MAINE PUBLIC • July 5, 2022
The emerald ash borer is continuing to spread across the state. The invasive insect has recently been observed in Lovell, Gray, Lewiston, Waterville and Oakland. These are the first detections in Androscoggin and Kennebec counties. In response, the Maine Forest Service expanded an emergency order limiting the movement of ash trees and ash products in areas where the insect has been detected. Ash is an important cultural resource for the Wabanaki, and a valuable timber species, accounting for about 4% of Maine's hardwood forest.