• Trial, Henry Jr
  Maine Forest Service
  

This report presents spruce budworm survey and evaluation data gathered by the Insect and Disease Managemnt Staff (I&DM), of the Maine Forest Service (MFS), formally the Budworm Survey and Assessment Unit. Budworm surveys have been conducted annually by the I&DM staff to determine budworm population levels and host tree conditions.

Past report of budworm conditions have covered a single year, but this issue reports conditions for 1986, 1987 and 1988. These years can be characterized by declines in infestation size and intensity to a point where budworm larvae are now very scarce in most of Maine's spruce-fir forest. Several survey techniques used throughout the outbreak have been modified or completely eliminated in response to the declining infestation. These modified survey methods and results will be discussed.