Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Information

The emerald ash borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis, is one of the most serious invasive species threatening ash resources and forests. Since it was first identified in Michigan in 2002, EAB has spread across 35 states and into Canada. All three species of ash trees, Fraxinus, that grow in Maine are susceptible to injury and death by the emerald ash borer. EAB was discovered in nearby Lebanon and Acton in 2018^[1] and we can expect it to infest Eliot. [read more - see attachment below]

The Eliot Conservation Commission is currently looking into what this means for Eliot and potential actions we can take based on this information, including informing the town staff and other boards, connecting with neighboring communities, raising awareness, incorporating EAB and other invasive pests into the Town Forest Management Plan, and more. The Commission thanks interested citizen Tomas Dundzila for bringing this information to our attention!

^[1] Emerald Ash Borer Confirmed in Western York County, Maine, September 12, 2018. https://www.maine.gov/dacf/about/news/news.shtml?id=810860

Resources from Maine Forest Service, Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry:

• EAB Confirmed in Western York County, Maine - press release: https://www.maine.gov/dacf/about/news/news.shtml?id=810860
• Information Sheet: EAB Information for Maine Landowners: http://www.maine.gov/tools/whatsnew/attach.php?id=755210&an=1 
• Forest Pest Outreach - EAB Poster: https://www.maine.gov/dacf/php/caps/EAB/documents/EAB-tagging-action_poster_edit4.pdf
• EAB webpage: https://www.maine.gov/dacf/php/caps/EAB/index.shtml
• Ash Tree Identification Guide: https://www.maine.gov/dacf/php/caps/EAB/EABtrees.shtml
• EAB Signs and Symptoms Guide: https://www.maine.gov/dacf/php/caps/EAB/EABsigns.shtml
• Information Sheet: EAB Guidance for Maine Forest Managers: https://www1.maine.gov/dacf/php/caps/EAB/documents/29_eab_guide_for_me_forest_managers.pdf
• Municipal Emerald Ash Borer Management Plan: https://www.maine.gov/dacf/php/caps/EAB/documents/Sample-Emerald-Ash-Borer-Management-Plan-2018.docx  

Emerald Ash Borer Information Network: http://www.emeraldashborer.info/