In this issue...
Maine Forest Service
The third full week in April traditionally coincides with Wildfire awareness week, as 60 Percent of all spring wildfires typically occur in the last two weeks of April. Though Maine has seen a wet start to the spring season, it is expected to start seeing heavier activity starting within the next week due to projected weather conditions.
To kick off the start of Wildfire Awareness week, the Maine Forest Service will be unveiled a new Smokey the Bear statue at the northbound Hampden rest area on Tuesday morning, April 16, during which, a press conference will be conducted. This is the third Smokey statue in the state, with the others located at the Kittery rest area and the entryway into the MFS state office in Augusta. Fire Departments, Bureau Staff and other dignitaries were present at the affair.
Date: Monday, May 6, 2024
Time: 10:30AM to 12:00PM
Host: Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF)
The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) will host guest speakers and provide an update for city and town tree and forest managers and public works staff on preparation for and response to the emerald ash borer in Maine. Guests from New Hampshire will provide insights from their experiences responding to emerald ash borer. Maine Forest Service will provide an update on the current situation in Maine.
Agenda :
- Brief Introduction, Maine Forest Service
- EAB Situation in NH – Bill Davidson, N.H. Department of Natural & Cultural Resources, Division of Forests and Lands
- Management of the Utility Corridor in NH – Ian Farley and Richard Sullivan, Eversource
- Maine Updates – Mike Parisio, Maine Forest Service
- Wrap up, Maine Forest Service
Continuing education credits (pending): Licensed Pesticide Applicator, Maine Licensed Professional Forester
Date: Tuesday April 30, 2024
Time: 8:30AM to 2:50PM
Location: Judd Hall, VT State University, Randolph, VT & Virtual
Agenda:
9:10AM Vermont Forest Health Update
Updates on new, invasive pest detection, long term monitoring sites and insect trapping (2023) as well as future issues to expect in 2024 in VT. Presented by Josh Halman (VT Dept of Forest, Parks & Rec.)
9:40AM Regeneration Patterns in the Context of a Changing Climate
Presentation based on tree regeneration and the effects both it and climate change on forest ecosystems. Presented by Lucas Harris (University of VT)
10:10AM Biological Control of HWA: Challenges, Success, and Hope
Updates and information around Hemlock Wooly Adelgid and the biological control programs used to eradicate and control the pest. Presented by Nick Dietschler (Cornell University)
11:00 AM Chaga: Biology and Cultivation Concerns
Discussion about the biology, economic future and concerns about the Chaga fungus. Presented by Isabel Munck (USDA Forest Service).
11:30AM Leave Me Alone! The Physiology of Beech Leaf Disease
Discussion about BLD, the impacts it has on forest physiology and survival. Presented by Leila Fletcher (Yale University).
1:00PM New Invasive Plant Detections in 2023
Presentation about concerns, updates and information on two new invasive species identified in 2023. Presented by Emilie Inoue (VT Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets).
1:30PM Monitoring and Managing Ash – Looking for Lingering Ash
Discussion about Ash tree species, the aftereffects of Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) and the future of conservation of Ash trees. Presented by Jonathan Rosenthal (Ecological Research Institute).
2:20PM Assisted Migration in New England
Discussion about the effects of climate change on forests and the emerging conversation and consideration of assisted migration to combat the effects. Presented by Al Freeman (VT Dept. of Forest, Parks & Rec.)
Pre-Registration (free) is due by April 22.
VT Pesticide Applicator credits, SAF, CFEs, LEAP, ISA, and VT Forester Licence CFEs are being arranged.
Date: Saturday, May 18, 2024
Time: 10:00AM
Presenter: Midcoast Conservancy
Funded by the Maine Forest Service’s Project Canopy program, Midcoast Conservancy has developed a new educational walking tour at their Hidden Valley Nature Center.
The tour is complete with wonderful new informational displays and offers views and comparisons of MC’s management through the years. Join them for their inaugural tour walk guided by our forest managers.
Registration is required, but free to all.
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