I just received an email newsletter from #MDACF regarding #HPAI. It's not looking good...

From the memo [in PDF format]:

"Avian Influenza (HPAI) Notices:

Due to the continuing US outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in domesticated and wild birds and in dairy cattle, Animal Health Officials from all six #NewEnglandStates are united in advising the following for agricultural fairs, competitions, exhibitions, shows, swaps, or other in-person events that encourage the gathering or co-mingling of birds and/or cattle:

Avian species

The New England State Veterinarians strongly discourage the exhibition of domestic and wild waterfowl species and may recommend delaying or canceling domestic fowl or poultry shows. If events are held, best practices for biosecurity should be implemented. Waterfowl exhibitions are currently banned in MA through April 30, 2026, which may be extended.

Bovine species

The New England State Veterinarians strongly discourage the exhibition of any bovines, including both dairy and beef cattle, that have been present in any state at the time that state had a current outbreak of HPAI in cattle.

Bovines that have been shipped from currently affected states in 2026 should not be allowed on the premises of New England fairs or shows. Moving to or from an affected state for any reason will void any New England Fair and Show Season Official Certificates of Veterinary Inspection (OCVIs) that have been issued for such cattle for the remainder of the 2026 season.

The states currently affected by HPAI in cattle can be found on the USDA website..."

Emailed bulletin:
https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MEDACF/bulletins/412b40f

USDA Website:
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/hpai-confirmed- cases-livestock

Link to MDACF memo [PDF]:
https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/MEDACF/2026/04/13/file_attachments/3615362/2026%20NE%20Fairs%20Memo%20March%202026.pdf

#HPAINews #BirdFlu #MaineDACF #NewEngland #HealthAndSafety #AvianInfluenza #H5N1 #LPAI #BirdFlu
#FarmAnimals #AgriculturalFairs #Poultry #Cattle #HealthInformation

#CamdenME - RSVP to Join #PlantSpecies Documentation on April 22 at #CamdenHillsState Park

Date: April 22, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: 280 Belfast Road, Camden, ME 04843
State Park: Camden Hills
Event Type: #NatureExploration, #NatureWorkshop / #PlantIdentificationTraining

"Pre-register to join in on an educational morning of plant inventorying at Camden Hills State Park. Kerry Hardy, a local plant enthusiast, will lead a hike with park staff to document and take GPS coordinates of the park's unique plant species. Included in the inventory will be #BrownAsh and other #ash species, #Spruce, #MaidenhairFern, #YellowViolets, #Mayflowers, also called #TrailingArbutus, and spring ephemerals.

Limited to 30 people and free to registered participants. Pre-register by emailing [email protected] and please put "April 22 plant inventory RSVP" in the subject line.

Can't make April 22? A second inventory session is being planned for May 27 at 9:00 AM. Email Charlene with "May 27 plant inventory RSVP" in the subject line if you want to attend this session.

Cost: Free to pre-registered participants."

Source:
https://www.maine.gov/dacf/parks/discover_history_explore_nature/activities/eventinfo.shtml?id=13345462

#SolarPunkSunday #MaineStateParks #MaineDACF #SpendTimeInNature #CitizenScience #MaineEvents

So, I missed the #EAB update from #MaineDACF, but since I registered for the event, I was sent the link to the video update. One thing I learned is that #Woodpeckers are #EmeraldAshBorer's natural enemy. But once EAB sets in, it's too much for the woodpeckers to handle. But if it's an early infestation, they *might* be able to control it! Just another reason to #GardenForBirds and #FeedTheBirds in the winter (and my woodpecker friends LOVE the wormy suet I make for them).

Here's a screenshot from the presentation. Also, the term "blonding" mentioned in the image refers to the process of older gray bark falling off an ash tree that has an EAB infestation, leaving behind lighter-colored newer bark.

The full video can be viewed at this link (includes transcript):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ogbMReBx38

#InvasiveSpecies #AshTrees
#SaveTheForests #ProtectTheTrees #ProtectTheSacred #Stewardship #Wabanaki #Basketry #SolarPunkSunday #Biocontrol #MaineTrees #MaineForestryService #MDIFW

Press release from the #MaineDACF - Thinking About #Camping at #MaineStateParks?

Reservations Open Monday

"The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry’s Bureau of Parks and Lands (BPL) is encouraging campers to begin planning now for the 2026 Maine State Parks camping season, with reservations opening Monday, February 2, and demand expected to be high for many destinations.

"Whether visitors are seasoned campers or first-time adventurers, Maine #StateParks offer a wide range of #campgrounds, #GroupSites, and picnic shelters across the state’s most scenic landscapes.

Maine State Park Campground Reservations open at 9:00 a.m. EST on the following dates:

- Monday, February 2, 2026, #LilyBayStatePark and #SebagoLakeStatePark (Storm date: Tuesday, February 3, 2026, if the Maine State Government is closed)
- Monday, February 2, 2026 Group camping and picnic shelter reservations By phone only — contact the park directly
- Thursday, February 5, 2026 All other Maine State Park campgrounds (Storm date: Friday, February 6, 2026)
- Online reservations will continue through September 5, 2026

Visit the BPL Maine State Parks camping webpage for reservations, park information, and planning resources. Campers are encouraged to review the reservation tips and FAQs before booking.

Group Camping Opportunities

Maine State Parks provide ideal settings for group camping, family reunions, youth programs, and organizational outings. Group campsites are designed for seven or more people and must be reserved in advance.

Group campsites are available for:

- Registered campers and their invited guests
- Organizations, scout and youth groups
- Large family and multi-family camping trips

Group camping reservations:

- Open at 9:00 a.m. EST on February 2, 2026
- By phone only — group campers must contact the park directly
- Online reservations and the Camping Call Center do not process group site bookings

BPL also assists with planning larger events such as camporees, youth gatherings, and organized group outings. Event organizers should contact the park directly for guidance.

Plan Ahead
With many campgrounds filling up quickly each season, BPL encourages visitors to plan early, explore alternative parks and dates, and take advantage of Maine’s diverse outdoor recreation opportunities statewide."

Source:
https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MEDACF/bulletins/4068612

#SolarPunkSunday #SpendTimeInNature #Maine #Camping #CampingInMaine

[Virtual event] #EmeraldAshBorer and Other #TreeHealth Concerns

#DACF Update for #Maine Cities and Towns 

Monday, February 9, 2026, 10:30 AM-Noon 

"The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry will provide updates for city and town tree and forest managers and public works staff on the known status of several invasive insect species in Maine. Our speakers will cover topics such as monitoring, life cycles, extent of known locations, and management through #biocontrol. Join us and brush up on your invasive species knowledge in time for #InvasiveSpecies Awareness week- we hope to see you there!"

FMI:
https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MEDACF/bulletins/40539ea

To register:
https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/8e05b397-503b-4f42-baac-8ede004ec9ae@413fa8ab-207d-4b62-9bcd-ea1a8f2f864e/registration

#SolarPunkSunday #SaveTheTrees #Forestry #Trees #AshTrees #BrowntailMoth #WinterMoth #RedPineScale #HemlockWoolyAdelgid #InvasiveSpeciesAwarenessWeek #MaineDACF #MaineForests