City of Bath fighting emerald ash borer, trying to preserve ash trees

Portland to Combat Invasive Beetle with Forest Service Grant

Portland has secured a significant grant from the Maine Forest Service to launch a targeted campaign against an invasive pest threatening the city’s urban canopy.

The funding will be used to treat trees with pesticides, as well as to cut down and replace trees that are already infested. This proactive approach aims to halt the spread of the emerald ash borer, a non-native beetle that is devastating ash trees across North America.

City officials say the grant is a critical investment in Portland's public health and infrastructure. "This funding allows us to take decisive action to protect our neighborhoods and parks," said a city spokesperson. "The loss of our ash trees would not only be a major aesthetic blow but would also impact our environment and property values."

The emerald ash borer was first detected in Maine in 2018 and has since been found in several locations, including Cumberland County. The insect's larvae feed on the inner bark of ash trees, disrupting the flow of water and nutrients, which ultimately kills the tree.

The city's arborists will use the funds to survey ash trees, prioritize those for treatment based on their health and location, and begin the process of removal and replacement in the most heavily infested areas. The program is part of a broader state and regional effort to manage the invasive species and preserve the region's forests.