Committee endorses Don Tardy to Maine Land Use Planning Commission

The Joint Standing Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry voted 9-0 to recommend confirmation of Donald A. Tardy of Ashland to the Maine Land Use Planning Commission, with three members absent.

Aroostook County Commissioner Daniel DeVoe introduced Tardy and said the three county commissioners had interviewed applicants and unanimously supported Tardy as their nominee. Tardy described his background in forestry and rural economic development, noting decades of experience in forest management, logging procurement and local economic development work in Ashland. He told the committee he wants to promote economic projects while maintaining environmental stewardship in the North Maine Woods.

Several supporters from the forest products and landowner community spoke in favor of Tardy. James Robbins cited Tardy’s forestry education and industry experience; Trevor Lennon highlighted Tardy’s leadership on deer‑wintering area management and cooperative work with state biologists; Tom Doak, executive director of Maine Woodland Owners, called him a “man of great integrity” with strong rural credentials; and Patrick Strauch, executive director of the Maine Forest Products Council, recommended him for his stewardship record and strategic thinking.

Representative Bill Plucker moved the committee recommendation to confirm Tardy; a second was recorded. The clerk called the roll under the confirmation statute and recorded nine affirmative votes and zero negative votes. The committee will forward its written recommendation to the President of the Senate as required by 3 M.R.S. §157.

The committee closed the public hearing on Mr. Tardy’s nomination and proceeded to the Dairy Task Force report.