Maine Foliage Report (September 14, 2011)

The state of Maine has released its weekly Maine foliage report (September 14, 2011).  It can be read in the text in quotes below:

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"September 14, 2011 | Maine Foliage Report
Maine Department of Conservation
www.MaineFoliage.com

Maine Fall Foliage Colors Expected to Be "Bright and Beautiful"

AUGUSTA, Maine ­ A stretch of hot and dry weather in July and the recent tropical storm won't have a noticeable impact on foliage viewing in Maine according to the first 2011 fall foliage report from the Maine Department of Conservation (MDOC).

Mainefoliage.com has a new design this year that will enable faster, easier access that can be viewed on mobile devices. Visitors can now take foliage photos with their phone and instantly submit them to the website, according to Maine foliage spokeswoman Gale Ross.

Overall, the foliage looks to be in better than average condition, said Bill Ostrofsky, a forest pathologist at the Maine Forest Service.  I fully expect the Maine fall foliage season will be delivered right on time as another bright and beautiful show.

Currently, Maine Forest Service rangers in each of the state's seven tracking zones are observing very low leaf color, or less than 10 percent toward peak, along with very low leaf drop. Overnight temperatures in the low 40s and the continued decrease in daylight will spark the gradual change in leaf color from north to south through late October according to MDOC officials.

"Each year, we look forward to the foliage season and partnering with the Maine Department of Conservation to give our visitors and residents updated foliage reports and provide helpful information on events, tours and activities that make fall in Maine so special," said Maine Office of Tourism Director, Carolann Ouellette. "It's the perfect time to get out and enjoy all our state has to offer."

 Maine's fall foliage conditions will be updated on this website each Wednesday through Oct. 19. Visitors to the website can sign up to receive the weekly reports by email, and submit photos of foliage scenes from around Maine. Maine foliage fans can also share photos and favorite viewing spots at the Maine Fall Foliage page on Facebook.

The MDOC also announced that ranger-led weekend foliage hikes will be offered at state parks and public lands in October. The first hike takes place on Oct. 1 at Peaks-Kenny State Park in Dover-Foxcroft. Visit http://www.parksandlands.com for information about each hike."

Click here for more information on fall foliage in Maine.