Public Comment is Open to Weigh in on Maine’s EAB Quarantine Repeal

July 28, 2026 Uncategorized

Last week, the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (ME-DACF) announced they are proposing to repeal the current emerald ash borer (EAB) quarantine, based on the recent discovery of established EAB populations in Benedicta and Jackman, Maine.

When APCAW lab members found out that the ME-DACF was thinking about repealing the quarantine back in April, Tribal Nations and APCAW stating our position that the DACF should not repeal the quarantine in May. We believe keeping the quarantine will protect the 78% ash basal area that is still thriving in towns where EAB has not been detected. Check out this flier for more information and talking points:

We hope you will join us in making a public comment to OPPOSE this rule change. APCAW has put together a template and example of public comment on this rule change here.

Your public comment can be submitted verbally or in written form. It can be shared verbally at these upcoming public hearings:

  • August 18, 2026, 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, at the Maine Potato Board Conference Room, 744 Main St #1, Presque Isle, ME 04769 and a
  • August 18, 2026, 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, at the Maine Forest Service, Central Region Headquarters, 87 Forestry Way, Old Town, ME 04468 with a

Written comment can be submitted by emailing Gary Fish at gary.fish@maine.gov or sent by mail to Gary Fish, Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, Plant Health Programs, 28 SHS, Augusta, ME 04333-0028. The deadline to submit a written comment is August 28, 2026, at 5:00 PM.

APCAW is organizing two virtual comment writing sessions on August 6th at 12pm and 6pm. If you would like to learn more about how to submit public comments or discuss talking points with the APCAW lab, we welcome you to attend one of these sessions. You can for the Zoom link! 

Please spread the word about this important opportunity to weigh in on the rulemaking process!