AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) - Maine forestry officials are asking residents to take precautions this holiday season to prevent the spread of pests when shipping items such as trees and wreaths.
Maine, the Pine Tree State, will be alive with holiday cheer in a few weeks, and that raises the possibility of abetting pests. Invasive pests can hitch a ride on wreaths, holiday plants, firewood and elsewhere, the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry said.
The department has asked residents to carefully inspect plant materials, check state-by-state plant material regulations and source firewood as close to where it will be burned as possible. The department has detailed other precautions on its website.
Maine’s forest products industry is vulnerable to invasive pests, which can ruin important species of trees.
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