I wanted to reach out to you all and thank you for your attention for the past 12 and a half years. It has truly been a honor to bring you news, research and a touch of humor about our favorite trees - in our yard, on our streets, and across our parks and schools. This will be my last issue as Friday, December 29th will be my last day with the Maine Forest Service. Project Canopy (and Trees on Maine Street) will still be here, and will have some exciting programs happening this year and beyond - so stay tuned!!
All the Best,
Kim
A new Boston law protects trees on public land but not private
 WBUR - Boston has its first tree ordinance — rules about when trees can be trimmed or removed from city-owned parks, the land around schools, libraries and public housing. It does not apply to trees on private property, which is half or more of Boston’s tree canopy. The ordinance is the city’s latest effort to better protect trees, which provide shade, clean the air and remove carbon emissions.
City leaders say more trees are a key piece of the city’s plan to cope with longer, hotter summers.
“The ultimate goal is to have a climate-resilient urban forest that is thriving,” said Kat Eshel, chief of staff at Boston’s Office of Environment, Energy and Open Space. “Our canopy is connected to the health of our residents and well-being of our communities.”
The public ordinance turns a patchwork of rules into comprehensive regulations for trees managed by the city. Read more...
 Young browntail caterpillars create their winter webs in the summer and early fall by combining leaves together with white silk. During the winter, browntail caterpillars are dormant and rest inside their webs where they are protected from the harsh weather. These webs are usually at the tips of branches of their favorite host trees: oak, fruit trees (including ornamental varieties), black cherry, elm, birch, shadbush, roses, and others.
Winter is the best time to check your property for winter webs created by browntail. If you do have winter webs in your trees, follow the 4 Rs to Knockout Browntail:
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Recognize winter webs. On a sunny winter day, stand with your back to the sun and look at your trees. Because their winter webs are made with silk, the webs will reflect the sunlight and be easier to spot. Consider focusing on trees in high traffic areas (i.e. closest to your house or areas of recreation).
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Remove winter webs before April. Each winter web can contain 25-400 caterpillars; removing winter webs in high traffic areas (like your dooryard) can help reduce the browntail caterpillars that will emerge next year. Webs can be removed using pruning shears or an extendable pole pruner. Removal is recommended during the winter, when the webs are easiest to see, but before they emerge from their webs in April.
- Destroy webs after removal by soaking them in a bucket of soapy water for a few days, or burning them in a safely contained fire to kill caterpillars inside the webs. Clipped webs that remain on the ground outside still contain live caterpillars that will emerge in the spring and climb back up the host tree.
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Recruit professionals when you can't remove winter webs. Some webs found in tall trees may only be removed by a licensed professional. Check out our list of licensed arborists or our list of FAA-certified commercial remote pilots who offer browntail web removal in tall trees using unmanned aerial vehicles.
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Reach out and educate others on the benefits of removal. The more browntail webs that are removed, the more likely it is that impacts may be reduced. Consider hosting a clipping party to remove winter webs in your neighborhood!
Should I consider using pesticides to treat browntail moth?
Pesticides may be considered for trees around your house or backyard when winter web removal is not possible. Pesticide treatments are most effective at reducing harmful impacts from browntail when they are applied by a licensed professional in the spring and the treatments will take effect before the end of May.
Winter is a great time to reach out to pesticide applicators to assess trees on your property and set up an appointment for pesticide treatment in spring. We have compiled a list of local licensed pesticide applicators for hire that are willing to treat browntail moth. Please note that these companies responded to a Maine Forest Service survey and agreed to be listed in this resource; the Maine Forest Service does not recommend these companies above any others.
More Resources to Knock Out Browntail:
Should the U.S. keep old trees around to store carbon or cut them down? It's a heated debate.
Maine Climate Council issues a progress report in the third year of its climate action plan
Kick off the New Year with a Maine State Park First Day Hike
Augusta – The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) invites outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers to kick off the New Year with fresh air and scenic walks during Maine State Park First Day Hike activities. DACF's Bureau of Parks and Lands (BPL) has announced guided hikes and a collection of self-led hike resources, ensuring a special start to 2023 for participants of all ages and skill levels.
Inspired by the National Association of State Park Directors, BPL is proud to join the nationwide celebration of First Day Hikes, encouraging communities to connect with the outdoors on January 1. The event, known for its commitment to promoting healthy, active lifestyles, is a perfect opportunity for individuals and families to embrace nature and create lasting memories.
Guided Program Listings:
- Camden Hills State Park, Camden - 9:00 a.m. Meet at the visitor center.
- Holbrook Island Sanctuary, Brooksville - 1:00 p.m. Meet at the Backshore Trail parking lot.
- Mount Blue State Park, Weld - 10:00 a.m. Meet at the Park Headquarters.
- Two Lights State Park, Cape Elizabeth - 6:30 a.m. Meet at High Head at the rose garden.
Self-guided Hike Guides:
- Bradbury Mt. State Park, Freeport
- Camden Hills State Park, Camden
- Popham Beach State Park, Phippsburg
- Reid State Park, Georgetown
- Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park
Interested participants can find detailed information and trail guides for First Day Hike locations by visiting www.maine.gov/dacf/first-day-hikes.
Jan 9-11 - 2024 Maine Agricultural Trades Show
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