Latest News
Red Pine Scale: 2024 Trapping Program Results
January 30, 2025 - Red pine scale (Matsucoccus matsumurae), an invasive pest native to Asia, has been causing significant damage to red pine (Pinus resinosa) stands in Maine. First identified in the United States in Connecticut during the 1940s, this pest was later detected in Maine on Mount Desert Island in 2014. It feeds on the inner bark of red pine, which can lead to crown thinning, needle loss, and eventual tree mortality, though early infestations may be difficult to detect. Continue Reading
Maine State Forester Patty Cormier Elected President of the National Association of State Foresters
September 27, 2024 - AUGUSTA - The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) proudly announces that Patty Cormier, Maine State Forester, has been elected President of the National Association of State Foresters (NASF). Cormier's election marks a significant milestone, as she becomes the first Maine State Forester to hold this prestigious position since Austin Wilkins 59 years ago. Cormier will serve a one-year term as NASF President, continuing her long-standing commitment to sustainable forestry and forest management. 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
Help Protect Maine's Trees: Join the Fight Against Invasive Species this August
August 1, 2024 - As we enter the peak season for invasive insect activity, the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) call on everyone to help protect our beloved trees. Throughout August, we encourage everyone to spend just a few minutes checking the trees in their communities and forests for signs of invasive species. Continue Reading
Responsible Storm Cleanup Advisory
January 10, 2024 - Augusta, ME (Wednesday, January 10, 2024) - In the aftermath of severe weather, residents across Maine come together to 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
Tools and Tips for Helping To Knock Out More Browntail Moths
February 1, 2023 - AUGUSTA, Maine - To draw increased attention to the risks presented to humans by the browntail moth (BTM), the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry announced February as Browntail Moth Awareness Month. Winter is the best time to spot, clip and destroy the caterpillars lying dormant in their winter webs. Web removal prevents more caterpillars from emerging, thus reducing the risk of toxic hairs, which can cause poison ivy-like rash and asthma-like reactions in humans. BTM has been in an outbreak phase since 2015, and the rash- and itch-causing pest cannot be eradicated. Comprehensive BTM tools and tips and data-informed resources compiled by the Maine Forest Service, Board of Pesticides Control, Maine Center for Disease Control, the University of Maine, and other partners, including research, infestation tracking, FAQs, and educational materials for communities, municipalities, businesses, and healthcare providers, are available on maine.gov/dacf/knockoutbtm. Continue Reading
Forest Service Eastern Region Now Accepting Applications for Community Wildfire Defense Grants
September 1, 2022 - The purpose of the Community Wildfire Defense Grant (CWDG) is to assist at-risk local communities with planning and mitigating against the threat of wildfire near homes and structures. $160 million dollars in competitive grant funding is available nationwide, but the maximum amount for a single grant is $250,000 for creating a CWPP and $10 million for a project recommended in a CWPP. Continue Reading