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 ›
Maine Spruce Budworm Early Intervention Strategy Program Landowner Interest Form
The Maine Forest Service was seeking information from Maine landowners who may be interested in participating in a spruce budworm early intervention program in 2026. The application period for consideration in the 2026 Early Intervention Strategy program ended in November 2025. ... 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 ›
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 ›
WABI news speaks with Maine Forest Service and North Maine Woods on SBW as spring nears
Click here to watch the interview. ... 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 ›
The UMaine Spruce Budworm Lab provides population data for Maine’s forests
The UMaine Spruce Budworm Lab opened its doors in 2021 with support from the CFRU to monitor spruce budworm (SBW) populations. Sampling done by the UMaine SBW Lab during fall and winter is essential to identifying spruce budworm larvae (L2s) during their hibernation period before they emerge and begin feeding on foliage in the spring. Read more below about the expanding spruce budworm population in Maine as of November 2024 based on the most recent results from the UMaine Spruce Budworm ... 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 ›