AUGUSTA — The Maine Integrated Pest Management Council officially launched its new website, GotPests.org, at the Portland Flower Show last month.

Intended specifically for Maine homeowners and gardeners, the site shares information from experts around the country about pests and pest management, with an emphasis on low-risk methods.

“This website is designed to help anyone easily identify common pests found in and around the home, gardens, and yard, and to provide the user with convenient access to the most accurate, science-based recommendations for managing those pests,” said council chairman Ron Lemin.

The number one requirement of any pest management plan is proper identification. To help, high-quality images of pests, damage and hosts are used. If a user can’t identify their pest, there are links to other helpful sites.

The site also hopes to make it easy and fun to use. Visitors can look for their pest by type: insect, plant disease, weed or “other critter,” or by location: home, lawns & yards, trees & shrubs, flowers, fruit, vegetables or people and pets. Once a pest has been identified, links lead to factsheets and other information, often including beneficial aspects of the pest, how to live with it, and the most effective and least invasive management techniques.

The site provides links to information about everything from lawn and garden care to beneficial organisms and invasive pests. Users can check out the “Just for Fun” section for the funny side of pests or select the “Ask the Expert” link to find someone to answer a question not addressed on the site. GotPests.org is a collaborative effort of the Maine Board of Pesticides Control, University of Maine Cooperative Extension Service, Maine Department of Agriculture, Maine Forest Service and Maine Integrated Pest Management Council.

China’s plan panel looks to shift gears

CHINA — The Comprehensive Plan Implementation Committee is scheduled to meet at 7 p.m. tonight at the town office to reorganize and redirect its efforts.

Peter Foote, chairman of the Board of Selectmen, said he intends to bring a copy of the comprehensive plan so committee members can review their assignment.

The plan, approved by China voters in November 2008, gives the implementation committee a double responsibility: to propose changes in ordinances and to oversee the work of committees on specific topics, like open space, library services and economic development.

When the committee first met in September 2009, member Virginia Davis pointed out that almost two dozen amendments to China’s land use ordinances were supposed to be completed in 2010.

The committee met during the winter 2009-2010. A summer 2010 break extended to the present.

Nominations papers available in Chelsea

CHELSEA — Nomination papers for a selectboard and school board position will be available Monday at the Town Office.

For more information, call 582-4802.

One of the committee’s topics was standards for development along Route 3. None have been recommended to selectmen or voters. At the most recent selectmen’s meeting, board member Joann Austin proposed considering a moratorium on development until standards are developed.

 

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