The Forest Society of Maine Board of Directors named Karin Tilberg as the organization’s new executive director during their December board meeting. The Forest Society of Maine (FSM) is a land trust with a focus on conserving forestland throughout Maine’s North Woods. Karin has worked for FSM since 2011 as the deputy executive director to oversee and implement FSM’s expanded presence in the Moosehead Lake region and to work with forestland owners to design and implement forest conservation projects. In her new role as executive director she will oversee the entire organization and help guide its continued growth as Maine’s land trust for the North Woods.
According to George Jacobson, FSM Board President, “Through her previous work Karin has developed a keen awareness of the struggles, challenges, and opportunities facing forestland owners and communities in the North Woods. She has worked with businesses, local leaders, outdoor organizations, and others in designing and completing complex conservation projects intended to enhance public access, fish and wildlife habitat, and sustainable forestry.”
“We at Robbins Lumber have always been big supporters of the Forest Society of Maine. They were the primary organization that helped us put a conservation easement on our land near Nicatous Lake. We and they believe in preserving the working forest and access for public recreation. The Forest Society of Maine has always been blessed with great leadership. Karin Tilberg has a great conservation background and we are sure she will provide continued great leadership to FSM in the future. We are excited about her appointment and look forward to working with her,” said Jim Robbins, Sr., retired president of Robbins Lumber.
Karin earned a B.S. in wildlife biology from the University of Vermont and a J.D. from the University of Maine School of Law. Before joining FSM, Karin worked in state government as Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Conservation and as a senior advisor for Governor John Baldacci. In these positions, she worked with numerous landowners, NGO partners, and community leaders for conservation outcomes. In addition to her work throughout Maine, she is an active outdoorswoman and has spent her adult life working and recreating throughout Maine.
“I am very grateful to be named the new executive director of Forest Society of Maine,” stated Tilberg, “I am dedicated to building on the strong foundation created by my predecessor and inspiring conservation leader, Alan Hutchinson. This new role will give me the chance to further the mission of the Forest Society of Maine, and to reach out to all who have a connection to Maine’s North Woods –whether it be through land ownership, work, recreation, or pure enjoyment.”
Read the article that appeared in the Portland Press Herald.
