Learn about this important environmental issue. The emerald ash borer beetle has decimated ash populations in several states, including Michigan, Ohio and Indiana, killing more then twenty million ash trees. If the beetle reaches Maine, the state stands to loose over 300,000,000 ash trees. Transporting of firewood, logs, and nursery trees that are infested have contributed to the introduction of this pest into new regions. Panelists will include state and tribal foresters, entomologists, and basketweavers and businesses that rely on ash trees. Come find out what you can do to prevent the beetle from entering Maine, how to identify the beetle, larva, and the effects it can have on ash trees.

Panelists will include Colleen Teerling, Maine Forest Service entomologist, John Banks, Department of Natural Resources of Penobscot Indian Nation director, Dennis Souto, USDA Forest Service, Jeremy Frey, Passamaquoddy basketmaker and Theresa Secord, Penobscot, Maine Indian Basketmakers Alliance director.  Each presenter will speak for ten to fifteen minutes about how the threat of this invasive species could impact Maine's resources, ecology, economy, and cultural heritage.

Panelists will provide information about how the beetle was introduced to North America, how it spreads, and the possible damage to Maine will be addressed as well as how fast EAB is spreading, how firewood contributes to its spread, biosurveillance, and what's at stake in Maine; the status of research relevant to New England, impacts, and how the state is trying to manage it.