WLBZ cites report on preparing for spruce budworm outbreak
A report created by the Maine Spruce Budworm Task Force was cited in a WLBZ (Channel 2) report on the next cyclical infestation of the pest that could cause severe economic damage to the state’s forest products industry. Described as the most damaging forest insect in North America, the spruce budworm is already killing trees in Canada and is expected to spread to parts of the North Woods in the next five years, according to WLBZ. The Maine Spruce Budworm Task Force, which was formed in 2013 by the University of Maine, Maine Forest Service and Maine Forest Products Council, recently released a report that includes a plan and risk assessment with about 70 recommendations for landowners to prepare for the next expected outbreak. Recommendations include changing wood harvesting strategies and using targeted aerial spraying and insecticide application, WLBZ reported.