Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry - Augusta, ME

Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry

Department Overview

The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) serves as the state's primary agency for stewardship of natural resources. Established in its current form in 2012 through the merger of the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Conservation, the agency oversees a vast portfolio ranging from food production and forest health to public recreation. Headquartered in the Harlow Building on the Eastside Campus, the DACF is dedicated to developing the state's land-based economy while protecting its environmental integrity. The department acts as a regulatory body, a scientific research center, and a promoter of Maine's agricultural and forestry industries.

Bureaus and Divisions

The department functions through several key bureaus, each addressing specific sectors of Maine's resources:

• Bureau of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources: Supports farmers and food producers through marketing programs like ”Real Maine,” animal and plant health monitoring, and agricultural development grants.
• Maine Forest Service: Protects the state's forest resources from fires, insects, and disease, while providing policy management for sustainable forestry practices.
• Bureau of Parks and Lands: Manages state parks, public reserved lands, and historic sites, overseeing outdoor recreation infrastructure including trails and boat launches.
• Land Use Planning Commission: Serves as the planning and zoning authority for Maine's unorganized and deorganized territories.

Location and Services

The DACF's main office is located at 18 Elkins Lane in the Harlow Building. Visitors can access services related to pesticide licensing, park passes, burning permits, and land use records. The facility is equipped to handle public inquiries, although many services, such as campground reservations and license renewals, are also available via the department's online portals. The building is wheelchair accessible and located near the Kennebec River, part of the state government's Eastside Campus complex.