Date:
June 5, 2023
Time:
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
The Ash Protection Collaboration Across Wabanakik (APCAW) is holding a webinar on Emerald Ash Borer and Ash Resilience Research. You can register here and spread the word in your networks!
During the session, researchers will discuss their current efforts to study ash resilience in the face of emerald ash borer (EAB). A panel of Forest Service and genetic researchers will introduce current information about the spread of EAB in the Northeast, discuss new results from EAB management trials, and share recent discoveries of lingering ash and genetic resistance to EAB. We will also discuss how forest managers can support these research efforts. Our panel includes Jill Hamilton, Researcher at Penn State, Jennifer Koch, Research Biologist at the US Forest Service, Nate Siegert, Forest Entomologist at the US Forest Service.
Date:
June 22, 2023
Time:
8:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Inside session: Millar Arena, 4 Randall Ave, Houlton Field session locations: Jimmy brook (behind Millar Arena) and Burnt Brow Bridge, at the confluence of Captain Ambrose Bear Stream and Larry brook, Hammond
Large wood in freshwater streams provide habitat features which are vital to the survival of native brook trout, Atlantic salmon and other cold water fish species. Adding large wood to stream channels using the "chop and drop" method in conjunction with a timber harvest can create pools, provide cover for juvenile fish and enhance overall stream function.
These trainings are an opportunity for Licensed Foresters and Fisheries Biologists to meet the requirements of Maine Forest Service (MFS) Rule Chapter 25; Standards for Placing Wood Into Stream Channels to Enhance Cold Water Fisheries. This rule seeks to streamline the permitting process for landowners who wish to undertake voluntary wood addition projects in cooperation with state fisheries resource agencies.
Topics will include:
- Stream Geomorphology - John Field, Fluvial Geomorphologist, Field Geology Services.
- Forest Stream Ecology and the Biological Effects of Large Wood Additions - Merry Gallagher, Native Fish Conservation Biologist, Maine Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.
- Standards for Placing Wood Into Stream Channels to Enhance Cold Water Fisheries - Tom Gilbert, Water Resources Specialist, Maine Forest Service.
- Timber Harvesting Techniques and Forestry Regulation Lauren Ouellette, District Forester, Maine Forest Service.
- Funding Opportunities for Chop and Drop Projects Chris Reidy, The Natural Resources Conservation Service.
This workshop is approved for the following continuing education credits:
- SAF - 4 category 1 credits
- CLP - ½ day recertification
- QLP - 4 continuing education credits
Registration:
There is no fee for this workshop but preregistration is required. To register, please contact Angela Wotton at the Southern Aroostook Soil and Water Conservation District at 254-4126.
Now through late June, browntail caterpillars become expert hitchhikers and will wander onto anything they can climb. When they hitch a ride with you, the caterpillars may settle into a new area and cause rash or irritation to people, consume the foliage of nearby trees and shrubs, and mature into egg-laying moths at their new location. Browntail caterpillars are really good at travelling to new places, but you can help stop them.
To prevent spreading these caterpillars to new areas, look for them on your cars, trucks, bikes, boats, ATVs, equipment, and other items before you leave. Use protective measures to avoid skin contact with the hairs when carefully removing any caterpillars (and, later in June, cocoons). Browntail caterpillars pupate into moths in July and the moths are good at hitching rides, too.
Large browntail caterpillars crawling on a boat trailer in Old Town, ME.
How to Stop Browntail Hitchhikers:
- Avoid parking and storing materials and equipment near trees infested with browntail caterpillars.
- Parking lots are often full of good tree hosts for browntail; crab apples, ornamental pear/cherry, birch, and oak trees.
- Make sure to look for the caterpillars on your items or vehicles before you leave an area.
- If browntail caterpillars are discovered:
- Use protective measures to prevent contact with the caterpillar hairs and remove all caterpillars from your vehicle.
- Eliminate caterpillars by moving them to a plastic bag or container, freeze them or soak them in a bucket of soapy water before disposing of them in the trash.
- Educate others on hitchhiker prevention to further prevent their spread to new areas.
Skip the Itch - Learn More
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Maine Forest Service Browntail Moth Information - News & events, FAQs, management techniques, Browntail Mitigation Fund, and research.
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Browntail Moth Brochure (PDF) - Photos for caterpillar and winter web ID, removal & management techniques, and treatment & rash prevention.
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Browntail Life Cycle (PDF) - Understand when you are at most risk.
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Interactive Map - Know if browntail is near you. We think browntail caterpillars may have hitched rides to Jackman, Greenville, and Rockwood, ME... Do you see other places where that is the most likely explanation?
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Maine CDC Browntail Moth Factsheet (PDF) | عربي | Français (PDF) | Kreyòl Ayisyen (PDF) | Lingala (PDF) | Português (PDF) | Soomaali (PDF) | Español (PDF) | Tiếng Việt (PDF) - Signs & symptoms, rash treatment & prevention.
Make sure you don't miss our browntail updates:
The Maine Forest Service is hiring in the Downeast Region and in the Waterville area. Both of these positions are on forest inventory crews.
- Truck is assigned,
- Start your day when you get in the truck in your dooryard in the morning,
- Spend your days in the woods.
- Four-10 hour day workweek with opportunity for overtime during the summer,
Conservation Aide (Waterville area): https://mainebhr.hire.trakstar.com/jobs/fk0xo4z/
Entomology Technician (Downeast): https://mainebhr.hire.trakstar.com/jobs/fk0xobx/
Jobs close 6/2/2023. Please share.
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