Cleaning up storm debris? Here's what to know.

October 13, 2022

Storm cleanup can help keep Maine's forests healthy. Project Canopy, a program of the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry's (DACF) Maine Forest Service (MFS), offers tips and helpful advice to property owners.

• Trees and branches on homes and around power lines - Homeowners must find immediate solutions for downed trees and branches. Branches and trees on power lines should be dealt with by calling local power companies. Even if a hanging limb is clear of power and utility wires, homeowners should rely on professionals to assess the severity of the damage before trying to repair or remove the branch
• Injured or damaged trees requiring climbing or chainsaw work Call a licensed arborist for help. Arborists are tree care professionals trained to assess and correct storm-damaged trees. They also have experience in diagnosing how much of a tree can or should be saved. Homeowners should be wary of those offering fly-by-night emergency tree-cutting services. Always ask for proof of licensing, insurance, and work references. DACF's Arborist Program has more information about working with arborists.

The MFS reminds everyone that the woody debris created by storm damage may harbor insects or diseases harmful to our forests. Moving that debris can spread pests to new areas.

Be aware that there are rules, known as quarantines, that impact transport of some woody storm debris:

• In addition to the risks it brings to our environment and economy, violation of rules governing debris movement jeopardizes eligibility for federal aid in the event of a disaster declaration.
• Movement of ash tree material (Fraxinus spp.) from areas within the Emerald Ash Borer Regulated Area.
• Movement of Larch (Larix spp., Pseudolarix spp.) from areas within the European Larch Canker quarantine.
• Movement of Hemlock (Tsuga spp.) branch or top material from areas within the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid quarantine.

Damage to trees in storms can make the evidence of forest pests such as the Asian longhorned beetle or hemlock woolly adelgid more visible. If damage from an invasive forest pest is suspected, please take photos and share them with the MFS.

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Storm Preparedness Resources

Maine.Gov Alerts

• Subscribe to Maine.gov Citizen System for storm warnings/bulletins and other urgent or emergency updates.

FEMA and MEMA

• MEMA County and Local Emergency Management Contacts
• MEMA Social Media Updates
• FEMA Business Tips
• MEMA Preparedness Library

Small Business Administration (SBA)

• Business Preparation Tips - guidance and support, before and after emergency events.

Other Resources

• NOAA Storm Tracking and Updates
• USDA Maine Farm Service (FSA) Office
• Maine Bureau of Insurance Guide for Farms

UMaine Cooperative Extension Resources

• UMaine Emergency Response Tips
• Emergency Preparedness Series: Food Safety During Power Outage
• Emergency Preparedness Series: Dairy operations

For more information contact: Jim Britt at: Jim.Britt@maine.gov