Foliage Reports: September 13, 2006
Maine's beautiful Fall Foliage beginning to change color, looking healthy
A well-fed forest and cooperative weather in recent weeks has led to a great start for Maine's fall foliage season according to the state Department of Conservation's first 2006 foliage report. Statewide foliage conditions will be updated every Wednesday through October 18, on Maine's official fall foliage Web site.
Above average rainfall during the spring and early summer has resulted in a healthy tree canopy in each of the state's seven foliage tracking zones. Cooler than normal temperatures during August, and the natural decrease in daylight are contributing to the early transformation of color in the state's 52 native species of leaf-producing trees.
"Maine's foliage is one of our major tourist attractions," said Governor John Baldacci. "Our natural resources are second-to-none. I encourage everyone to get outdoors and enjoy the beautiful pictures painted on nature's palette during the fall."
Currently, state forest and park rangers are reporting low leaf color, or less than 30 percent toward peak, in the tracking zones covering all of extreme northern Maine and the western mountain zone including Jackman, Greenville and points southwest to Bethel. Foliage color in all other parts of the state is very low, or less than 10 percent toward peak.
In addition to providing up-to-date foliage information, www.mainefoliage.com is also a great place to start planning a fall foliage trip, learn more about Maine's trees, or interact with other foliage fans.
"Last year, our foliage Web site had more than 3 million hits in a seven-week period," said Department of Conservation Commissioner Patrick K. McGowan. "MaineFoliage.com is the best resource for those seeking the top foliage viewing spots in Maine, many of which are in our 47 state parks and historic sites."
Visitors to the site can sign up to receive weekly foliage reports by e-mail. The site also offers a Live Help feature with Department of Conservation staff on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. EST beginning September 18.
Updated reports can also be obtained by calling the Maine foliage hotline at 1-888-MAINE-45. Learn more about Maines fall touring routes and outdoor activities at www.visitmaine.com.
Press contact: Kevin Gove, Nancy Marshall Communications, Email: kgove@marshallpr.com, Phone: (207) 623-4177.
Current Conditions - The Foliage Conditions map on this page is the foliage zone map used by Maine Forest Service Rangers when reporting fall foliage conditions. See Also: Description of Zones
Week of September 13, 2006
| Zone Number |
Color Change |
Leaf Drop |
| 7 |
Low |
Low |
| 6 |
Low |
Low |
| 5 |
Low |
Very Low |
| 4 |
Very Low |
Very Low |
| 3 |
Very Low |
Very Low |
| 2 |
Very Low |
Very Low |
| 1 |
Very Low |
Very Low |
Foliage Zones
Zone 7: Northeastern Maine, including Fort Kent, Caribou, and Presque Isle
Zone 6: Northwestern Maine
Zone 5: Western Mid-Maine, including Greenville, Rangeley, Bethel
Zone 4: Eastern Mid-Maine, including Houlton, Millinocket, and Calais
Zone 3: Central and Southwestern Maine, including Bangor, Augusta, and Fryeburg
Zone 2: DowneastMaine, including Machias, Bar Harbor, and Penobscot Bay
Zone 1: Mid-Coast and South Coastal Maine, including Camden, Portland, Kennebunkport, and Kittery
