What is one of the "current use" programs in Maine that offers property owners a reduction in assessed value?

In Maine, the "Tree Growth" program is a current use program that offers property owners a reduction in assessed value specifically for land that is primarily used for growing and harvesting trees. This program is designed to encourage forest management and conservation, allowing landowners to maintain their forested land in a financially sustainable way while benefiting the state’s environment. By enrolling in the Tree Growth program, property owners can have their land assessed based on its use for forestry rather than its potential market value for development, leading to lower property taxes.

The program requires landowners to meet specific criteria, such as maintaining a forest management plan and actively managing their land for timber production. This incentivizes responsible forestry practices and helps preserve Maine's natural resources.

The other options presented, like Shoreland and Land Trust, do not specifically provide the same tax reduction benefits under the current use programs in terms of assessed value based on land use. Shoreland focuses on managing development near water bodies, while Land Trust generally involves organizations working to conserve land but does not specifically offer tax reductions tied to land use in the same manner as the Tree Growth program.