families, health and nutrition, and youth development.
National Association of Conservation Districts
NACD's mission is to serve conservation districts by providing national leadership and a unified voice for natural resource conservation.
Community Mediation Services
CMS is Maine's USDA Certified State Agriculture Mediation Program, a service of the USDA, for producers who disagree with USDA actions and are offered mediation as part of the Department's informal appeals process.
USDA - Farm Service Agency
The Farm Service Agency administers farm commodity and conservation programs for farmers and makes and guarantees farm emergency, ownership, and operating loans.
USDA - Natural Resources Conservation Service - National Site
U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) provides leadership and technical assistance to address natural resource conservation issues on private land. NRCS employees work to improve and protect natural resources in partnership with Soil and Water Conservation Districts, federal, state and local agencies, Resource Conservation and Development Councils, farmers, landowners and communities.
USDA - Natural Resources Conservation Service - Maine Site
Maine's NRCS State Website.
Forestry Resources
Maine Forest ServiceThe key to Maine's past, present, and future quality of life and economic prosperity for its citizens is permanently linked to the condition of the State's forest resources. The Maine Forest Service works to ensure that the trees and forest lands of Maine will continue to provide benefits for present and future generations of Maine people.
Maine Forest Service - Woodwise Program
Practical advice and information for forest landowners from the Maine Forest Service. An EXCELLENT resource for anyone who owns forest in Maine.
Forest Landowner's Guide to Internet Resources
This listing was developed to provide non-industrial, private landowners with a better understanding of the information and resources available on the internet relating to forest stewardship.
Fisheries and Wildlife Resources
Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and WildlifeThe Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife was established to ensure that all species of wildlife and aquatic resources in the State of Maine are maintained and perpetuated for their intrinsic and ecological values, for their economic contribution, and for their recreational, scientific, and educational use by the people of the State.
Business Resources
Maine Business WorksEasy access to many of the resources needed to develop and grow a successful small business in Maine. This site features a compressive list of educational opportunities and financing programs throughout the State.
Maine Small Business Development Centers
Business management assistance, training resource and information services for Maine's micro, small and technology-based business communities.
Northern Maine Development Commission
Northern Maine Development Commission (NMDC) offers Economic Development, Business Finance, Small Business Counseling and Planning services in Aroostook County.