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Eastern Equine Encephalitis Confirmed in Non-Commercial Farm Animals in Piscataquis County
September 22, 2023 - AUGUSTA, Maine - Animal Health officials with the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) are working closely with the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) to respond to a positive result and three presumed positive results for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) detected in non-commercial farm animals in Piscataquis County. The animals died last week and were evaluated by the University of Maine Cooperative Extension Diagnostic and Research Laboratory. This case is the first of animals contracting EEE in Maine that officials are aware of since 2019. Continue Reading
Maine Secures $3.07M for Tree Stewardship and Grants in Underserved Communities
September 21, 2023 - Augusta, Maine - The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) announced the award of over $3 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to support urban and community forestry projects and workforce development initiatives. This funding is part of President Biden's Investing in America agenda to advance environmental justice, generate economic opportunity, and build a clean energy economy nationwide. The grants are made possible by investments from President Biden's Inflation Reduction Act, the largest climate investment in history. Continue Reading
Supporting Healthy Maine Forests through Responsible Storm Cleanup
September 15, 2023 - Maine - In the aftermath of this weekend's severe weather, residents across Maine will restore power, clear debris, and get their lives back to normal. While safety and recovery are top priorities, it's crucial to remember that everyone involved in storm cleanup can play a vital role in keeping Maine's forests healthy and resilient. Continue Reading
Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Announces Impressive Lineup for 2023 Big E Fair
September 11, 2023 - Augusta, ME - The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) announced an assembly of 20 Maine-owned businesses and organizations confirmed for the historic Maine Building at the 2023 Eastern States Exposition, "The Big E." The Big E is the only multi-state fair in the country and, since 1917, has exemplified a tradition of showcasing agricultural producers, artisans, and culinary artisans. The Maine building on the "Avenue of States," alongside pavilions representing Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont, is the centerpiece of the Big E fair experience, attracting 1.6 million visitors in 2022, promoting economic growth through tourism while delivering the welcoming hospitality that defines Maine. The 2023 Big E fair is scheduled for September 15 to October 1. Continue Reading
When Identifying Mile-a-Minute Weed, Look for the Prickles and Ocrea
August 24, 2023 - Augusta, Maine - The Maine Department of Agriculture Conservation and Forestry (DACF) has confirmed the presence of mile-a-minute weed (Persicaria perfoliata) in the state. Following this discovery, the DACF received over 150 notifications from alert Mainers regarding mile-a-minute weed. All but two of the reports turned out to be other species. Continue Reading
DACF Proposes Expansion of Quarantines to Slow the Spread of Three Tree Killing Invasive Species
August 21, 2023 - The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry proposes expanding three forest protection quarantines to slow the spread of emerald ash borer, hemlock woolly adelgid, and European larch canker. Continue Reading
First Occurrence of Mile-a-Minute Weed Confirmed in Maine, Urgent Action Required
August 8, 2023 - Augusta, Maine - The Department of Agriculture Conservation and Forestry (DACF) has recently verified the first known occurrence of mile-a-minute weed (Persicaria perfoliata) in Maine. This fast-growing invasive vine, native to India, Asia, and the Philippine Islands, poses a significant threat to nurseries, Christmas tree farms, reforestation projects, and restoration areas, as it can smother young plants and trees under its dense growth. Continue Reading
Maine Offers Free Collection of Unwanted Pesticides to Protect Natural Resources
August 3, 2023 - Augusta, MAINE - Maine residents can participate in the Obsolete Pesticide Collection Program, a joint initiative by the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry's Board of Pesticides Control (BPC) and the Maine Department of Environmental Protection. The program aims to safeguard Maine's natural resources and prevent agricultural pollution by promoting the safe and proper disposal of outdated, unused, or unwanted pesticides. Continue Reading
Land Use Planning Commission Launches Local Outreach Initiative for Dallas Plantation Residents
July 31, 2023 - Augusta, Maine - The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry's Land Use Planning Commission (LUPC) is excited to announce a new initiative to foster greater local outreach within one of its busiest service areas. This initiative seeks to enhance engagement and support for the residents of Dallas Plantation and its surrounding communities. Continue Reading
PFAS Fund Advisory Committee Approves Plan for Administration of the Fund to Address PFAS Contamination
July 11, 2023 - Augusta, ME - The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) announced today that the PFAS Fund Advisory Committee unanimously approved the Plan for Administration of the Fund to Address PFAS Contamination. This represents a crucial step in assisting Maine farms impacted by PFAS contamination and reaffirms Maine's commitment to protecting human health and maintaining farm viability. The PFAS Fund will expand upon existing support extended to impacted farmers through the Bureau of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources. It will provide critical aid to Maine farms grappling with PFAS contamination, working to revitalize their operations while also reinforcing the state's steadfast commitment to the welfare of its citizens and the longevity of its agricultural sector. Continue Reading
Step Back in Time to the 17th Century at Colonial Pemaquid State Historic Site: Wabanaki and European Watercraft of 17th Century Maine
July 6, 2023 - New Harbor, ME - The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry's Bureau of Parks and Lands welcomes history enthusiasts and curious visitors 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 15-16, 2023, 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 Commissioner Amanda Beal Elected President of Northeastern Association of State Departments of Agriculture
June 9, 2023 - Augusta, Maine - On Wednesday, at the 2023 Northeastern Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NEASDA) Regional Meeting held in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire, Amanda Beal, the Commissioner of the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF), was elected to serve a one-year term as NEASDA President. Continue Reading
Maine Forest Service Announces Morten Moesswilde as Forest Policy and Management Division Director
June 8, 2023 - Augusta, Maine - The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry's Maine Forest Service (MFS) proudly announces Morten Moesswilde as the new Division Director for the Forest Policy and Management Division. Morten has been interim director since February 2023 and has officially accepted the position. Continue Reading
Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Commissioner Amanda Beal Announces Steve Walker as Land for Maine's Future Director
June 7, 2023 - Augusta, Maine - Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) Commissioner Amanda Beal has announced that Steve Walker will be joining the Department as Land for Maine's Future (LMF) Director. Walker brings extensive experience and knowledge of conservation easement and land acquisition transactions, including strategic project selection, supportive policy, and successful funding and implementation. Continue Reading
Governor Mills Announces Nine New Land for Maine's Future Conservation Projects
June 2, 2023 - Augusta, Maine - Governor Janet Mills today announced funding for nine new Land for Maine's Future (LMF) conservation projects across Maine, advancing the State of Maine's commitment to preserve precious natural resources, protect wildlife habitats, and ensure public access to lakes, rivers, scenic views, and mountain vistas. Continue Reading