Earlier this month, a logger reported a tree in Benedicta suspected of being infested with emerald ash borer (EAB) to a Maine Forest Service district forester, which was then passed on to the Division of Forest Health & Monitoring. Staff confirmed emerald ash borer through detailed photos as well as on the ground scouting, according to the Forest Service, in a news release.

According to the Forest Service, this new detection is far removed from any area in Maine where emerald ash borer is found, meaning it is likely the result of human movement of infested ash material outside of Maine’s existing quarantine boundary.

"This highlights the importance of not moving things like firewood, as this action can have real consequences, not just for the ash resources of Maine but for other trees as well," said the news release.

The towns surrounding Benedicta are being added to Maine’s existing EAB quarantine area.

"At the same time, we are also expanding the quarantine area around the area where EAB was detected in Solon in 2025," said the Forest Service. "While Solon was inside the quarantine area when EAB was discovered, it’s position on the quarantine boundary means EAB may be present at low populations outside the quarantine zone in that area."

Here is the complete list of towns being added to Maine’s EAB quarantine area in April 2026:

Aroostook County: Benedicta, North Yarmouth Academy Grant Twp, Sherman, Silver Ridge Twp, T1 R5 WELS, T2 R4 WELS, T3 R4 WELS, Upper Molunkus Twp

Penobscot County: Herseytown Twp, Staceyville,T1 R6 WELS

Franklin County: Carabassett Valley, Dallas Plt, Freeman Twp, Kingfield, Mount Abram Twp, Redington Twp, Salem Twp

Somerset County: Bingham, Concord Twp, Embden, Highland Plt, Lexington Twp, Mayfield Twp, Moscow, New Portland, Pleasant Ridge Plt

Piscataquis County: Kingsbury Plt

Find more information at Maine's EAB quarantine.