The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry announced that Beech leaf disease will be added to the state’s invasive species list.

The disease leads to the decline and mortality of beech trees. Dr. Robert Marra of the Connecticut Agriculture Experiment Station confirmed the disease in leaf samples from a forest in Lincolnville. Symptoms of the disease can include trees developing a thin canopy, dark bands forming between the veins of leaves, and leaves become curled, deformed, and shriveled. The disease was first found in Ohio, and it later spread to southern New England.

The Maine Forest Service is asking the public to report areas impacted by the disease. If found, submit photos to foresthealth@maine.gov.