Emerald Ash Borer Discovered in Maine

Officials at the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) report that emerald ash borer (EAB) has been found in Maine. Despite an aggressive search for at least a decade, the destructive forest insect from Asia had not been detected in Maine previously. It has killed hundreds of millions of ash trees in thirty-four states throughout the country. The estimated commercial (unprocessed) value of Maine ash trees is approximately $320 million.

Feds to abandon quarantine of tree-killing insect

After years trying to stop the spread across state lines of an invasive beetle that destroys trees, the federal government looks about ready to give up.

The Department of Agriculture will soon propose abandoning an emerald ash borer quarantine that restricts the movement of firewood and items from ash trees, putting new emphasis on biological controls and other approaches that don't require federal regulations and, the agency said, may be more effective.

Emerald Ash Borer: Slow the Spread! New Signs Warn Motorists, “Don’t Move Ash Firewood”

EAB Infested area

Motorists in the areas of Plainfield, Groton, Calais, Williamstown, Washington, and Barre may notice new flashing road signs reading “Don’t move ash firewood beyond this point.” The signs are part of an inter-agency partnership to slow the spread of the Emerald Ash Borer, which has been detected in the vicinity.  Signs are located on state highways and are visible to motorists leaving the EAB-infested areas.