AUGUSTA - Rep. Michael Brennan, D-Portland, introduced legislation Monday that would provide $1 million over the next two years to help towns meet their ash tree conservation needs.
Maine's ash tree population, with the exception of the mountain ash, has been subjected to disease and death due to the spreading of the invasive emerald ash borer (EAB), a beetle native to northeastern Asia that feeds on ash species.
"Ash trees are one of our states most important natural resources," said Brennan. Without increasing immediate conservation efforts to save our forests, we risk an economic impact of millions of dollars to one of our heritage industries. Further, when we lose this resource, we lose a crucial food source for wildlife and a key material for traditional basket making, which is vital in the cultural traditions of the Wabanaki Tribes."
The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry recently announced the expansion of an emergency order restricting the transport of ash trees, green ash waste, ash firewood and any other materials that may be a means of EAB transportation following the discovery of EAB infestations in Corinna, Newport, Andover and Woodstock. The expanded emergency order now covers 12 counties.
The Legislature's Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Committee will hold a work session on LD 1162 in the coming weeks.
Brennan is serving his third consecutive term in the Maine House, having previously served four terms in the House and three in the Senate. He represents House District 115, which includes a portion of Portland, and serves as House chair of the Legislature's Education and Cultural Affairs Committee.
Contact:
Brian Lee [Brennan], 305-965-2744