AUGUSTA – With a district that spans some of Maine’s most productive forests, agricultural lands and iconic outdoor destinations, State Representative Nancy Theriault (R-Millinocket) has been appointed by House Speaker Ryan Fecteau to serve on the Legislature’s Joint Standing Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry.
House District 29 is uniquely tied to the committee’s work. The district is home to numerous natural resource-based businesses, including: forestry products, blueberry growers, potato producers, orchards and small family farms. It also includes Baxter State Park and borders Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, giving Theriault firsthand insight into the opportunities and challenges surrounding Maine’s natural resource economy.
“I am honored to serve on the Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Committee,” Theriault said. “My constituents understand that our forests, farms and outdoor recreation economies are more than just part of our heritage—they are the foundation of our communities and an important part of Maine’s future.”
“As I travel throughout the eight towns and unorganized territory that make up House District 29, I continue learning about the incredible potential that exists across our region,” she said. “I have been impressed by the hard work, dedication and community spirit of the people I meet. They have a practical understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing rural Maine, and I look forward to bringing that perspective to Augusta.”
Theriault said the committee’s work directly affects jobs, economic development, conservation and outdoor recreation throughout Maine.
“Our region demonstrates that responsible stewardship and economic opportunity go hand in hand,” Theriault said. “Whether it’s supporting our forest products industry, strengthening Maine agriculture, expanding outdoor recreation or preserving the natural resources that define our state, I want to help ensure public policy reflects the realities of the communities that live and work on the land every day.”
The Joint Standing Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry has jurisdiction over the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry and legislation involving agriculture, forestry, food safety, animal welfare, farmland preservation, forest management, state parks, public lands, Baxter State Park, the Land for Maine’s Future Program and other issues affecting Maine’s natural resource economy.
“I look forward to working with my colleagues to support the industries, businesses and families that are the backbone of rural Maine,” Theriault said. “The future of our state depends in large part on the wise management of our natural resources, and I am grateful for the opportunity to represent the people of northern Maine in those discussions.”
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