The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry proposes expanding three forest protection quarantines to slow the spread of emerald ash borer, hemlock woolly adelgid and European larch canker.

Opportunities for public comment include public hearings at two sites and through a virtual option scheduled for 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 6, at the Maine Forest Service, Bolton Hill Regional Office, 2870 North Belfast Ave., Augusta, and at the same time at the Maine Forest Service Regional Office, 87 Airport Road, Old Town.

A virtual option using the Microsoft Teams platform will be available during those hearings. Commenters can join using this link, and join the meeting on Microsoft Teams or by calling 207-209-4724 and the Conference ID of 429646377#.

If commenters cannot attend the public hearings in person or virtually, written comments must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 22. Those attending the live sessions can submit written comments.

Comments can be submitted to: Gary Fish, state horticulturist, Department of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry, 28 State House Station, Augusta, ME, 04333-0028; or by emailing gary.fish@maine.gov or calling 207-287-7545.

Check out other upcoming area events!