MAINE PUBLIC • October 28, 2026
A ban on freely transporting wood from areas of Maine infested by emerald ash borer will remain in effect after tribal governments and conservation groups protested a state plan to ease restrictions. State Horticulturist Gary Fish said a proposal to end a quarantine aimed at slowing spread of the invasive insect attracted more than 80 public comments. Nearly all urged the state to keep the quarantine. Emerald ash borer was first discovered in Maine in 2018. The insect tunnels into native ash trees, cuts off water and nutrients and can kill a host within five years.