The state faces a growing threat from nonnative plants and insects that are reshaping its landscapes. Experts urge early detection and public vigilance.
invasives
Posted inMaine, The Rangeley Highlander
Inspectors work to keep Rangeley lakes clear of invasive plants, one boat at a time
This is the first in a two-part series about how Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust works to ensure the region’s waters remain in the pristine condition they are known for.
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Posted inMaine, News, The Franklin Journal
Maine lakes, ponds at risk as invasive bladderwort plant moves in
Swollen bladderwort, an invasive aquatic plant, has been confirmed in eight southern and western Maine water bodies. Officials are worried it will continue to spread.
Posted inMaine, News
Mills proposes $2M for preventative spruce budworm spraying
The early intervention program, modeled after one in New Brunswick, would fund the spring spraying of pesticides on 300,000 acres of commercial spruce-fir forests in northern Maine where state inspectors have found evidence of overwintering budworm larvae.
Posted inMaine, Politics
Bill before Congress would give Maine $14 million to fight spruce budworm
The species of tree-killing moths is making a comeback in northern Maine, raising concerns of another major outbreak.
Posted inMaine, News
How to protect ash trees and preserve a Wabanaki tradition
How to help protect the brown ash tree used in Wabanaki basketry from the invasive emerald ash borer. • Cut, buy, or burn only local firewood to avoid carrying beetle-infested wood to new territory. It’s the law. • Monitor for telltale signs of infestation – extensive woodpecker stripping of trunks, s-shaped larval tunnels in the […]
Posted inBusiness, Maine, News
Scientist warns that increased shipping could turn Casco Bay into ‘bioinvasion hotspot’
A Biddeford scientist has identified 3 new invasive species in Casco Bay that he has tied back to Eimskip, the Icelandic shipping company that visits Portland weekly.
Posted inMaine
Pest predictor i-Tree will help identify harmful nonnative insects
With invader insect numbers rising in Maine, the tool can help protect the native trees.
Posted inFood, Maine, News
Fruit flies end strawberry season early for some Maine farms
Warm weather caused the invasive spotted wing drosophila population to swell sooner than usual. A small fruits specialist remains hopeful raspberry and blueberry farmers will be able to control the fly.
Posted inMaine, News
Invasive freshwater zebra mussels creeping closer to Maine
State officials call attention to a new law that requires boaters to drain all water from their boats to prevent the tiny mollusks from spreading here.