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Draft Rulemaking: Repeal of the EAB & ELC Quarantines
Division / Program: Animal and Plant Health
Date: July 20, 2026 - August 28, 2026
Event Type: Public Meeting/Hearing, Public Comment
Emerald Ash Borer (EAB)
The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry is proposing to repeal the current emerald ash borer (EAB) quarantine. Two public hearings will be held.
The proposal to repeal the emerald ash borer quarantine is based on the most recent discovery of established emerald ash borer populations in Benedicta, Maine, which all but unites the north and south populations, rendering the quarantine ineffective. Other long-distance movements in Anson, Bar Harbor, Belfast, Palermo, and Solon appear to indicate that the quarantine is ineffective. View a map of the current extent ot the EAB infestation in Maine
Public Hearings
- August 18, 12:00 to 2:00 PM, at the Maine Potato Board Conference Room, 744 Main St #1, Presque Isle, ME 04769 and a simultaneous virtual option on Microsoft Teams
- August 18, 2026 at 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, at the Maine Forest Service, Central Region Headquarters, 87 Forestry Way, Old Town, ME 04468 with a simultaneous virtual option on Microsoft Teams.
Comment Deadline
The written comment deadline is August 28, 2026, at 5:00 PM. Comments can be emailed to gary.fish@maine.gov or sent to Gary Fish, Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, Plant Health Programs, 28 SHS, Augusta, ME 04333-0028.
European larch canker (ELC)
ELC - The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry is proposing to repeal the current European larch canker (ELC) quarantine. Two public hearings will be held.
The proposal to repeal the European larch canker quarantine was triggered because the USDA-APHIS is repealing the federal quarantine. Without a federal quarantine, there is no reason to quarantine European larch canker in Maine. View map of current extent of the ELC infestation in Maine.
Public Hearings
- August 18, 2026, 12:00 to 2:00 PM, at the Maine Potato Board Conference Room, 744 Main St #1, Presque Isle, ME 04769, and a simultaneous virtual option Microsoft Teams
- August 18, 2026, 5:00 to 7:00 PM, at the Maine Forest Service, Central Region Headquarters, 87 Forestry Way, Old Town, ME 04468, and a simultaneous virtual option on Microsoft Teams.
The written comment deadline is August 28, 2026, at 5:00 PM. Comments can be emailed to gary.fish@maine.gov or sent to Gary Fish, Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, Plant Health Programs, 28 SHS, Augusta, ME 04333-0028.
Contact Name: Gary Fish
Contact Email: gary.fish@maine.gov
Related Documents
EAB Repeal Draft Rulemaking (PDF)
EAB Rulemaking Fact Sheet (Word)
ELC Repeal Draft Rulemaking (PDF)
ELC Rulemaking Fact Sheet (Word)
If you require an accommodation or service to participate, please contact us at dacf@maine.gov or (207) 287-3200 at least 5 days prior to the event.