AUGUSTA — In 2016, Maine Soil & Water Conservation Districts received a grant from the Maine Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Conservation (DACF) to present programs for the Invasive Forest Pest Outreach Project – as well as displays at fairs and other events – in 12 priority counties: York, Androscoggin/Sagadahoc, Cumberland, Hancock, Kennebec, Knox/Lincoln, Franklin, Oxford, Somerset, and Waldo. This year, DACF and Conservation Districts have expanded that outreach to the entire state.
Forest Pest Presentations are free and are designed to help landowners and users, landscape and forest professionals, and all residents of the state to
- identify current and potential invasive forest pests and their host species,
- to understand the threats to our forests and woodlands posed by these pests, and
- learn how to report suspected pest sightings or damage to trees that may be a result of pest infestations.
All participants will receive an information packet with fact sheets about the major pest species, a list of host trees that the species may be found on, and other relevant information. When possible, programs may include an optional outdoor visit to a site where invasive pests or host trees may be found.
Re-certification credits
These programs are co-sponsored by Maine Woodland Owners (formerly Small Woodland Owners Association of Maine) and are approved for the following recertification credits:
- Professional CFE credits by the Society of American Foresters. Category 1-CF: 2.0
- Pesticide Applicator credits by the Board of Pesticides Control: 2.0
Upcoming Programs
- Wednesday, April 5, 2017 from 1:00 – 3:00pm at Farmington Town Office, 153 Farmington Falls Road
Presenter: Joe Dembeck, Somerset SWCD Executive Director
FMI and to register: Franklin County SWCD, 778-4279 or info@franklincswcd.org - Wednesday, June 7, 2017 from 1:00-3:00pm at Deer Foot Farm, Appleton (Introduction to Invasive Pests & Invasive Plants)
Presenter: Hildy Ellis, Knox-Lincoln Soil & Water Conservation District
FMI and to register: Gary Roberts, 785-3200 or deerfoot1gw@gmail.com
Upcoming Events
Look for us at the following events to pick up information, ask questions, and share your experiences!
- Mar 29-Apr 2, 2017 (Wed-Sun): Maine Flower Show, Thompson’s Point in Portland
- Apr 8-9, 2017 (Sat-Sun): Vacationland RV and Camping Show, Norway Savings Bank Arena, Auburn
- May 6-7, 2017 (Sat-Sun): Knox-Lincoln SWCD Plant Sale, Union Fairgrounds
- Jun 3, 2017 (Sat): PCCA Family Fun Day, Brewer
- TBD: Maine Highway Congress, Skowhegan Fairgrounds
- Jul 6 – 9, 2017 (Thu-Sun): Ossipee Valley Fair, Fairgrounds in Hiram
- Aug 19-26, 2017 (Sat-Sat): Union Fair, Union Fairgrounds
- Aug 23-24, 2017 (Wed-Thu): Maine Farm Days, Clinton
Additional programs and events will be scheduled throughout the spring and summer. Find information about programs and events in your area on the Maine Association of Conservation Districts (MACD) Forest Pest webpage maineconservationdistricts.
For more information about invasive forest pests, visit Maine DACF atwww.maine.gov/dacf/php/caps/
To report a suspected sighting of an invasive pest, contactbugwatchme.agr@maine.gov or (207) 287-2431
To find local campwood and firewood, visit Firewood Scout athttp://firewoodscout.org/s/ME/
–Maine Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Conservation
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