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Maine PFAS Fund Closes on Acquisition of Second Impacted Farm Property
May 22, 2026 - AUGUSTA - The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) announced today that the Fund to Address PFAS Contamination (PFAS Fund) has completed the acquisition of a second Maine farm property impacted by PFAS contamination. Continue Reading
"Feathers over Freeport" Offers Birding Fun for All Ages
May 22, 2026 - AUGUSTA - The 16th annual "Feathers over Freeport" event will take place Saturday, May 30, at Bradbury Mountain State Park and Sunday, May 31, at Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park. Continue Reading
Working Group Established to Prioritize Wellness and Mental Health Resources for Maine Heritage Industries
May 22, 2026 - AUGUSTA, Maine - A working group has been established to review and strengthen mental health and wellness resources for people working in Maine's heritage industries, including agriculture, fishing, forestry, and logging. The effort was created by the Mills administration and the 132nd Legislature to identify needs and develop recommendations that improve support for the people who sustain these essential industries. Continue Reading
Maine Awards $3 Million to Advance PFAS Solutions for Farmers
May 15, 2026 - AUGUSTA - The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) today announced $3 million in new PFAS Fund research grants to support Maine farms impacted by PFAS. While the vast majority of Maine farms are not impacted, DACF is currently working with 127 sites, ranging from small properties to large, diversified farms, to provide testing, financial assistance, research, and technical support that help farmers make informed decisions and continue operating safely. Continue Reading
Wood Build Maine Conference highlights Maine's forest bioeconomy and creative leadership in Climate-Smart Design and Timber Innovation
April 30, 2026 - The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF), in partnership with the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development and the Maine International Trade Center, will host the Wood Build Maine Conference, a gathering designed to showcase how wood is shaping the future of building, from structure to sustainability. Continue Reading
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