AUGUSTA — A new season of outdoor recreation brings new focus to the dangers posed to forests by invasive forest insects and diseases, often spread by infested firewood, the Maine Forest Service said.
Recreationists and camp owners should be aware of the threats invasive forest pests pose to Maine’s natural resources, the department said in a news release. The 2018 discovery of emerald ash borer in both Aroostook and York counties adds even more urgency to the effort, said the forst service.
* It is illegal to bring untreated firewood from out of state across Maine’s borders, even into York County or northern Aroostook County, where ash borer quarantines exist.
* The presence of ash borer within Maine also makes movement of firewood within the state a concern. It is now illegal to move untreated firewood out of York County and the Northeastern tip of Aroostook County into other parts of Maine.
* Even within these quarantined areas, everyone is being asked to consider how their actions can impact the movement of the ash borer and other forest threats.
* People who live in an area that is free of ash borer and have ash firewood from near an infested area should try to burn it as soon as possible to reduce the risk of ash borer adults emerging and starting a new infestation.
* The forest service recommends burning firewood within 50 miles of where it was harvested. This reduces the chance of moving a yet-undiscovered insect or disease long distances.
Established in 1891, the Maine Forest Service’s mission is to protect and enhance Maine’s forest resources through forest fire prevention; technical assistance; education and outreach to a wide variety of audiences; and enforcement of the state’s forest protection laws. MFS offices are located throughout the state and provide Maine citizens with a wide range of forest-related services. For more information about the Maine Forest Service and its programs, visit www.maineforestservice.gov or call 207-287-2791.
PHOTO: The emerald ash borer is one of the most serious invasive species threatening Maine’s ash resources and forests, state environmental officials say. All species of ash trees, but not mountain ash, that grow in Maine are susceptible to injury and death by the emerald ash borer. The ash borer was first found in Aroostook and York counties in 2018. (University of Maine photo)