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Recent "Beetle Busting" Event Took Place at Sebago Lake

September 01, 2010 - WINDHAM -- The Maine Department of Agriculture and the Maine Forest Service would like to express their sincere thanks to the volunteers and park staff that participated in the Sebago Lake State Park beetle busting survey event Saturday, Aug. 14. The weather was perfect for walking around the park, looking at trees, canoeing and kayaking, and chatting to the wonderful folks visiting the park that day.

The event started Friday night at the campground amphitheater with the first public showing in Maine of a new documentary, "Bugged, The Race to Eradicate the Asian Longhorned Beetle." The 24-minute film, produced by a Fitchburg, Mass., native, tells of the history of the Asian longhorned beetle in the United States, and the efforts by researchers, governmental officials, and private citizens to eradicate it before it has a chance to impact the northern hardwood forests. The film was well-received.

Saturday kicked off with a survey volunteer orientation, then teams of two and four dispersed with clipboards, clickers and binoculars to search for evidence of Asian longhorned beetle in the park's maple and birch trees. Armed with outreach materials, they informed campers and visitors of the dangers of Asian longhorned beetle and another invasive forest pest, the emerald ash borer. Some took to the water in canoes and kayaks disguised as the two invasive beetles. In a two-hour survey period, 1,142 trees were inspected, and 178 people received materials from the surveyors.

In addition to the survey, the Maine Department of Agriculture and the Maine Forest Service had displays, and crafts and games for kids at the day use area of the park. Interested spectators learned about the Asian longhorned beetle and the emerald ash borer, and entered their names in a drawing to win prizes like an aluminum "Don't Move Firewood" water bottle and the centennial edition of "Forest Trees of Maine."

The Asian longhorned beetle and the emerald ash borer are two invasive tree pests responsible for the loss of millions of hardwood trees in the United States. These beetles have not been found in Maine, but state officials are urging residents to be aware and report any suspect beetles or tree damage. Descriptions of beetles and damage can be found at www.albmaine.org and www.emeraldashborer.info. Please contact the Maine Department of Agriculture or the Maine Forest Service with your findings.

by Staff Reporters, The Independent, September 1, 2010

Lakes: Sebago Lake
Regions: Sebago


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