Only a year after hemlock woolly adelgid was detected in Kennebunkport forests, a second destructive exotic pest of hemlocks -- elongate hemlock scale -- has been found within the same neighborhood. Combined, these two pests are more than just double trouble for hemlocks—their impacts are synergistic, according to Maine Forest Service entomologists, causing a more rapid decline in tree health. The latest bug invader also can be a threat to spruce and fir trees. "We’re extremely concerned about the arrival of this pest,” Allison Kanoti, MFS entomologist, said. “Scale populations tend to show up and grow more rapidly in the presence of hemlock woolly adelgid, which already is in the immediate area, and they cause a more rapid decline in tree health.” For more on how to identify elongate hemlock scale and what is being done to control it, visit the Maine Forest Service Division of Forest Health and Monitoring.

PROJECT CANOPY WELCOMES NEW OUTREACH DIRECTOR

Laura Minich Zitske comes to Project Canopy as an ornithologist with nine years of experience in research, education, and environmental non-profit work. Laura’s interest in the natural world was evident when as a young girl she claimed she would be a ‘rock scientist’, but then became fascinated with birds of her wooded backyard in Virginia. Although urban and community forestry may seem like an unusual move after getting a MSc on seabirds, Laura is finding PC a great match for her general interest in ecology, conservation, and communities in Maine. She is thrilled to make Maine her home after several years in New Brunswick studying biology and working at the Nature Trust of New Brunswick.

FOREST SERVICE CALLS FOR BIOMASS PROJECT APPLICATIONS

The Maine Forest Service, under the Maine Department of Conservation, is requesting applications for biomass heat and energy installation projects for funding through federal recovery-act monies. Some 15 shovel-ready projects from public institutions, including schools, hospitals, and state, county, local and tribal government agencies, will be funded with $11.4 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) funds received by the state of Maine. These are one-time funds that will be spent or committed within two years. Working in conjunction with the Office of the Governor, the Maine State Legislature, and the US Forest Service – Northeastern Area State & Private Forestry, the MDOC has determined that it will use the ARRA funding for contracts to support new and far-reaching programs to convert public facilities in Maine to wood heat. Through the fuel conversion process, the ARRA funding will create and support jobs among licensed solid wood-fuel professionals, contractors and engineering firms. The use of the recovery funds also is expected to benefit loggers and other forest-product professionals.Learn more.

WOODLAND OWNERS SHORT COURSE

Knox-Lincoln Soil and Water Conservation District and the Camden Public Library, together with the Maine Forest Service, will be hosting a workshop entitled “A Woodland Owner’s Shortcourse” on Saturday November 7. Landowners and others interested in learning more about taking care of or managing woodlands are invited to attend. This introductory short course will highlight basic elements of successful woodland stewardship and point landowners toward the resources to achieve them. It will address developing landowner goals, basic woodland ecology & assessment, essential administrative/planning decisions, and key elements of a successful timber harvest. The course will take place on Saturday, November 7, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (includes ½ hour lunch break—bring your own), in the Jean Picker Room at the Camden Public Library, 55 Main Street in Camden. There is no fee for the course. Please register by November 4th by contacting Rebecca Jacobs at 273-2005 x 101 or send an email Rebecca.jacobs@me.nacdnet.net.

GREEN SPACES IN CITIES GOOD FOR DEPRESSION, ANXIETY

People who live near green spaces may be less likely than those surrounded by concrete to suffer a range of health problems, particularly depression and anxiety, according to a Dutch study. Researchers from the VU University Medical Center in Amsterdam found that among more than 300,000 Dutch adults and children, those living near more "green spaces" tended to have lower rates of 15 different health conditions. Past studies have found that people who live in greener environments tend to report better subjective health. But this study, published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, is the first to use objective data on specific mental and physical health diagnoses.

HONORING NEW ENGLAND’S LARGEST ELM TREE

Yarmouth’s beloved Herbie, the Champion American Elm, has finally succumbed to Dutch Elm disease and will be removed in January of 2010.  The approximately 225 year-old tree is the largest elm in Maine and all of New England, standing 110 feet tall with an impressive canopy spread of 120 feet.  Although Herbie will no longer be shading Yarmouth, he will leave a lasting legacy in two ways:  products created from Herbie’s wood and through the formation of a Tree Trust .  A committee is meeting regularly to decide how to remove the elm and use the wood in a variety of crafts to keep Herbie’s memory alive while serving a new purpose.   The new Tree Trust will enable the town to maintain Yarmouth’s existing trees as well as plant new trees for future generations.  For more on how Yarmouth is honoring Herbie, go to the town’s website:
http://yarmouth.me.us/

COMMUNITY FOREST WORKSHOPS A SUCCESS

Community Forestry Workshops held in October and sponsored by the Maine Forest Service, Maine Association of Conservation Commissions, and the Community Forest Collaborative were a great success. Over fifty participants attended the events in Bangor and Bath, representing municipalities, conservation commissions, and land trusts. People came from as far away as Quebec to learn more about how to acquire community forests and how to best manage these lands for the benefit of town residents. The workshop facilitators and participants brought diverse interests and experiences in community forestry, contributing to an interactive and informative experience. Highlights of the event included tours of municipal forests; Bangor City Forester Brian Dugas and Jan Santerre led attendees through the City Forest, while those in Bath walked the City-owned Butler Head property with consulting forester Walter Armstrong. Stay posted to Trees on Maine Street Bulletin for any potential follow-up events and information on future workshops.

LOW IMPACT DEVELOPMENT (LID) DESIGN WORKSHOP

This workshop will provide instruction on the use of Low Impact Development techniques in the design and review of development projects. Participants will be instructed on the difference between LID and BMPs, and LID as a design philosophy. They will also be provided with the ability to suggest LID techniques for a green development and retrofit site. In addition, participants will work through a complete design for porous pavement and bioinfiltration, and will be taught to calculate cost comparisons for LID and conventional treatment. Finally participants will gain experience with changing design objectives and effects on sizing LID, and will work through operations and maintenance for various LID techniques. Register or learn more

INVASION OF THE LONGHORN BEETLES

Smithsonian magazine put together a great article on the Asian Longhorned beetle story in Worcester, MA. Read the full text at the Smithsonian magazine site.

UP & COMING

USDA Forest Service Northeastern Area event calendar: www.na.fs.fed.us/urban/index.shtm

November

5-7
Tree Care Industry EXPO 2009, Baltimore, Maryland

7-8
Saw Mill Days, Higmo’s Lumber, Brunswick, Maine

December

10          
How to use a map and compass, 6:30 PM, Belfast Free Library

12
How to use a map and compass – walk, 10AM. Register at 207-338-1147

January

12-14
Maine Agricultural Trades Show, Augusta Civic Center

If you would like to put your community’s activity on the calendar, please let one of the editors know by the 15th of each month.