Treatment of terrestrial invasive plants in Maine's woods, including on State Parks and Public Lands, is aided by mapping efforts in iMapInvasives.  This web-based map and database coordinates the efforts of citizen groups, landowners, and land managers to map infestations of invasive plants and provides a state-wide rapid detection and response network.

Nancy Olmstead, Invasive Plant Biologist with the Maine Natural Areas Program of the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, coordinates the project and reports on the success of iMapInvasives to date.  Maine Conservation Corps AmeriCorps volunteers have aided in the project by assisting with mapping and eradication efforts. The Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund contributed financial support to the invasives project.

• Read entire article.
• Learn more about Invasive Plants in Maine:
  • Invasive Plants Brochure (PDF 906KB)
  • Invasive Plant Online Gallery
• Report Invasives - Get involved!

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A quarantine on the emerald ash borer (EAB) and materials that may harbor it is now in effect for:

• All of York County, and the
• Northeastern corner of Aroostook County.

Materials movement restrictions:

• Ash nursery stock movement from the quarantine area is prohibited.
• Movement of hardwood firewood, hardwood chips and other ash products with bark, such as logs and pulp, and untreated ash lumber are regulated.

"A quarantine can help slow the spread of this destructive insect into uninfested areas," said State Entomologist Allison Kanoti. "That gives businesses, Native American craftspeople and artists that use ash as well as homeowners, landowners and municipalities who care for ash across the state additional time to consider their options and make plans for a future with EAB."

Additional information on EAB, how to recognize and report its damage, and details of the Maine ash quarantine.

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The State of Maine, Bureau of Parks and Lands is currently accepting applications to the Maine Forest Legacy Program.

The Forest Legacy Program is a conservation program administered by the U.S. Forest Service in partnership with state agencies to encourage the protection of privately owned forest lands through conservation easements or land purchases. It operates on a competitive basis nationwide and aims to protect an array of traditional uses, forest economies and public values by preventing the conversion of Maine’s forest to non-forest uses.

Since 1994, Maine’s Forest Legacy Program has received more than $76 million through the program, and has permanently protected over 755,000 acres, with iconic landscapes that include Tumbledown Mountain (in photo), Nicatous Lake, and Pierce Pond, to name just a few.

For more information about Maine’s program and the grant application materials read the Letter to Landowners and Application Instructions (PDF 355KB)

• Proposals submitted by June 1st will be eligible to compete for FY 2021 funding.

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Land and Water Conservation Funds (LWCF) can, and should, be used to rehabilitate existing recreation facilities in addition to acquiring park land and building new facilities in communities across the state.

Go to the Maine LWCF website to learn more about the application process, schedule a pre-application site inspection, and apply to receive funding to benefit your local park system.

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Bacon & Egg Fried Rice

• 3/4 cup diced white onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup diced carrots
• 1/4 cup peas (or 1/2 c. of frozen peas & carrots)
• 2 eggs, whisked
• 4 cups cooked rice
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• Kosher salt
• 2 green onions, sliced &/or handful of beansprouts
• Freshly ground white pepper

Heat a large skillet or wok over high heat, then add 2 tablespoons of oil and the bacon. Render the bacon for about 2 minutes until crispy. Stir in the onion, garlic, carrots and snap peas and saute for a minute or until the vegetables start to soften. Add the eggs to the skillet, then add the rice directly into the wet egg. Using the back of a spatula or spoon, press the rice into the egg, fold and repeat until the rice is completely coated and heated through. Add the soy sauce and oyster sauce and stir to coat the rice. Season with a pinch of salt. Cook over high heat, stirring, until the rice is heated through, 2 to 4 minutes. Garnish with the green onions and some white pepper.

(Contributed by Jen Neumeyer, Boating Facilities Secretary, Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands.)

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Trail's mud-smeary path.

Hike gently through; leave no trace.

Mud season in Maine.

April showers bring May flowers and plenty of mud on the trails. May sunshine will help harden the trails, but in the meantime please honor posted trail closures. When you encounter mud on open trails please either hike on the hardened trail surfaces, such as rocks, or hike through the mud so the trail is not widened. Appropriate footwear is essential; be prepared to get muddy and enjoy Maine's 5th season!

Consider volunteering to help refurbish damaged trails.

• Check the volunteer opportunities with the Maine Conservation Corps.
• Call your local State Park and ask if they have volunteer trail projects.

Learn more about the challenges of damaged trails and The 7 Principles of Leave No Trace.

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Maine will celebrate 200 years of statehood in 2020. Special events, activities, and commemorative projects are being planned now. The Bicentennial Celebration Kick-off Event will take place on July 26, 2019.

Learn how your Maine community, group, or business can plan an event or participate in the bicentennial programs underway by visiting Maine200.org

Anniversary Celebration Goals are to:

1. Explore Maine’s history from the many perspectives of its multiple past and current populations;
2. Celebrate Maine’s present people, places, institutions and economy; and
3. Envision the public and private actions that will enhance Maine’s future prosperity.

A Maine Statehood and Bicentennial Conference is being held May 30 - June 1, 2019 at the University of Maine - Orono. Conference Program & Schedule.

View the Bicentennial Events Calendar now and check back often as events will be added now through 2020.

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