State officials are reporting a new infestation of the invasive emerald ash borer, which is considered a threat to Maine’s forests, in Aroostook County.
Allison Kanoti, Director of Forest Health & Monitoring with the Maine Forest Service, said the state has been taking steps to contain the spread by quarantining firewood or other ash tree material from being transported in and out of infested zones. But despite this, the beetle has been spotted in the northern Maine township of Benedicta.
“That’s about 70 miles both south and north of the nearest other known locations in Maine,” she said.
Given the distance, it’s likely the new infestation is human-caused, Kanoti said.
“The prime suspect is movement of infested firewood,” she said. “Unfortunately, although a lot of folks are now aware that moving firewood can be harmful to forest health, it still happens pretty frequently.”
The state is treating the ongoing outbreak of emerald ash borer in several ways, including the release of tiny, native, non-stinging wasps, which prey on the invasive beetle. The ash borer is considered a significant threat to Maine’s forests.
Suspected sightings of the invasive beetle can be reported through the Maine Forest Service website.
This story appears through a media partnership with Maine Public.