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Browntail Moth Spotlight
February 27, 2026 - Browntail Moth (Euproctis chrysorrhoea L.) populations decreased in some areas in 2025, but are still elevated in others. Check trees this winter to see whether your community may be impacted by browntail moth this spring. If you find winter webs, take action to make a difference! Continue Reading
Help Track a Hemlock Pest
February 26, 2026 - Hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) is an aphid-like invasive insect that feeds on and can kill hemlock trees in Maine. Continue Reading
Watch for Woodpecker Activity
February 26, 2026 - Emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) has been detected in new towns in Maine. Watch for woodpecker activity and report trees that have signs of emerald ash borer. Continue Reading
What Mainers are Asking About Jumping Worms
February 25, 2026 - Following a recent two-day jumping worm workshop hosted by the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF), it is clear that jumping worms are a top concern for Maine gardeners and land managers. This event brought together a knowledgeable lineup of leading researchers from across North America to share the latest science and management strategies. Continue Reading
Invasive Insects on the Horizon: Box Tree Moth and Spotted Lanternfly
February 25, 2026 - Two invasive insects are spreading in the United States. Neither is known to be established in Maine, although both are closing in around our borders. Please be aware of these insects and report any suspicious sightings to help our efforts to manage them. Continue Reading
EDRR Alert: Status Update of Stiltgrass in Maine
February 24, 2026 - Japanese stiltgrass (Microstegium vimineum) is a severely invasive, annual grass originating from southern Asia. Originally introduced to Tennessee in 1919, stiltgrass has seen unbridled spread across the eastern United States over the past century. In Maine, stiltgrass is classified as an early detection and rapid response invasive species (EDRR). EDRR species are recent invaders, meaning they can still be feasibly eradicated from the state. Continue Reading
MeshTech: A New Strategy for Managing Knotweed
February 24, 2026 - Knotweed (Reynoutria spp.) is a severely invasive plant originating from Eastern Asia. Introduced to the East Coast in the late 1800s as an ornamental, knotweed has since become ubiquitous across North America, reaching over 40 US states and 8 Canadian provinces. Knotweed has proven extremely detrimental to a wide variety of ecosystems in which it has established. Forming tall, dense thickets, knotweed shades out native plants, preventing them from growing. Additionally, knotweed is allelopathic, meaning it releases organic compounds into the soil that inhibits the growth of native plant species. Continue Reading
iMapInvasives: Maine's Invasive Species Tracker
February 23, 2026 - Invasive species are a major threat to ecosystem health and biodiversity in Maine. Once established, invasive species outcompete our native species for habitat and resources. In addition to biodiversity loss, invasive species impact crop and timber yields, water quality, and even reduce property values. It is estimated that invasive species have cost North America over $26 billion annually since 2010 (National Invasive Species Information Center). Continue Reading
Invasive Species and Climate Change
February 23, 2026 - Invasive species and climate change are considered the two largest threats to biodiversity, ecosystem function, and human health. These two complex issues are interrelated and form a self-reinforcing "feedback loop" where each factor accelerates the other. Climate change creates habitat for invasive species to spread, while these species disrupt ecosystem functions that would otherwise help mitigate global warming. Continue Reading
Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Announces Invasive Species Awareness Week Campaign
February 19, 2026 - AUGUSTA - The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) today announced a statewide campaign in recognition of Invasive Species Awareness Week, February 23 through March 1, 2026, highlighted by a proclamation from the Governor and a coordinated series of educational news releases, social media outreach, and public engagement efforts. Continue Reading
Maine Forest Service Releases Forestry Best Management Practices Manual for Extreme Weather
February 18, 2026 - Augusta - The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry's Maine Forest Service (MFS) has released Best Management Practices for Forestry: Adapting to Extreme Weather in Maine, a new addendum to the agencys core Forestry Best Management Practices (BMP) manual. The new resource provides practical guidance to help landowners, foresters, and loggers plan for, mitigate, and adapt to extreme weather events while protecting water quality. Continue Reading
New Maine Conservation Corps Partnerships Create Direct Pathways to Registered Apprenticeships
February 6, 2026 - Augusta - The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry's (DACF) Maine Conservation Corps (MCC) today announced two new pre-apprenticeship partnerships with the Association of General Contractors (AGC) Maine and the Maine Rural Water Association (MRWA). These new partnerships link hands-on conservation service directly to registered apprenticeships in construction and water utilities, addressing workforce shortages, strengthening critical infrastructure, and helping young people build long-term careers in Maine. Continue Reading
Maine DACF Deputy Commissioner Shares State's PFAS Response at Congressional Briefing
January 29, 2026 - Washington, D.C. - Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) Deputy Commissioner Nancy McBrady recently presented at a Congressional briefing focused on PFAS contamination and its impacts on agriculture, offering federal lawmakers on-the-ground insights from Maine's experience and response. Continue Reading
Aligning with the United Nations and NASDA Members, Governor Mills Proclaims 2026 as the Year of the Woman Farmer in Maine
January 16, 2026 - AUGUSTA, MAINE - Governor Janet Mills has proclaimed 2026 as the Year of the Woman Farmer in Maine, aligning the state with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations' designation of 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer. The initiative is part of a globally coordinated, non-partisan effort led internationally by the United Nations and nationally by the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA), with participation from organizations including the American Farm Bureau Federation, American Farmland Trust, the U.S. Dairy Export Council, private sector partners, research groups, and other governmental and non-governmental organizations. Continue Reading
Annie Watson Named 2026 Commissioner's Distinguished Service Award Recipient
January 14, 2026 - Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) Commissioner Amanda Beal has named Annie Watson, a dairy farmer from Whitefield, as the recipient of the 2026 Commissioner's Distinguished Service Award. Continue Reading