District Welcomes New Executive Director

SKOWHEGAN - The Somerset County Soil and Water Conservation District is pleased to announce that it has hired Rachel White of Canaan, Maine, as its new executive director.

Rachel brings a diverse professional and personal background in environmental science and natural resources management that will benefit the District in its mission. She is currently a graduate student at the University of Maine in Orono, where she is a PhD candidate in the Ecology and Environmental Sciences program as well as in the One Health & the Environment National Science Foundation Research Traineeship.

“The district supervisors are excited to have Rachel’s talents, enthusiasm and experience to guide our current programs and lead future efforts to network with landowners and entities toward the protection of Somerset’s County’s natural resources. Rachel is engaging and ready to dive in,” says Ann Mefferd, the District’s board chairperson.

Rachel’s love of Maine's farming and environmental communities fueled her desire to learn more about the agriculture-ecology interface. She spent several years volunteering and working for various environmental nonprofits in Maine as well as taught high school science.

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with residents of Somerset County on issues related to natural resources and agriculture,” says Rachel. “I look forward to bringing my expertise to District educational and workshop efforts, including the Invasive Plant Paddle August 26 to discuss milfoil in the Kennebec River.”

Joe Dembeck, the District’s previous Executive Director, will remain on staff for two months to assist Rachel’s transition into her new role.  This transition time will ensure the District retains the quality and scope of services for which it is known. The District staff and board look forward to its 2023 programs and events that will highlight our staff’s full breadth of skills and abilities.

Ag Allies on Maine Public

Ag Allies, our statewide grassland bird conservation program, was recently featured on Maine Public in a wonderful piece of reporting by Murray Carpenter. Read or listen here.

Choose Your Own Adventure on Open Farm Day

AUGUSTA - Maine Open Farm Day will be celebrated across the state on Sunday, July 24 as farms throughout Maine open their “barn doors” to the public. Open Farm Day is an annual event that encourages the public to stop by a local farm and learn about the business of agriculture.

Farms around the state participate to commit to ensuring the sustainability and overall importance of agriculture. Maine’s farming industry gives back to their communities by inviting guests to their farms and businesses.

Open Farm Day is a choose your own adventure with education for all ages. Many farms have demonstrations, displays, farm-raised products for sale and animals and crops to experience. Activities include barn and field tours, milking hay rides, nature trails, beautiful scenery, and samples for tasting and refreshments.

Participating farms in Somerset County include Balfour Farm and Tiny Acres Farm in Pittsfield, Freedom Farm in Athens, Martin Woods Farm in Starks, and Sweet Dreams Lavender Farm in St. Albans. For a suggested itinerary for visiting Somerset County participating farms, visit https://www.realmaine.com/itinerary/?itinerary=187,223,2257,2256,2967,192

For more information on Open Farm Day visit https://www.realmaine.com/activities/maine-open-farm-day-2022-listings/

pc L Suomi-Lecker, at Balfour Farm, Pittsfield

Emerald Ash Borer Detections in Oakland and Waterville Prompt Expansion of Quarantine Area into Somerset County

State of Maine reminds everyone to use local or heat treated firewood and announces Emergency Order expansion to slow the spread of emerald ash borer.

AUGUSTA - The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry’s (DACF) Maine Forest Service (MFS) has expanded an Emergency Order to restrict the movement of ash from areas likely to harbor emerald ash borer (EAB). This order is in response to detections in Oakland, Waterville and Lewiston this month and earlier finds in Lovell and Gray and is in addition to the state quarantine rule on EAB. The order and the quarantine exist to help slow the spread of EAB within Maine. 

EAB is a shiny green beetle killing ash trees in Maine and many other parts of North America. In the case of the Kennebec County detection, a chance sighting of bright spots on ash bark at highway speed on I-95 led to follow-up surveys on the ground confirming the beetle’s presence.

Blonding caused by woodpeckers looking for EAB larvae and pupae

In Lewiston, a crew examining declining ash viewed from the highway found emerald ash borer galleries in nearby trees.  Although the detections are new, in at least one of the sites, the infestation has been developing for several years.

EAB boring galleries

“These detections are a good reminder to leave your firewood at home and use local or heat-treated firewood. In the case of the detection in Oakland, we can tell by evidence in the trees that the EAB has been lurking there for several years. Emerald ash borer is one of many insects and diseases that pose new threats to our trees, forests, environment, and economy. Many others can also hide in or on firewood and be transported to new places when we move firewood.”

— State Entomologist Allison Kanoti

Ash is an important cultural resource for the Wabanaki, an important street tree and a valuable timber species, accounting for around four percent of Maine's hardwood forest inventory. EAB threatens all ash tree species (excluding mountain-ash) and will have significant ecological and economic impacts on the state. Although pesticide treatments can protect individual trees, and biological control provides long-term hope for keeping ash as part of our forests, there are no practical means to control EAB in forested areas.

Adult emerald ash borer beetles

What can I do to help slow the spread of EAB?

• We can all support healthy forests in Maine. Help slow the spread of EAB and other invasive forest pests by using local or certified heat-treated firewood and encouraging others to do the same.

• MFS encourages anyone who thinks they have seen EAB damage outside the areas where it has been confirmed to please report it.  You can also help monitor for EAB through visual surveys, participation in a trap tree network and biosurveillance. 

• Everyone can learn more about other invasive threats to forest health, look out for them, report concerns, and spread word about them to help slow their spread.

About the Emergency Order

What does the order do? The order limits the movement of ash trees for planting and ash tree products such as logs, pulpwood, green lumber, and hardwood firewood from the order area. 

What is the order area? The order area covers Auburn, Durham, Greene, Lewiston, Lisbon, Mechanic Falls, Minot, Poland, Sabattus, Turner, and Wales in Androscoggin County; Albion, Belgrade, Benton, China, Clinton, Litchfield, Oakland, Rome, Sidney, Vassalboro, Waterville, and Winslow in Kennebec County; Albany Twp, Batchelders Grant Twp, Lovell, Mason Twp, Norway, Otisfield, Oxford, Stoneham, Stow, Sweden, and Waterford in Oxford County; Bowdoin and Topsham in Sagadahoc County and Fairfield, Norridgewock, Skowhegan, and Smithfield in Somerset County. This order area is in addition to areas described in the existing state quarantine, Maine DACF, Agriculture Rules, Chapter 275, which includes areas in Maine and other states and Canada.

How does this impact firewood movement from out of state into Maine, such as wood harvested or processed in New Hampshire? Despite the spread of EAB into Maine, the ban on movement of untreated firewood from out-of-state into Maine remains. Many tree-killing insects and diseases, in addition to EAB, can be moved with firewood. We urge everyone who uses firewood to choose local or heat-treated firewood.

If I'm only moving ash tree products within the order or quarantine area, do I need to worry about spreading EAB? EAB is not found everywhere within the order and quarantine areas. The MFS and our partners concerned with the future of ash trees in Maine encourage those involved in moving ash tree material within the regulated areas to follow Best Management Practices to reduce the spread of EAB.

What is the best practice for firewood for my next outdoor recreation trip?

The next time you head out to camp, fish, canoe, kayak, four-wheel, and otherwise enjoy the outdoors, follow these firewood tips.

• Leave your firewood at home.

• Buy firewood as close to your destination as possible.

• Purchasing certified firewood is the best choice. Buy firewood with a state seal stating the wood has been heat-treated to 160 degrees Fahrenheit for at least 75 minutes.

• Be sure to inspect the outside of packages of heat-treated firewood for pests that might hitch a ride after treatment (for example, look for browntail moth cocoons, spongy moth pupae, and spotted lanternfly eggs).

• If certified firewood is not available, purchase your firewood as close as possible to where you will burn it.

• At some sites, you may be able to gather firewood on or near the site. Check local rules.

• Some sites, such as Baxter State Park, prohibit firewood from outside regardless of treatment status.

• If you’ve already transported firewood, don’t leave it or bring it home – burn it!

• Be sure also to burn any small pieces of bark and debris that have fallen from the wood.

• If you can't burn it all within 24 hours, follow firewood disposal and drop-off directions.

• If the wood you find locally is not heat-treated and you don't burn it all, don't take it home with you or to your next destination.

More information on EAB can be found on the department’s EAB website.

Questions about the order can be directed to foresthealth@maine.gov or by calling (207) 287-2431.

More information on Firewood can be found on the Maine Forest Service Firewood page and www.dontmovefirewood.org. 

all photos and graphics courtesy of Maine DACF

Apply Now for Conservation & Financial Assistance

Maine farmers seeking conservation planning and financial assistance should contact their local USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) office soon for help treating natural resource concerns. Applications for all NRCS programs are accepted on a continuous basis, however, NRCS establishes application “cut-off” dates for evaluation and ranking of eligible applications.

For consideration in Fiscal Year 2023, the application cut-off date is Aug. 26, 2022.

This includes applications for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), the Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA) program, Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), and the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). Applicants will be asked to work with NRCS conservation planners to assess resource needs and agree on practices to treat these needs.

Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)

Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA)

Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)

Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP)

For more details on any of the programs, please contact one of the 14 USDA Service Centers conveniently located throughout Maine. In Somerset County, call 207-474-8323 and speak with Nick or Alexis.

Delayed Mowing Will Make All the Difference for Grassland Bird Nestlings

Bobolinks, Meadowlarks and sparrows!  It’s that critical time of year again for the grassland birds nesting in hayfields around the state.  Many of the babies are now hatched and growing fast!  In another couple of weeks, they will be up and flying.  For anyone who manages fields that have not yet been cut, delaying harvest for these next two weeks could make all the difference to these nestlings.

Bobolinks are one of our most charismatic and iconic species of our grasslands.  They, along with other grassland species have suffered the steepest losses of North American birds in recent decades, facing threats on several fronts simultaneously. (www.stateofthebirds.org).  Habitat loss is a driving factor in these widespread declines, particularly agricultural intensification and development. 

Since 2016, Ag Allies, hosted by Somerset County SWCD, has worked with farmers, land trusts and landowners statewide to increase the nesting success of grassland birds using incentive payments, technical assistance and education. Happily, 2022 is looking like our biggest year yet for farmers and landowners investing in grassland bird habitat conservation!  We salute all of the farmers and land managers willing to make some space for nesting birds.  For more information, contact Ag Allies through the website or by calling the office at 474-8323 x 3.

Bobolink nestlings, pc L Suomi-Lecker

Learn How to Create Habitat for Grassland Birds

Read the release here

Maine Audubon and Ag Allies Announce New Partnership to Help Grassland Birds

SKOWHEGAN - Bobolinks are one of the most charismatic and iconic species of our grasslands.  They, along with other grassland species, have suffered the steepest declines of North American birds in recent decades, dropping 53% between 1970 and 2019. They face threats on several fronts, all across their range (www.stateofthebirds.org).  Habitat loss is a driving factor in these widespread declines, particularly development and agricultural intensification. 

The Somerset County Soil & Water Conservation District’s (SCSWCD) Ag Allies program aims to reverse this trend by protecting and enhancing habitat for all grassland birds, most of which are species of special conservation concern in Maine and throughout their North American range.

Since 2016, Ag Allies has worked with local landowners and land trusts across Maine to increase the nesting success of grassland birds through on-farm incentive payments, technical assistance, outreach and education.  The program empowers farmers, landowners and land trusts to manage their fields with nesting grassland birds in mind, while also meeting their other farming goals. This program aligns with priority conservation actions in the state’s 2015 State Wildlife Action Plan.

This season, thanks to funding generated from sales and generous support of Peter Vickery’s book, Birds of Maine, Maine Audubon is helping Ag Allies expand grassland bird nesting habitat conservation activities throughout Maine. 

“It is particularly meaningful and poignant to have this partnership with Audubon as part of Peter Vickery’s legacy.  Dr. Vickery was one of my first advisors when I was creating the Ag Allies program and we still use the Vickery Method for our field assessments,” says Ag Allies Program Manager Laura Lecker.

Peter’s wife Barbara Vickery, along with co-editor Scott Weidensaul, saw the book through to completion after Peter’s untimely death. Peter Vickery had specified that the royalties would go to a Birds of Maine Conservation Fund at Maine Audubon and hoped the editorial team would be consulted on how funds might be spent. Barbara Vickery says, “This is exactly the kind of outcome we were hoping for.”

New this year will be educational programs—including both lectures and field sessions—at Maine Audubon’s Gilsland Farm Audubon Center in Falmouth, where farmers and anyone interested can learn more about the conservation needs of grassland birds, how to enhance field habitat for breeding birds, and how to enroll in the Ag Allies program, including scheduling a visit from grassland bird expert Maeve McGowan.  Dates will be announced this summer; visit the Maine Audubon website (maineaudubon.org) for more details. 

Maine Audubon Conservation Director Sally Stockwell says, “I am thrilled that Maine Audubon can now partner with Ag Allies to work with farmers, land trusts, and towns across the state to use this innovative but practical solution to provide high quality breeding habitat for our declining grassland birds. Please join us!”

About Ag Allies: Ag Allies works with land trusts and landowners statewide to increase the nesting success of grassland birds using incentive payments, technical assistance, and education. The program empowers landowners to make sustainable, bird-friendly management changes on their land and improve the chance for nesting success of grassland birds in Maine.

About Maine Audubon: Maine Audubon works to conserve Maine’s wildlife and wildlife habitat by engaging people in education, conservation, and action. 

Joe Dembeck Announces Retirement

SKOWHEGAN - Joe Dembeck has announced his retirement from Somerset County Soil & Water Conservation District, effective this September.

Joe has served as the Executive Director for the District since 2015. Under his leadership, the District added to its program services through partnerships with the Maine Natural Areas Program, Maine Forest Service and others.

“Networking was a strong suit and that brought so many partners to the table. A successful partnership with NRCS and other agencies, his long list of technical skills, his engagement with the public and eagerness to support the skillsets of the staff have fostered meaningful work for the District,” said Ann Mefferd, Chairperson of the Board of Supervisors.

At the Yankee Woodlot Demonstration Forest, Joe restored the walking trails, established long-term monitoring sites, oversaw a harvest, and collaborated with Maine Audubon and Forest Stewards Guild on the Forestry for Maine Birds Program. Educational opportunities at Yankee Woodlot grew substantially during his tenure.

Joe wore many hats for the District, coordinating and growing the annual trout sale, serving as chapter leader for Maine Woodland Owners’ Upper Kennebec Chapter, and leading workshops for Somerset and other Maine conservation districts. His apple tree pruning workshops each spring always filled to capacity.

“Joe’s leadership developed a dynamic and nimble district ready to explore new opportunities that fit the skillset of the next executive director,” said Mefferd.

Prior to the District Joe worked as a fisheries biologist for 20 years in positions with the Maine Dept. of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife and an environmental consulting firm. He holds a B.S. in biology and an M.S. in Water Resources Management.

He will continue to serve the District as a volunteer Associate on the Board of Supervisors.

The District has opened a search for its next executive director. More information and full job description can be found here,  

Joe will be missed, but we know we will always find him in his woodlot. pc jbrockway

Somerset SWCD Seeks Executive Director Candidates

Opening posted: May 9, 2022 | Expires June 10, 2022

The Somerset County Soil and Water Conservation District seeks a motivated leader to serve as its part-time Executive Director.

Develop and contribute to diverse conservation projects with a creative, dynamic team and forge partnerships with a wide range of environmental professionals to promote natural resource stewardship. Flexible work schedule in the office, home and field.

The successful candidate will be a self-motivated professional with education/work experience in natural resources and experience in project management including strategic planning, program implementation, outreach, and financial management. Opportunity to expand the exciting programs offered through Somerset SWCD and inject personal passion and innovation into the role of Executive Director.

The Somerset SWCD’s effectiveness is directly related to strong working relationships with collaborators including the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service, state and local agencies, conservation and natural resource groups, individual landowners, and funding organizations. The Executive Director’s ability to foster these relationships is critical to the success of the organization.

Reporting to the Somerset SWCD’s Board of Supervisors the Executive Director works with the Technical Director and a contracted Outreach Coordinator in achieving the mission of the organization.

See full job description here.

How to Apply:

Before June 10, please submit a detailed cover letter and resume to:

Email: joseph.dembeck@me.nacdnet.net

Or mail:

Somerset County Soil & Water Conservation District

ATTN: Joe Dembeck

70 East Madison Road

Skowhegan, ME 04976

If you have any questions, contact Joe Dembeck at 207-612-4136 or joseph.dembeck@me.nacdnet.net.

Related:

Joe Dembeck Announces Retirement