AUGUSTA -- The state's leading environmental group joined the forest products industry Wednesday to oppose cuts to the Maine Forest Service.

The Natural Resources Council of Maine and Plum Creek Timber Co., which have fought in recent years over proposed development in the North Woods, stood united Wednesday against proposals in Gov. John Baldacci's supplemental budget.

In particular, they opposed cuts to the Forest Inventory Program, which strives to ensure Maine forests are managed in a sustainable way.

"We can't stand a long, drawn-out wait for information," said Mark Doty, of Plum Creek.

The final group of public hearings on Baldacci's proposal to close a $140 million revenue shortfall in the current state budget took place Wednesday. Next week, work sessions will begin. The goal is to have the full Legislature vote on a package by Feb. 1.

Members of the public came to the Statehouse this week to oppose cuts to the Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Education and on Wednesday, the Department of Conservation.

Several groups, including the Maine Forest Products Council, the Small Woodland Owners Association of Maine and the Maine Pellet Fuels Association spoke in opposition to some of the cuts in the conservation budget.

Patrick Strauch, executive director of the forest products council, said it will work with the state to find other ways to save money.

"We suggest looking upstream for higher administrative positions," he said. "Front-line workers are critically important."

Baldacci proposed cutting 17 positions from the department and eliminating the Forest Inventory Program. Conservation Commissioner Patrick McGowan said if the proposal is adopted, the inventory duties would be assumed by the federal government.

But many who spoke said the federal government hasn't historically done a good job providing the state with timely information.

Cathy Johnson of the Natural Resources Council said there have been additional demands placed on Maine's forests because of demand for pellet fuel and biomass.

She said the state -- and industries who rely on good information -- cannot wait 10 or more years for updated inventories.

"The forests won't be managed at all," she said.

Tom Doak of the Small Woodland Owners Association said that group is concerned about proposed cuts to the fire protection division.

"This is a risky business to rely on volunteers to detect fires," he said.

McGowan said his department will get help from other state agencies with airplanes to monitor the woods for fires.

That proposal concerned at least one lawmaker, Rep. Ben Pratt, D-Eddington. Pratt works as a firefighter.

"I have to go out and fight those fires and I worry about that," he said.

Susan Cover -- 620-7015

scover@centralmaine.com