The emerald ash borer continues to spread through the communities and forests of Maine. This destructive, non-native wood borer threatens not only the ecosystems with ash trees, but also community trees and budgets in cities and towns with ash trees, according to a news release from the Maine Dept. of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF).

Communities can take measures to prepare for and respond to this pest and reduce its local impacts.

 The DACF and the City of Belfast will host a workshop to update city and town tree and forest managers and public works staff along with interested community members on the known status of emerald ash borer in Maine, local and state management efforts, municipal support opportunities, and will include plenty of time for Q&A.

The program will begin at 9:30 a.m., September 11, at the Belfast City Boathouse at 34 Commercial Street, Belfast, and will run roughly 2.5 hours.

DACF plans to make a Teams Webinar option available for those who want to join remotely; however, the department encourages in-person attendance for the best experience. 

According to DACF, the, "emerald ash borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis, is one of the most serious invasive species threatening our ash resources and forests. All species of (Fraxinus) ash trees, but not (Sorbus) mountain ash, that grow in Maine are susceptible to injury and death by the emerald ash borer.

Learn how to identify ash trees (YouTube) 

"EAB was first found in Aroostook County (Madawaska, Frenchville, and Grand Isle), and York County (Acton, Berwick, and Lebanon), ME in 2018. It was detected in Cumberland County (Portland) in September 2019."

Agenda:

• Introduction
• Update on current distribution and latest surveys 
• Quarantine update 
• Biological control update
• Municipal management plans
• What are Maine towns doing?
• Pesticide options for management
• City of Belfast Tree Working Group/Camden Conservation Commission
• Detection, response, remediation funding opportunities
• Question & answer
• Wrap up

Presenters: Allyssa Gregory, Mike Parisio, Colleen Teerling, Jan Santerre, Gabe LeMay

Directions to the Belfast Boathouse

Continuing education credits will be offered for in-person attendees only: Licensed pesticide applicator (2), Maine Licensed Professional Forester (pending).