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DACF Opens Applications for PFAS Fund
March 18, 2024 - Augusta, Maine - The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) announced today that the Fund to Address PFAS Contamination (PFAS Fund) is accepting applications for assistance from commercial farms impacted by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination. Continue Reading
Governor Mills, Maine Maple Producers Tap Blaine House Maple Tree Ahead of 41st Maine Maple Sunday Weekend
March 5, 2024 - Governor Janet Mills and Maine Maple Producers Association President Lyle Merrifield today tapped the Maple Tree at the Blaine House today, just weeks ahead of the 41st annual Maine Maple Sunday Weekend. Continue Reading
National Invasive Species Awareness Week: Muscles for Mussels
March 1, 2024 - With the recent discovery of invasive zebra mussel infestations so close to the Maine border in Canada, the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife is looking for volunteers to help with a pilot project to monitor for potential spread. If you live on or commonly recreate on lakes in the northern part of the state, you may be able to help! Continue Reading
National Invasive Species Awareness Week: Lookout for Pepperweed and Stiltgrass!
February 29, 2024 - Continue Reading
National Invasive Species Awareness Week: Plants as Pests
February 28, 2024 - What do plants like 'Crimson King' Norway maple, burning bush, and Japanese barberry have in common? They are long-standing favorites in urban and suburban landscapes; they grow quickly and provide beautiful red or purple foliage all year or in the fall. Those are their positive attributes. Unfortunately, they all have become invaders in our forests, farms, and natural areas. Each is now classified as "invasive." Continue Reading
National Invasive Species Awareness Week: An A to eZ List of Invasive Threats to Forests and Trees
February 27, 2024 - Invasive species are among the biggest threats to the health of our forests and trees today. Here we provide a short list of pests and pathogens that you can help us look out for. Continue Reading
National Invasive Species Awareness Week: Vegetable Pests
February 26, 2024 - About five years ago, a small smattering of reports were made of leek moth in Somerset County and Swede midge in Franklin County. These tiny insects originate from Europe, and first showed up in the U.S. in New York in 2009 and 2004, respectively. Continue Reading
Help Stop Invasive Species during National Invasive Species Awareness Week - February 26 - March 3, 2024
February 23, 2024 - Augusta, Maine - National Invasive Species Awareness Week (NISAW) is being observed from February 26 to March 3, 2024. This annual event aims to educate the public about the threats posed by invasive species and encourages collective action to mitigate their spread. Continue Reading
Grants Available for Municipal and Regional Projects in Coastal Communities
February 22, 2024 - Augusta - The Department of Marine Resources' Maine Coastal Program (MCP) and the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestrys Municipal Planning Assistance Program (MPAP) are seeking applications for coastal planning grants totaling approximately $300,000. Funding for these planning grants comes from the Maine Coastal Programs annual grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Continue Reading
Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Announces Chad Hammer as Invasive Plant Biologist
February 20, 2024 - Augusta - The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry is pleased to announce Chad Hammer as the new Invasive Plant Biologist with the Maine Natural Areas Program (MNAP). Continue Reading
$660,000 Available To Maine Growers To Pursue Innovation
February 20, 2024 - Augusta - The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry's (DACF) Bureau of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources is seeking proposals for the 2024 USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP). Continue Reading
Funding Opportunity: Urban and Community Forestry Assistance Grants in Maine
February 15, 2024 - Augusta - The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry's Maine Forest Service (MFS) is pleased to announce the availability of grants for community forestry projects under the Urban and Community Forestry Inflation Reduction Act Grant Program. Through the Project Canopy, an MFS program, a total of $1,000,000 in grants will be offered, comprising $250,000 in Project Canopy Assistance grants and $750,000 in Inflation Reduction Act Urban and Community Forestry grants. Continue Reading
February Declared Browntail Awareness Month: Act Now
February 7, 2024 - Augusta, Maine - As February unfolds, some Maine residents brace themselves for the annual return of a persistent foe: the Browntail Moth (BTM) caterpillar. Recognizing the significance of this challenge, February has been designated as Browntail Awareness Month, urging individuals to take proactive measures against this invasive pest. Continue Reading
Maine's Ending Hunger Corps Welcomes National Acting Director of AmeriCorps VISTA
January 26, 2024 - Augusta - Carly Bruder, the National Acting Director of AmeriCorps VISTA, and Sharon Bassett, AmeriCorps Northeast Regional Portfolio Manager, recently spent two impactful days immersing themselves in the operations of Maine's Ending Hunger Corps. This visit aimed to provide a firsthand experience of the unique program pivotal in Maine's historic initiative to end hunger. Continue Reading
Maine State Parks See Slight Decline in Use During 2023, Anticipates Continued Upward Trend in Visitation and Camping
January 17, 2024 - AUGUSTA - The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry's Bureau of Parks and Lands (BPL) Director Andy Cutko announced a slight decline in visitation to Maine State Parks during 2023, with 2.93 million visitors spending time at the bureau's 48 state parks and historic sites (2.64 million day-use visitors and 291K campers). While visitation fell below the record-breaking years of 2022 and 2021, with 3.28 million and 3.3 million visits, the slight 2023 decrease was attributed to poor weather. Maine State Parks welcomed 319K campers in 2022 and 315K in 2021. Despite this decrease, BPL anticipates a continued upward trend in visitation. Continue Reading