AUGUSTA — The Maine Forest Service is seeking help in tracking the emerald ash borer, a potentially devastating invasive insect. They are looking for volunteers to “girdle” a few trap trees. By cutting into the tree’s bark, girdling stresses the trees and makes them highly attractive to any nearby borers. Trees girdled by volunteers last summer were felled and examined in January and February and found to be free from borer signs.

The Forest Service says any species of ash tree except mountain ash may be used. Trees having one to two sides open to sunlight, such as those on the edges of roads or fields, and trees near recreational areas, which are considered high-risk, are ideal. The Maine Forest Service can provide volunteers with specific guidelines on how to girdle trap trees. 

Next winter, the Forest Service will have volunteers fell a tree and bring sections into one of the workshops held throughout the state, where it will be peeled and searched for signs of borers.

For more information, volunteers are asked to contact Patti Roberts at the Maine Forest Service at [email protected] or 287-2431. Volunteers can also contact forester Patty Cormier at 592-2238 or [email protected]. For assistance with selecting or girdling a tree, call Colleen Teerling at 287-3096.

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