AUGUSTA - A bill sponsored by Rep. Allison Hepler, D-Woolwich, LD 1929, An Act To Provide Assistance to Areas Severely Infested with Browntail Moths, received supportive testimony from municipal leaders during a public hearing on Tuesday before the Legislature's Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry.
The bill would provide funding to municipalities or non-profit entities, such as land trusts, to reduce the presence of browntail moths, and directs the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry to administer the program. The bill also 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.
"There are significant ramifications tied to the damage done to our forests, including their ability to sequester carbon, and the impacts these pests have on individuals stresses our health care system and threatens our tourism industry," said Hepler. "Most people in our state have either been directly affected or know someone who has been. I hope this bill aids in community conservation efforts that protect our trees and our neighbors."
The bill drew support from the public works director for the City of Bangor, Aaron Huortari, and Rebecca Graham from the Maine Municipal Association.
"Municipal officials welcome the approach to support specialized assistance in both forest management and entomological resources proposed in LD 1929 to create a robust state level program," said Graham in written testimony. "Officials believe that state-level view will provide not only a better resource for municipalities, but also a comprehensive view of how to address and eradicate this public health nuisance that cannot be achieved on a municipality-by-municipality basis."
The bill also received support from the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conversation and Forestry, and the Governors Office has designated February as Browntail Moth Awareness Month.
The bill will have a work session in the coming weeks.
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