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 ›
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 ›
The Maine Monitor: Facing new spruce budworm outbreak, Maine foresters look to history as a guide
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WABI news speaks with Maine Forest Service and North Maine Woods on SBW as spring nears
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Maine’s forests are vulnerable to wildfires and a spruce budworm outbreak
"The Maine Forest Service protects Maine’s 17.5 million acres of forestland, covering 89 percent of the state, including the vast Unorganized Territory — one of the largest undeveloped areas east of the Mississippi River. These forests, critical to Maine’s economy and outdoor heritage, face growing threats from wildfires and pests." - Bangor Daily News ... Read More ›
Understanding the impact of a Spruce Budworm outbreak in Maine
"89% of the state of Maine is covered in forests and half of those trees are spruce and fir trees. The state legislature is working to pass $2 million in the supplemental budget to protect these trees." - WMTW Channel 8 ABC ... Read More ›
Portland Press Herald reports on proposed $2M by Gov. Mills for preventative spruce budworm spraying in 2025
"Gov. Janet Mills wants to spend $2 million in surplus funds to pay the state’s share of a $15 million early intervention pesticide program designed to protect Maine forests from the worst effects of a looming spruce budworm outbreak." Portland Press Herald, January 21, 2025 ... Read More ›
Opinion: Maine must remain vigilant in protecting its forests
An opinion article in the Portland Press Herald regarding the current state of spruce budworm in Maine. Click here to read the full article. ... Read More ›
$14 million set aside to suppress spruce budworm outbreak
Maine Public reports on funding that will be used for spruce budworm mitigation. Click here to read the full article. "A federal budget deal could include $14 million dollars to help suppress a spruce budworm outbreak threatening Maine’s northern forests. Maine Republican Senator Susan Collins said the funding was included in a disaster relief bill under consideration by lawmakers in Washington." Maine Public, December 2024 ... Read More ›