by Cathy Johnson, NRCM North Woods Project Director
Good afternoon Sen. Nutting, Rep. Pieh and members of the Committee. My name is Cathy Johnson. I am the North Woods Project Director for the Natural Resources Council of Maine. I am here today on behalf of the 12,000 members and supporters of the Natural Resources Council of Maine in support of L.D. 1607.
Emerald ash borer and the Asian longhorned beetle are both serious threats to Maine’s forests. The Asian longhorned beetle has the potential to cripple Maine’s maple syrup and hardwood industries, while the emerald ash borer has killed millions of ash trees. These two insects can be inadvertently transported by recreationists and campers in firewood intended for campfires, woodstoves, and indoor and outdoor fireplaces. Prohibiting the importation of firewood into the state is a reasonable way to attempt to limit the spread of these insects. We support this bill’s efforts to protect Maine’s forests from these insects, and urge you to vote Ought To Pass on L.D. 1607.
Thank you very much for your attention.
