Maine Invasive Species Network will hold its Annual Meeting in Rockland

April 1, 2019

For more information contact: Tom Gordon at: 207-287-4986

The Annual Meeting of the Maine Invasive Species Network will be held on Wednesday, April 3, in Rockland. Invasive species professionals from around Maine, and expert guests from other New England states, will come together to share the latest news about threats and regulations, hear case studies of invasive species management, and learn about biological controls and new technologies.

This year's meeting, which is expected to draw over 100 attendees, is organized by a team of Maine Invasive Species Network members from the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF), University of Maine Cooperative Extension, Nutrien Solutions, Knox-Lincoln Soil and Water Conservation District, and Maine Coast Heritage Trust.

"We are very excited to help facilitate this gathering of invasive species professionals," remarked DACF Commissioner Amanda Beal. "Invasive species are a major threat to Maines natural resources, including our farms, forests, and conserved lands. Working together will enable us to prevent the introduction and spread of these harmful species, and learn how to best manage them where they are already established."

Entomologists from New Hampshire will share their experience with the emerald ash borer, an invasive, destructive beetle that kills ash trees. The emerald ash borer was recently found in Maine and is expected to severely impact Maines ash trees. New Hampshire already has experience with the beetle and will provide perspective and lessons learned.

Other experts will describe the use of biological controls for invasive plants and insects, and the use of eDNA technology for invasive species monitoring and research, with a focus on aquatic systems.

"These annual gatherings provide invaluable information for natural resource managers and researchers. Its a rare opportunity to get an overview of all the invasive species issues facing the state of Maine," according to Nancy Olmstead, invasive plant biologist at the Maine Natural Areas Program.

The event is receiving generous financial support from Nutrien Solutions, Lake Stewards of Maine - Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program, the Maine Chapter of The Nature Conservancy, Solitude Lake Management, J.D. Irving, and the Maine Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey.

To learn more about invasive species in Maine, what state agencies are doing to address invasive species, and how you can help, visit the State of Maine invasive species portal at: maine.gov/invasives

About the Maine Invasive Species Network The Maine Invasive Species Network is a network of professionals and dedicated volunteers who work on invasive species issues in Maine. Members include researchers, land managers, foresters, biologists, horticulturalists, agriculture specialists, and outreach and education professionals. Learn more about the network at: https://extension.umaine.edu/invasivespecies/