Landowner Resolves Water Quality Violations with Maine Forest Service


June 22, 2020

AUGUSTA - The Maine Forest Service (MFS) entered into an administrative settlement agreement with GR Timber Holdings LLC (GRTH). GRTH, based in Van Buren, agreed to pay a $20,000 civil penalty and to institute training and oversight measures to reduce the risk of future violations. The settlement resolves GRTH's violation of Maine's rules governing timber harvesting activities in the town of Woodland, in Aroostook County.

During a 2018 timber harvest, GRTH constructed a land management road on the property and installed a crossing on the Caribou Stream to access the northern half of the property, without obtaining necessary MFS permitting. In the process, GRTH installed two culverts that did not meet the minimum opening size requirements. Because the culverts were undersized, the fifty-foot stream crossing failed and washed out during the annual spring high water event, causing a large amount of sediment discharged into the Caribou Stream. In addition to the crossing failure, non-terminating ditches associated with the crossing consisting of exposed soil also delivered large sediment discharges to Caribou Stream during rain events from January through August 2018. GRTH removed the remaining culverts and stabilized its approaches to Caribou Stream, at the direction of MFS.

"Our goal is to improve the management of Maine's forests," said Patty Cormier, MFS Director. "We focus on educating and informing landowners to reduce the possibility of such violations. When violations do occur, however, we have a responsibility to uphold the law. We take this and our other responsibilities very seriously."

"GRTH was cooperative and took full responsibility for the violation," commented Dave Rochester, MFS Regional Enforcement Coordinator. "These violations resulted from inadequate harvest planning and a failure to review the forestry rules before the operations began," Rochester continued.

Regional Enforcement Coordinator Dave Rochester conducted the investigation and settlement negotiations with the assistance of MFS staff. Rochester is available for comment at (207) 441-3817.

About MFS Since 1891, the mission of MFS is to protect and enhance forest resources through fire prevention, technical assistance, education, outreach to a wide variety of audiences; and enforcement of forest protection laws. MFS offices are found throughout Maine and provide its citizens with a wide range of forest-related services. For more information about the Maine Forest Service and its programs, visit our website at www.maineforestservice.gov.

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Maine Forest Service Lifts Brush Burning Restrictions


June 30, 2020

OLD TOWN - Due to increased rainfall, the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry's Maine Forest Service (MFS), aligned with local fire departments and town forest fire wardens, today lifted the statewide brush burning restriction.

The online brush and debris burning permit restriction recently went into effect due to extreme fire danger, with the initial notification stating it would remain in effect until the state sees adequate levels of precipitation. Though lifted, depending on precipitation levels in the coming weeks, the brush and debris fire permit restriction may be restarted.

Access the online burn permit system @ www.maineburnpermit.com.

Fireworks Safety Tips

The following recommendations are offered to use fireworks safely by the Office of State Fire Marshal and the MFS

  • A person may use consumer fireworks only on that person's property or on the property of a person who has consented to that use of fireworks on that property.
  • Consumer fireworks may be used between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. except on the following dates when they may be used between 9:00 a.m. and 12:30 a.m. the following day:
    • July 4th
    • December 31st, and
    • The weekends immediately before and after July 4th and December 31st
  • Users and those in possession of consumer fireworks must be 21 years of age.
  • Set off fireworks outdoors in a clear area, away from houses, dry leaves, or grass and other flammable materials.
  • Keep a bucket of water nearby for emergencies. Do not handle fireworks that fail to go off. Use a long-handled shovel to scoop up the firework and immerse it in the bucket of water.
  • Do not try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Soak them with water and throw them away.
  • Be sure other people and children are out of range before lighting fireworks.
  • Never light fireworks in a container, especially a glass or metal container.
  • Keep unused fireworks away from firing areas.
  • Always use fireworks according to the 'manufacturer's directions and guidelines.
  • Always use eye, ear, and hand personal protective equipment.
  • Observe all local laws and ordinances.
  • Never have any portion of your body directly over a firework while lighting.
  • When the use of fireworks is done, continue to watch the area of use to be sure that all fireworks debris is out and not smoldering or hot.
  • Search any forested area adjacent to and downwind of the ignition site looking for hot or smoldering debris. Scan the forest canopy, as well as the ground. If a wildfire occurs as a result of negligence, then you may be responsible for fire suppression costs.
  • In case of emergency, dial 911.

Campfire Safety Tips

  • Before considering burning, check www.mainefireweather.org for local fire conditions.
  • Keep the fire small, not tall. That way, if you have to leave suddenly, it is easy to extinguish.
  • The campfire should be at least 50 feet away from any structures and on level ground.
  • Do not use accelerants to start your fire.
  • Always have plenty of water on hand and tools available to put out the fire.
  • When you are done, check the fire several times to ensure it is out.
  • Supervise children and pets near the fire and never leave your fire unattended.

About MFS

Since 1891, the mission of the MFS is to protect and enhance forest resources through fire prevention, technical assistance, education, outreach to a wide variety of audiences; and enforcement of forest protection laws. MFS offices are found throughout Maine and provide its citizens with a wide range of forest-related services. For more information about the MFS and its programs, visit http://www.maineforestservice.gov



Landowner Resolves Water Quality Violations with Maine Forest Service


July 15, 2020

Contact: Adam Cates, (207) 441-4139

AUGUSTA - The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry's Maine Forest Service (MFS) has entered into an administrative settlement agreement with Wagner Forest Management, Ltd. (Wagner). Based in Lyme, NH, Wagner agreed to pay a $6,000 civil penalty and institute staff training to reduce the risk of future violations. The settlement resolves Wagner's violation of Maine's rules governing timber harvesting activities on property owned by Bayroot, LLC, in Parkertown Twp. (T5 R3 WBKP), in Oxford County, ME.

During a 2019 timber harvest, Wagner failed to adequately stabilize exposed soil on skid trails, harvest landings, and land management road ditches. Also, Wagner failed to utilize water control structures and provide required vegetated filter strips between exposed soil and protected water resources. As a result of a heavy rain event in October 2019, a significant amount of sediment was deposited into several small streams and Lincoln Pond Brook, a major tributary to Aziscohos Lake. Wagner stabilized exposed soil in road ditches and installed water control structures at the direction of MFS.

"Our goal is to improve the management of Maine's forests," said Patty Cormier, MFS Director. "We focus on educating and informing landowners to reduce the possibility of such violations. When violations do occur, however, we have a responsibility to uphold the law. We take this and our other responsibilities very seriously."

"Wagner was cooperative and took full responsibility for the violation," said Adam Cates, MFS Regional Enforcement Coordinator. "These violations resulted from inadequate harvest planning and a failure to review the forestry rules before the operations began."

MFS strongly recommends checking with the town or municipality about any local ordinances and being familiar with all rules that apply before beginning harvest operations. MFS rules and regulations for timber harvesting and related activities are found on maineforestservice.gov.

Regional Enforcement Coordinator Adam Cates conducted the investigation and settlement negotiations with the assistance of MFS staff. Cates is available for comment at (207) 441-4139.

About MFS

Since 1891, the MFS mission is to protect and enhance forest resources through fire prevention, technical assistance, education, and outreach to a wide variety of audiences and enforcement of forest protection laws. MFS offices are found throughout Maine and provide its citizens with a wide range of forest-related services. For more information about the MFS and its programs, visit the MFS website at maineforestservice.gov.

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Economic Recovery Grant Program Established


August 20, 2020

Maine small businesses and nonprofits should apply for a newly established Economic Recovery Grant. The program will provide financial relief for businesses and nonprofit organizations that incurred business disruptions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Refer to this document (PDF) for eligibility criteria, distribution criteria, and the grant calculation formula.

Register for an Informational Webinar

Join the Department of Economic and Community Development's Commissioner Heather Johnson and Business Development Manager Jonathan Poole for an informational webinar on the Economic Recovery Grant Program.

This informational session will provide you with the information required to apply for this grant program and will give you an opportunity to ask questions.

  • Register for Friday, August 21 at 10:00 AM
  • Register for Tuesday, August 25 at 11:00 AM

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

Economic Recovery Grant Program Frequently Asked Questions

Learn more on https://www.maine.gov/decd/economic-recovery-grants

Note to Maine agricultural producers: USDA extended CFAP application period to September 11, 2020. Producers should inquire about eligibility and apply through the Farm Service Agency at their local USDA Service Center.



National Invasive Species Awareness Week, February 22-26


February 19, 2021

Ten Ways to Slow or Prevent the Spread of Invasive Species in Maine

AUGUSTA - "Together, we can do more" is the theme under which the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) is rolling out its 2021 National Invasive Species Awareness Week (NISAW) campaign. NISAW, February 22-26, is the annual program designed to raise consumer awareness of invasive species, the threats they pose, and what can be done to slow or prevent their spread.

DACF, with the Maine Department of Environmental Protection and Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, invites everyone to join in NISAW by using this opportunity to learn more about invasive species harming Maine's natural resources, including their economic impacts, and get involved.

Ten Ways to Slow or Prevent the Spread of Invasive Species in Maine

  • Learn how to identify signs of emerald ash borer. Winter is a great time to see "blonding" on ash trees, the shallow flecking of the bark by woodpeckers. If you think you see "blonding," take some good quality photos, note your location, and report your findings on the EAB Report Form.
  • Learn how to identify invasive plants like Japanese stiltgrass that might be growing on your property, and volunteer with your local land trust or conservation commission to help remove invasive plants on local public lands. The Maine Natural Areas Program developed the Maine Invasive Plant Field Guide to help you recognize problem plants. The guide also describes control methods to help you start reclaiming your landscape.
  • Be on the lookout for the invasive tree of heaven, which is host to a new invasive insect threat, the spotted lanternfly. If you think you have seen the tree of heaven in Maine, please report it to mnap@maine.gov.
  • Watch out for Browntail Moth! Browntail moth winter webs have been found from Northern Aroostook County to York County in Maine. Check your hardwood trees and shrubs for browntail moth winter webs. Now is a great time to clip out and destroy webs of overwintering browntail moth caterpillars before they become active.
  • Protect our forests from invasive earthworms! Did you know there are no earthworms native to Maine? European and Asian invaders destroy forest soils with their voracious feeding. The most destructive worms are known as crazy worms, jumping worms, or snake worms. Earthworms spread when people move plants, soil, mulch, or leaves or when bait worms are left on the banks of waterways.
  • Planning a camping trip? Leave your firewood at home and prevent the spread of invasive pests. Buy firewood at the campground or other local sources.
  • Play-Clean-Go Clean hiking boots, waders, boats and trailers, off-road vehicles, and other gear to stop invasive species from hitching a ride to a new location. Learn more at Play Clean Go.
  • Protect Maine's waterways from invasive aquatic plants by following Clean, Drain, Dry. Want to do more? Join Lake Stewards of Maine, the longest-standing, state-wide citizen lake monitoring program in the U.S.
  • Don't release aquarium fish and plants, live bait, or other exotic animals into the wild. If you plan to own an exotic pet, do your research and make sure you can commit to its care. Learn more at Habitattitude. And remember, it is illegal to import any freshwater fish, and many other organisms, into the state of Maine without a permit from the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.
  • Together, we can do more! Spread awareness, tell your friends, family, neighbors, and others about invasive species and the harm they do to our environment and health. Please encourage them to get involved with National Invasive Species Awareness Weeks in their way. Here are some resources to help get started:

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Photos are free to use (courtesy Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry)



Together We Can Do More to Monitor Emerald Ash Borer


February 23, 2021

Colleen Teerling girdling an ash tree (Image -DACF).

"It's too soon for me to start monitoring for emerald ash borer."

"My property is too far away from any emerald ash borer in Maine for us to find it here."

Ive heard statements like this often. But the truth is, there is no area in Maine that is "too far away" from a known emerald ash borer (EAB) infestation to start monitoring for EAB. Girdled trap trees are one of our most powerful monitoring tools to find new EAB infestations as well as to track the inevitable spread of EAB that is already established here.

Every year since we first found EAB in Maine, most of the new detections of EAB farthest away from known infestations have been found due to girdled trap trees. Because this method is so sensitive, we have often found EAB at least a year (and sometimes more) before we start to see more obvious signs of infestation. This gives landowners and towns time to plan harvests and ash management before trees start to show symptoms and it becomes less safe to work in the brittle, declining trees.

Trap tree

A girdled ash trap tree (Image - Blue Hill Heritage Trust)

An additional benefit to both the landowner and the long-term outlook for ash trees in the state is that many of the positive trap trees have become the center of new biocontrol release sites. Maine Forest Service together with USDA APHIS is releasing three types of parasitoids (insect enemies of EAB) for long-term control of EAB, and many of our release sites have been located using girdled trap trees. Releasing these natural enemies early on in an infestation, as is often found by a trap tree, increases their chance of success.

Woodlot owners with ash on their landscape have been at the heart of Maines Girdled Trap Tree Network since its start a decade ago. Any landowner with ash on their property is welcome to be part of this effort. Participants have included municipalities, land trusts, state parks, private landowners and many others.

What we ask is that landowner girdle a tree in the spring. Peeling back the bark all the way around the tree stresses it and draws in any EAB that might be in the immediate area. This cannot draw EAB in from more than a few hundred feet away so you will not attract them to your property if they are not already there. The tree is then felled in the autumn and segments of the tree brought to regional peeling workshops where the bark is carefully removed to look for signs of EAB.

If you think you might be interested in participating in Maines girdled ash tree network, please contact foresthealth@maine.gov or (207) 287-2431. Detailed information on how to choose a good tree and additional instructions will be provided in the spring, at which time you can decide if you wish to participate. If you are interested in participating but are not sure you have the means to set up and remove a trap tree yourself, please sign up, since in some cases MFS can assist with those tasks.

Although EAB cannot be eradicated from Maine, monitoring is a crucial part of slowing the spread of this pest, lowering our costs, and increasing the success of keeping ash on the landscape.

Girdled trap tree

Peeling a girdled trap tree (Image -- Acadia National Park)

- Colleen Teerling, Maine Forest Service Forest Entomologist

Learn more about emerald ash borer and other forest pests

Maine Forest Service staff will provide an overview of some of the invasive insect and pathogens that are currently causing problems for the health of Maines Forests and the emerging threats on Maines doorstep.

Speakers:
Aaron Bergdahl, Forest pathologist
Colleen Teerling, Forest entomologist
Mike Parisio, Forest entomologist
Tom Schmeelk, Forest entomologist

This remote presentation will be held on February 24, 2021 from 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM. The presentation is free and open to the public. If interested please register. CEUs are available.



Maine Slows Spread of Emerald Ash Borer with Continued Ash Movement Restrictions


February 24, 2021

Public comments are sought regarding proposed rules to continue regulating the movement of products containing ash, hardwood firewood, and rooted ash trees.

AUGUSTA - The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry's (DACF) Plant Health Program (PHP) and Maine Forest Service (MFS) announced today that Maine is taking the next step to continue regulating the movement of ash wood material. Moving ash infested with Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) can spread this invasive insect to new areas. This decision follows USDA's January 14, 2021 announcement of removing federal domestic EAB quarantine regulations. DACF continues to see opportunities to slow EAB's spread; an estimated 90% of Maine's ash trees are outside of Maine's currently regulated areas. Ash is an important cultural resource for the Wabanaki, an important street tree, and a valuable timber species, accounting for around four percent of Maine's hardwood forest inventory.

Maine's proposed EAB quarantine rules would maintain the prohibition on moving potentially EAB-infested materials into Maine's non-regulated areas from other states or Canadian provinces.

The proposed rules also include three options for expanding the areas regulated within Maine.

Maines amended quarantine proposal, which remains functionally the same as before federal de-regulation, includes three options for expanding the regulated area in Aroostook County. Each option addresses a specific concern. The Department needs to receive comments on all three. Any of the options could be adopted.

  • Option one adds three towns to provide a buffer around the latest EAB find in Van Buren. (see maps)
  • Option two includes all the towns in option one plus three towns west of Fort Kent. These towns are proposed to help facilitate firewood movement for home heating from dealers in the regulated area to St. John Plt., St. Francis, and Allagash. (see maps)
  • Option three includes all the towns in options one and two and adds a large block of towns south of the existing regulated area. This area is proposed to allow firewood movement from major dealers inside the current quarantine area south to Easton and west to T11 R7 WELS. This option will deregulate the flow of firewood and ash materials into the larger towns of Presque Isle, Caribou, and Fort Fairfield and to mills within the area. (see maps)

The new proposal would also ease the restrictions on the movement of hardwood and ash wood chips.

In the proposed rule, the restrictions on the movement of composted or uncomposted chips of the genus Fraxinus are removed. After years of EAB regulation across the country, the risk of chipped ash material has not appeared to be as high as previously thought. Removing this restriction should not significantly increase the potential for EAB spread.

A virtual public hearing is scheduled for March 16, 2021, from 10:00 to 11:00 AM. Anyone interested in making public comment may join the meeting using MS-Teams or by telephone at (207) 209-4724 - confirmation code: 390 166 010#.

Written comments may be submitted until 5 PM April 2, 2021, to gary.fish@maine.gov or Gary Fish, Maine DACF Horticulture, 28 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333-0028.

Despite a potential expansion of the regulated area, MFS and the PHP encourage land managers to follow Best Management Practices to reduce the spread of EAB within the regulated areas.

EAB threatens all ash tree species (excluding mountain-ash) and will have significant ecological and economic impacts on the state. There are no practical means to control EAB in forested areas, though pesticide treatments can protect individual trees.

More information on EAB can be found on the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry's EAB website.

Questions about the proposed rule can be directed to gary.fish@maine.gov or by telephone at 207-287-7545.



DACF Commissioner Amanda Beal Presents Maine Forest Ranger With Nation's Highest Award for Wildfire Prevention


April 13, 2021

Governor Mills proclaims April 18-24 Wildfire Awareness Week

AUGUSTA - At a Blaine House Ceremony today, Maine Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Commissioner Amanda Beal presented Maine Forest Service Ranger Specialist Kent Nelson with the Silver Smokey Bear Award, the highest national honor one can receive for outstanding work and significant program impact in wildfire prevention. Ranger Nelson is one of two people to earn this national recognition in 2021.

"Maine is the most heavily forested state in the country, which means that wildfire prevention is something that we must take very seriously," said Governor Mills. "It is why Maine Forest Service Rangers, like Ranger Specialist Kent Nelson, are so important. Their efforts, along with those of fire departments across Maine, are critical to keeping our state safe. I am honored to congratulate Specialist Nelson on this well-deserved recognition and thank him for his efforts to safeguard our forests and protect Maine people."

"Creating awareness of ways to reduce human-caused wildfires ignition is a critical role for Maine Forest Service, and Ranger Specialist Kent Nelson is a gifted and talented ambassador to this cause who has repeatedly demonstrated creativity and innovation in crafting and disseminating engaging and effective messaging to educate the public," added DACF Commissioner Amanda Beal.

Smokey Bear awards have been bestowed on well-deserving groups and individuals annually since 1957. The Silver Smokey Bear Award specifically recognizes organizations or individuals for outstanding wildfire prevention service that is regional (multistate) in scope over at least a two-year period. The National Association of State Foresters, the USDA Forest Service, and The Ad Council sponsor the Awards, and nominations are considered and voted upon by members of the Cooperative Forest Fire Prevention Committee.

Maine Forest Service Director and State Forester Patty Cormier and Chief Forest Ranger Bill Hamilton joined Governor Mills and DACF Commissioner Beal to present Ranger Nelson with the award today.

Ranger Nelson has worked in the Maine Forest Service for two decades, serving as Maine's wildfire prevention specialist a role in which he administers Maines wildfire prevention and FireWise programs and raises public awareness on how to prevent wildfires. In 2019, with Northeastern Forest Fire Protection Compact colleagues, Ranger Nelson implemented a year-long campaign dedicated to preventing wildfires by celebrating Smokey Bear's 75th birthday.

At today's Silver Smokey Bear Award event, the Governor proclaimed April 18-24 as Wildfire Awareness Week in Maine.

Maine has already seen over 100 wildfires in 2021, and 2020 was a record-breaking year. During Wildfire Awareness Week, the MFS Forest Protection Division and municipal fire departments need everyone's support to prevent wildfires. Maine averages over 550 wildfires annually, over ninety percent of which are caused by people, destroy valuable natural resources, property, and threaten human life.

Wildfire safety starts with knowing and obeying local laws and regulations. Everyone is asked to check with their town hall, local fire service, or the Maine Forest Service before burning. Other critical steps to preventing wildfires include mindfulness of weather conditions, particularly wind, and using only easily controlled locations for burning. Most importantly, never use flammable gas-propellants.

Maine Wildfire Prevention Resources: