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Eastern Equine Encephalitis Identified in a Maine Horse
September 6, 2024 - The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) and the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (Maine DACF) announced today that a horse from Somerset County tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus (EEE). This is the third domestic animal this year to test positive for the virus, which is spread through the bite of infected mosquitoes. Continue Reading
Maine Launches New Online Tools for Community Planning
September 3, 2024 - Augusta, Maine- The Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry's Municipal Planning Assistance Program (MPAP) has released two online tools to help Maine communities plan for the future. Continue Reading
Maine Awards Over $600,000 in Grants to Boost Specialty Crop Producers
August 27, 2024 - Augusta - The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) announced today an investment in Maine's agricultural sector of more than $600,000 in Specialty Crop Block Grant Program awards (SCBGP). This funding will help a diverse group of recipients, including the University of Maine System, North Spore, LLC, and the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association, to drive innovation and create new market opportunities for our state's specialty crop producers. These grants are crucial in helping our farmers and producers withstand the ongoing and mounting challenges facing the agriculture sector posed by the economy and environment. Continue Reading
Maine's Forestry Community Champions Water Quality Protection During Timber Harvesting
August 1, 2024 - Augusta-The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry's Maine Forest Service (MFS) is happy to announce the results of its 2022-2023 study on the implementation and effectiveness of Best Management Practices (BMPs) in timber harvesting across the state. BMPs are voluntary measures designed to safeguard water quality, and their usage and effectiveness are rigorously monitored by MFS's 11 District Foresters and Water Resources Specialists. These monitoring results are reported biannually. The 2022-2023 results are consistent with previous years, showing a solid commitment to BMPs within Maine's forestry and logging community. Notably, there was a 5% decrease in sedimentation associated with crossing structures since the 2020-2021 report, reducing the total to 29%. Historically, sedimentation is most often linked to crossing structures, averaging 31% from 2005 to 2023. Continue Reading
Dr. Ryan P. Gordon Named as Maine State Geologist
July 30, 2024 - AUGUSTA, Maine - The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) is pleased to announce Dr. Ryan P. Gordon as the new Maine State Geologist with the Maine Geological Survey (MGS). Ryan officially started his new role on July 22, 2024. Continue Reading
Governor Mills and U.S. Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Announce $4.3 Million for Maine Farmers & Small Businesses to Lower Energy Costs
July 26, 2024 - Governor Mills and U.S. Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Announce $4.3 Million for Maine Farmers & Small Businesses to Lower Energy Costs Continue Reading
Save the Date for Maine Open Farm Day, Sunday, July 28 - Top Twelve Tips
July 15, 2024 - Augusta-Experience farm life and learn about the origins of your food on Maine Open Farm Day, held this year on Sunday, July 28. This annual event is a fantastic opportunity for families, educators, and anyone curious about agriculture to connect with farmers and explore Maine's vitally important agricultural community. Continue Reading
Summer Outdoor Activities and Invasive Species: Protect Maine's Forests
July 3, 2024 - Augusta, Maine - Mainers and visitors are eager to enjoy camping, hiking, and other outdoor recreational activities as summer unfolds. However, these treasured pastimes have a hidden threat: the spread of tree-killing invasive plants, insects, and diseases that cause significant environmental damage. Continue Reading
Insider Secrets: 15 Pro Tips for Your Best Maine Outdoor Adventure Experiences
July 2, 2024 - Visiting any of Maine's State Parks, Historic Sites, and Public Reserved Lands is a wonderful opportunity to explore beautiful landscapes, hike scenic trails, and enjoy outdoor activities. Packing wisely is essential to making the most of your adventure. Continue Reading
Maine DACF and University of Maine Cooperative Extension Launch the PFAS Navigator Program
July 1, 2024 - AUGUSTA, ME - The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) and University of Maine Cooperative Extension announced the launch of the "PFAS Navigators" program, designed to offer dedicated one-on-one assistance to farmers affected by PFAS contamination. Starting July 1, 2024, this confidential, no-cost program aims to provide comprehensive support, ensuring farmers receive the necessary resources and guidance to manage the impacts of PFAS on their farms and families. Continue Reading
$451,553 in Coastal Planning Grants Announced
June 28, 2024 - Augusta - The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry's (DACF) Municipal Planning Assistance Program (MPAP), in collaboration with the Department of Marine Resources (DMR) Maine Coastal Program (MCP), is proud to announce the award of $451,553 in coastal planning grants. These grants will support vital projects focused on climate vulnerability assessments, designing resilient infrastructure for working waterfronts, and updating municipal land use regulations to address current and future coastal hazards and guide development away from vulnerable areas. Projects will begin in late summer 2024. These planning grants are funded through the MCP Shore and Harbor Planning Grant and the Coastal Community Grant, supported by an annual National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) award. Continue Reading
Visit the 17th Century at Colonial Pemaquid State Historic Site
June 28, 2024 - New Harbor, ME - The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry's Bureau of Parks and Lands welcomes everyone to experience 17th century Maine during the "17th Century Days" at Colonial Pemaquid State Historic Site. This family-friendly event, organized by Neill DePaoli, Colonial Pemaquid State Historic Site Manager, will take place on July 13-14, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the Colonial Pemaquid State Historic Site, located 13 miles south of Damariscotta off Route 130 at 2 Colonial Pemaquid Dr., New Harbor, ME 04554. Continue Reading
Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Reminds Owners to Help Keep Animals Cool and Safe as Temperatures Rise
June 17, 2024 - AUGUSTA, ME-As temperatures rise across the state, the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) reminds animal owners of the best ways to keep their pets and livestock cool and safe. Continue Reading
Maine Hosts 2024 NEASDA Annual Regional Meeting in Freeport
May 31, 2024 - Augusta, ME-The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) is hosting the 2024 regional meeting of the Northeast Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NEASDA) from June 2 to 5 in Freeport. DACF Commissioner and current NEASDA President Amanda Beal expressed enthusiasm about returning this influential agricultural conference to Maine, which last hosted it in 2016. Continue Reading
Governor Mills Proclaims June as Maine Dairy Month
May 31, 2024 - Augusta, MAINE - Governor Janet Mills today proclaimed June as "Maine Dairy Month" during a Blaine House ceremony celebrating the vital contributions of Maine's dairy farmers and producers. Continue Reading