MAINE’S FOLIAGE SEASON ON TAP TO BE ONE OF THE BEST EVER

–September 11, 2013 Marks Official Launch of Season–

Augusta,ME (September 11, 2013) – The official start of the fall foliage season begins today in Maine. The 2013 Fall Foliage Report from the Maine Departmentof Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry reports that the northernmost part of the state is experiencing subtle color changes of less than 30% with very low leaf drop at less than 10%. However, the state anticipates an outstanding foliage season according to the Maine Forest Service.

“The native maples, particularly the red and sugar maples, which are considered to provide the great backdrop of seasonal color, have vigorous, healthy foliage with no notable problems.  Given our moderate summer weather, and allowing for this trend into the fall, I expect an outstanding vibrant show, overall,” said Bill Ostrofsky, forest pathologist for the Maine Forest Service.

Maine Forest Service rangers and state park rangers in Aroostook County and northern Penobscot and Piscataquis Counties are reporting subtle changes in the foliage with peak conditions still weeks away.

As overnight temperatures drop into the 40s and daylightdecreases, rangers expect a gradual change in leaf color from north to south culminating in peak conditions in late October.

For continuous weekly updates every Wednesday through October 16^th, visit the state’s official foliage website www.MaineFoliage.com.  The web site will also list dates, times and locations for fall foliage hikes in the state parks as the season progresses.   Visitors can sign up to receive weekly reports by e-mails while sharing their photos of the vibrant color throughout the state as the leaves slowly change on the Maine Fall Foliage page on Facebook.  Additionally, the foliage website will list the fall foliage ranger-led hikes in the state parks.

While waiting for the leaves to change color, enjoy other events in the state including Maine Open Lighthouse Day this Saturday, September 14^th.  One of thelargest events of its kind in the country, lighthouses across the state are open to visitors for tours of towers and keeper’s homes, including ones that may not be normally open to the public. Visit www.lighthouseday.com for further information.

Go to www.visitmaine.com  or call the Maine Office of Tourism at 1-888-624-6345for more information about fall activities and events in Maine.

# # #

Media Contacts:

Joan Brower / Janet Bartucci, db communications group

Tel.  212-922-0900, E-mail:  MaineTourism@dgi-nyc.com