Maine State Forester Patty Cormier has been elected president of the National Association of State Foresters, a significant milestone at a critical time for agencies overseeing forest resources across the United States.

Patty Cormier Contributed photo

Cormier has worked with the Maine Forest Service for over 20 years, serving as Maine’s top forester since 2019, the service said in a statement Friday.

She is the first Maine State Forester to be elected to the national post since Austin Wilkins 59 years ago. She will serve a one-year term at a time when state foresters face growing challenges related to climate change, invasive pests and wildfire management.

“This is a pivotal time for forest conservation,” Cormier said. “I look forward to collaborating with state foresters from across the nation to elevate their voices and work with partners to find answers to challenges we all face.”

A graduate of the University of Maine’s forest management program, Cormier worked as a landowner assistance forester for the Georgia Pacific Corp. before joining the Maine Forest Service. She has been a strong advocate for forest management and fire prevention, serving on multiple forestry committees nationwide.

“Patty’s contributions to forestry in Maine and nationally make her very well qualified to lead (the association) over the coming year,” said Amanda Beal, head of the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry.

Since its founding in 1920, the association has promoted the protection, conservation and sustainable management of state and privately owned forests, which comprise two-thirds of the nation’s forested lands.