State to meet with public in Frenchville tonight about forest pest

Maine forestry officials are holding a meeting near the Canadian border to address the discovery of a destructive forest pest in the state.

The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry says the emerald ash borer was discovered recently in Madawaska, less than 200 yards from the Frenchville town line in Aroostook County. The agency and others are holding a public meeting Monday at 6:30 p.m. at the Frenchville Community Center.

The state says the detection of the borers is a first in Maine. The forestry department says the borer kills most species of ash and presents a major threat to Maine's trees.

Officials from the Maine Forest Service will also attend the meeting. The service is proposing a temporary, emergency "stop movement" order on some wood products.