AUGUSTA - Gov. Janet Mills recently signed into law a bill sponsored by Rep. Allison Hepler, D-Woolwich, that will provide direct funds to communities to support their efforts to reduce the presence of browntail moths.
LD 1929, An Act To Provide Assistance to Areas Severely Infested with Browntail Moths, creates a fund for municipalities and nonprofit organizations, such as a land trust, to use to control moth populations. The bill also directs the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry to administer the program and establishes two positions within the department to support the management of forest insect pests.
Browntail moths have spread quickly across the state in the last few years. The invasive species creates both a forest and human health concern, causing significant defoliation and a spectrum of health-related effects ranging from a localized rash to serious respiratory distress. In 2021, the Maine Forest Service reported that over 198,000 acres of forest were defoliated due to the pests.
"I'm thrilled to have this bill signed into law," said Hepler. "I've heard from so many constituents who have been affected by the growing browntail moth population in our state. These pests have an impact on our environmental and personal health and without mitigation efforts, could begin to impact our tourism economy. I hope this bill will make it easier for communities across the state to tackle this problem together."
Hepler is serving her second term in the Maine House and sits on both the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Committee and Marine Resources Committee. She represents the towns of Arrowsic, Dresden, Georgetown, Phippsburg, Woolwich and part of Richmond.
Contact:
Jackie Merrill [Hepler] c. 812-1111
Photo: Gov. Janet Mills signs into law Rep. Allison Hepler's bill to help combat browntail moths in Maine. From right to left: Emily Horton, Rep. Jessica Fay, D-Raymond, Commissioner Amanda Beal, Gov. Janet Mills, Rep. Allison Hepler, D-Woolwich, Rep. Denise Tepler, D-Topsham, and Allison Kanoti.