Invasive Plant Management Program

The 2023 application period is now open until August 14, 2023.

Attention foresters and other natural resource professionals! The Maine Forest Service and the Maine Natural Areas Program are offering intensive training on invasive plant identification, mapping, and treatment practices, as part of a new program that offers financial incentives to landowners to have Invasive Plant Control Practice Plans written by a trained professional.  The program will also provide free treatments for selected properties.

What:

A multi-day Invasive Plant Academy (IPA) on invasive plant ID, using the iMapInvasives tool, preparing Invasive Plant Control Practice Plans (IPCPPs), and helping clients participate in the new Maine Forest Service Invasive Plant Management Program.  There is no cost to attend but applications are required.

Invasive Plant Academy Agenda (PDF | 136 KB)

When:

May 19, 20 and 25, 2021: 3 days, + 1/2 day's homework between the 20th and 25th

Where:

A combination of live online trainings, plus in-person field site visits around the state.

Why apply:

Woodland owners need help identifying invasive plants in their woods and figuring out what to do about them. They need professionals to survey their woodlands, map infestations, and recommend actions to address them.  Graduates of the IPA will be eligible to participate in this program by writing IPCPPs for clients. Only landowners with approved IPCPPs may apply for the free treatments.

Questions about the program?

Please contact Maine Forest Service: 207-287-2791, forestinfo@maine.gov, or visit the MFS website