09/11/2026
‼️ATTENTION‼️
In July, Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) was detected in Jackman on a purple prism trap set by Maine Forest Service staff to detect the spread of this insect. In early August, EAB was also reported in Surry. Following these detections, areas in Franklin, Hancock, Oxford, Penobscot, and Somerset Counties were added to the regulated quarantine areas, this included Passamaquoddy Tribal lands.
More recently, EAB was detected on Passamaquoddy Tribal lands in Lowelltown, Maine. Passamaquoddy Forestry Department staff identified the infestation while investigating a declining ash tree during ash seed collection for the Passamaquoddy Wikp Brown Ash Nursery. The tree showed symptoms including canopy thinning, dieback, and epicormic branching, as well as multiple signs of EAB, including serpentine-shaped feeding galleries, D-shaped exit holes, and emerald ash borer larvae.
Given these recent detections, and as required by state regulations, all basket wood harvested in Lowelltown or Holeb Township on Passamaquoddy Tribal lands, and in any regulated areas of the state, must be peeled or processed into splint material prior to transport out of the regulated area. If transporting logs out of the quarantine area is necessary for sourcing basket-making material, the Passamaquoddy Forestry Department can assist with securing the necessary permits from state officials.
