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Maine State Park Update + 10 Parks to Explore This Summer
June 26, 2025 - We're writing with a quick update and some great travel tips. First, the update: Cobscook Bay and Aroostook State Park campgrounds remain temporarily closed for major improvements. Crews are building modern, accessible bathroom facilities and upgrading underground water and utility systems, part of our ongoing commitment to offering safe, high-quality outdoor experiences. We do not have a re-open date to share and want to apologize if this construction work has thrown a curveball into your camping season. Continue Reading
More Than 30 Maine Food and Farm Businesses Awarded Grants Through Resilient Food Systems Equipment Program
June 9, 2025 - AUGUSTA - The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) today announced that more than 30 projects across the state will receive funding through the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) Equipment-Only Program. Continue Reading
Billboards in Massachusetts and New Hampshire Urge Campers: Keep Maine Beautiful
May 21, 2025 - AUGUSTA, Maine - Just in time for the summer camping season, travelers from Massachusetts and New Hampshire heading to Maine will start seeing bold, eye-catching billboards with a simple message: Keep Campfires Wicked Good - Use Local Firewood. Continue Reading
Statement from the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Animal Welfare Program Regarding Ongoing Investigations
May 21, 2025 - We understand and appreciate the passion many people feel about animal welfare. Our team is deeply committed to the health and safety of animals across Maine. We are currently investigating a reported situation involving horses in Hampden. However, due to strict confidentiality laws that govern active investigations, we are legally prohibited from sharing case-specific details at this time. These protections exist to ensure the integrity of enforcement actions and potential legal proceedings. Continue Reading
Lyme Disease Awareness Month: Don't Let a Tick Make You Sick
May 9, 2025 - With warmer weather on its way, Maine's ticks are coming out to play. May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month (LDAM) and the Maine CDC reminds everyone to protect themselves from tickborne diseases. Continue Reading
Maine Awards $3 Million for Research to Support Farmers Impacted by PFAS
April 29, 2025 - AUGUSTA - The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) announced today that the PFAS Fund has awarded $3 million to researchers to conduct studies that will help commercial farmers make informed decisions about utilizing agricultural property impacted by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Continue Reading
Emerald Ash Borer Confirmed on Mount Desert Island
April 1, 2025 - Maine State Forester Patty Cormier today announced that the Maine Forest Service (MFS) Forest Health and Monitoring Division has confirmed the presence of emerald ash borer (EAB) on Mount Desert Island (MDI) outside of the previously regulated area. Continue Reading
Maine DACF and DOE Host Successful Agriculture Policy Day, Showcasing Young Leaders During the Year of Youth in Agriculture
March 19, 2025 - Augusta, Maine - Young agricultural leaders from across Maine gathered at the State House for a successful Agriculture Policy Day, a key event in the state's ongoing Year of Youth in Agriculture initiative. The day provided 4-H and FFA members valuable opportunities to meet Governor Mills, the Joint Standing Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, and other lawmakers, participate in the legislative process, and share their passion for agriculture and its role in rural and urban communities. Continue Reading
Governor Mills Proclaims Maine Agriculture Week and Celebrates Maine Agriculture Day at the State House
March 17, 2025 - AUGUSTA, Maine - Governor Janet Mills has officially proclaimed March 17-23, 2025, as Maine Agriculture Week, a time to honor and celebrate the farmers, producers, and agricultural businesses that provide food, fiber, and economic strength to Maine communities. As part of this weeklong recognition, Maine Agriculture Day at the Legislature will take place on Tuesday, March 18, at the State House in Augusta. The day will feature a Hall of Flags showcase from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., with exhibits from farmers, producers, and more than thirty agricultural organizations highlighting the diversity and innovation of Maine's agriculture sector. Continue Reading
Governor Janet Mills Proclaims February 24 - March 2 as Invasive Species Awareness Week in Maine
February 20, 2025 - AUGUSTA - Governor Janet Mills has officially proclaimed February 24 to March 2, 2025, as Invasive Species Awareness Week in Maine. This proclamation coincides with National Invasive Species Awareness Week (NISAW), an annual event dedicated to raising public awareness about the environmental and economic threats posed by invasive species. The week serves as a call to action for individuals, communities, and organizations to help prevent and manage invasive species across the state. Continue Reading
Maine Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Commissioner Urges USDA to Expedite Release of Critical Farm Funding
February 19, 2025 - AUGUSTA, Maine - Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) Commissioner Amanda Beal has requested of newly appointed U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins that federal funds currently withheld be swiftly released, as delays are causing economic hardship for Maine farmers and agricultural service providers. Continue Reading
Maine Agriculture Policy Day at the Legislature Cultivates Tomorrow's Leaders
February 11, 2025 - The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) and the Maine Department of Education (DOE), in collaboration with statewide agriculture organizations today announced the Maine Agriculture Policy Day at the Legislature, taking place on March 18, 2025. Continue Reading
DACF and MDIFW News -- Maine Health Officials Urge Precautions For Public as Avian Influenza Is Confirmed in Maine
February 11, 2025 - AUGUSTA, ME - With the recent confirmation of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in multiple wild birds in York and Cumberland Counties, the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC), the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) and the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW) are urging people to take precautions to limit the spread of HPAI and protect wild and domestic birds. Continue Reading
Land Use Planning Commission Announces Rule Changes
January 17, 2025 - AUGUSTA - The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry's Land Use Planning Commission (LUPC) has adopted two significant rule changes, effective this month, to improve compliance and preserve Maine's natural beauty. Continue Reading
Maine State Parks Achieve Over Three Million Visitors in 2024
January 17, 2025 - AUGUSTA, Maine - The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry's Bureau of Parks and Lands (BPL) announced this week that Maine State Parks welcomed 3.12 million visitors in 2024, marking the third time in four years that visitation surpassed three million. This represents a 6.5% increase over 2023 attendance. While overall attendance climbed, day-use visitation increased by 7.3%, highlighting the popularity of Maine's parks as trusted and accessible destinations for outdoor recreation. Camping attendance saw a slight decrease of 0.8%, partially attributed to the early closure of Cobscook Bay State Park for a construction project. Notable park-specific trends included an 18% increase in attendance at Reid State Park, while Popham Beach State Park saw a 7% decrease, likely due to beach erosion caused by January 2024 storms. Continue Reading