SAVE THE DATE! What: Spruce Budworm Information Session - This outreach and educational event is open to anyone looking for more information on the current status of spruce budworm outbreak in Maine and the early intervention strategy being implemented to limit its spread. Maine’s forestry community is diverse and interconnected - whether you are an interested member of the public who lives, works, or recreates in the Maine woods, this event may be for you. All are welcome! Agenda and ... Read More ›
WABI news speaks with Maine Forest Service and North Maine Woods on SBW as spring nears closer
Click here to watch the interview. ... Read More ›
Maine’s forests are vulnerable to wildfires and a spruce budworm outbreak
"The Maine Forest Service protects Maine’s 17.5 million acres of forestland, covering 89 percent of the state, including the vast Unorganized Territory — one of the largest undeveloped areas east of the Mississippi River. These forests, critical to Maine’s economy and outdoor heritage, face growing threats from wildfires and pests." - Bangor Daily News ... Read More ›
Understanding the impact of a Spruce Budworm outbreak in Maine
"89% of the state of Maine is covered in forests and half of those trees are spruce and fir trees. The state legislature is working to pass $2 million in the supplemental budget to protect these trees." - WMTW Channel 8 ABC ... Read More ›
Portland Press Herald reports on proposed $2M by Gov. Mills for preventative spruce budworm spraying in 2025
"Gov. Janet Mills wants to spend $2 million in surplus funds to pay the state’s share of a $15 million early intervention pesticide program designed to protect Maine forests from the worst effects of a looming spruce budworm outbreak." Portland Press Herald, January 21, 2025 ... Read More ›
The UMaine Spruce Budworm Lab provides population data for Maine’s forests
The UMaine Spruce Budworm Lab opened its doors in 2021 with support from the CFRU to monitor spruce budworm (SBW) populations. Sampling done by the UMaine SBW Lab during fall and winter is essential to identifying spruce budworm larvae (L2s) during their hibernation period before they emerge and begin feeding on foliage in the spring. Read more below about the expanding spruce budworm population in Maine as of November 2024 based on the most recent results from the UMaine Spruce Budworm ... Read More ›
Opinion: Maine must remain vigilant in protecting its forests
An opinion article in the Portland Press Herald regarding the current state of spruce budworm in Maine. Click here to read the full article. ... Read More ›
$14 million set aside to suppress spruce budworm outbreak
Maine Public reports on funding that will be used for spruce budworm mitigation. Click here to read the full article. "A federal budget deal could include $14 million dollars to help suppress a spruce budworm outbreak threatening Maine’s northern forests. Maine Republican Senator Susan Collins said the funding was included in a disaster relief bill under consideration by lawmakers in Washington." Maine Public, December 2024 ... Read More ›
Maine Public speaks with landowner about concerns and plans for response to the growing spruce budworm population
Maine Public spoke with Alex Ingraham of Pingree Associates, one of the largest landowners in the state, about their concerns over ballooning spruce budworm populations in Maine. Click here to read the full article. "About 250,000 acres on the northeast border are at risk from an infestation triggered by moths blown in from huge outbreaks in Quebec and Ontario, according to Alex Ingraham with Pingree Associates one of the biggest landowners in the state. If left unaddressed, the ... Read More ›