The Maine Forest Service has expanded its temporary skidder bridge loaner program to southern Maine with the addition of a 25 foot steel bridge based out of the Hancock Lumber Mill in Casco. The new bridge comes in three four foot wide panels. Panels weigh approximately 3600 pounds each. To check on Casco bridge availability or to arrange to borrow please contact Jeff Hall at (207) 329-9128.
Other loaner bridges, both wood and steel are available at locations in the Mid Coast, Southern Somerset county, Penobscot County, Washington County, Southern Piscataquis County and Southern Aroostook County. To check on bridge availability in your area contact Keith Kanoti at 287-1073 or keith.kanoti@maine.gov.
Bridge loan ground rules are as follows:
Bridges are on loan to logging contractors free of charge.
The logging contractor is responsible for picking up and returning the bridge to the agreed upon storage location unless other arrangements have been made.
Even if only two panels are required the bridges will be moved to each location as a complete set.
Bridges will be loaned for a maximum of 3 months unless other arrangements have been made.
The logging contractor using the loaner bridge is responsible for water quality protection and all regulatory compliance.
BMP’s appropriate to the site conditions will be used in bridge installation, use and removal.
The logging contractor will allow Maine Forest Service to inspect and document bridge installation.