Spruce Budworm

Maine SBW Task Force

  • University of Maine
  • Cooperative Forestry Reasearch Unit
  • Center for Research on Sustainable Forests
  • Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry
  • Maine Forest Products Council
  • Maine Tree Foundation

News & Events

News & Events

SAVE-THE-DATE Spruce Budworm Public Information Session on April 30, 2026

Spruce Budworm Public Information Session Date: Thursday, April 30, 2026Time: 10:00AM to 11:30AMLocation: Jeff's Catering, 15 Littlefield Rd, Brewer, Maine 04412Cost: Free Keeping Maine's Forest is hosting a Spruce Budworm Public Information Session to provide a platform for education and discussion regarding the spruce budworm outbreak affecting our state's forests. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from expert speakers representing the Maine Forest Service, the University of ... Read More ›

“Budworm in Aroostook” Public Meeting Recording Available

On March 24th, 2026 the Maine Forest Service held a public session focused on the biology and history of spruce budworm in Maine as well as the spray program planned for this spring and it's possible impacts on the forest and neighboring communities. Video Breakdown 0:25 - Biology of spruce budworm: Dr. Neil Thompson, UMFK 6:50 - L2 Monitoring program: Dr. Neil Thompson, UMFK 8:30 - Early Intervention Strategy (EIS): Dr. Neil Thompson, UMFK 18:00 - Aerial Application ... Read More ›

Spruce Budworm Early Intervention Strategy Shows Promise in Maine

"...Maine landowners are now utilizing an Early Intervention Strategy (EIS) that targets small hotspots before populations reach damaging levels. The University of Maine operates the only specialized processing lab in the United States, and collaborates with the UMaine Fort Kent in monitoring over 700 sites across the region." - University of Maine and University of Maine Fort Kent ... Read More ›

SAVE-THE-DATE! Spruce Budworm Woodland Tour on August 20, 2025

Spruce Budworm Woodland Tour Date: Wednesday, August 20, 2025 Time: 4:30PM to 6:30PM Location: Sly Brook Rd, Fort Kent, Maine Cost: Free Hosted by the Maine Forest Service and Maine Woodland Owners: Experts in spruce budworm and forestry will lead an easy-to-access woods tour to compare untreated and treated areas for spruce budworm. Learn about the growing spruce budworm populations and the upcoming cost share program for treatments for landowners in 2026 - see agenda below. A staffed ... Read More ›

Northern Maine braces for spruce budworm outbreak

"To a casual observer, the tree looked perfectly healthy. In fact, it's riddled with worms smaller than a grain of rice. Thompson pointed to telltale signs of budworm — microscopic webbing around the base of tender buds on the tips of the tree limbs and the insect's tiny entrance hole. With a little prodding, a worm crawls out." - Maine Public Radio ... Read More ›

Spruce Budworm Information Session (5/1) recording and presentations available now-

The Spruce Budworm Information Session was held on May 1, 2025 and hosted by Keeping Maine's Forests. The session focused on the history of spruce budworm in Maine, the importance of monitoring populations through yearly branch sampling, the insecticides and approach (early intervention strategy) used for additive mortality in areas with rising spruce budworm populations, and the aerial spray program that will be implemented by some timberland owners in Northern Maine this spring. Video ... Read More ›

SAVE-THE-DATE! Spruce Budworm Information Session on May 1st, 2025

Join on Zoom by clicking here SAVE THE DATE! What: Spruce Budworm Information Session - This outreach and educational event is open to anyone looking for more information on the current status of spruce budworm outbreak in Maine and the early intervention strategy being implemented to limit its spread. Maine’s forestry community is diverse and interconnected - whether you are an interested member of the public who lives, works, or recreates in the Maine woods, this event may be for you. ... Read More ›