Whiskey Fungus Fast Facts
Our Homes
For many of us, our homes are our most valuable investments. Whiskey Fungus adheres to many surfaces, accelerating aging of siding. It can be difficult and inconvenient to remove.
Our Vegetation
Whiskey Fungus can damage and kill vegetation. This can include plants, flowers, full size trees, and vegetable gardens you may choose to grow on your private property.
Our Health
Despite what a quick Google search may suggest, no extensive research has been done regarding the health risks associated with long-term exposure to airborne spores of Baudoinia.
What's the issue here in York?
In Fall of 2022, Wiggly Bridge Distillery submitted an application to York's Planning Board to expand theier distillery and construct two new whiskey storage barrelhouses (or "rickhouses") on their property, behind the distilling barn and one existing smaller barrelhouse.
Several abutters in the Winterbrook neighborhood joined the public site walk and noticed black staining on the distillery barn's siding, trim, railings, and fences, as well as on the property directly next to the distillery. They were told at that time by the owner of Wiggly Bridge Distillery that this fungus, called Baudoinia compniacensis (commonly referred to as Whiskey Fungus) is just "part of the process." [Read more]
FEB 2024
Wiggly Bridge Distillery has announced their intention to submit a new application reducing the number of proposed barrelhouses from 2 to 1.
This modification does not solve the existing Baudoinia issue. Recent news stories can be viewed at the bottom of this page.
Is my home affected?
As shown in the Spatial Analysis Report by the University of Maine, July 2023, dozens and dozens of homes fall within the cluster or "hot spot." The report and interactive map are linked below, and the following streets are in the hotspot:
Ash Lane
Chestnut Lane
Dock Road
Duck Lane
Dusty Lane
Flint Rock Drive
Georgia Street
Georgeana Way
Greenacre Drive
Hawthorne Lane
Linden Lane
Mallard Drive
North Street
Orchard Farm Road
Organug Road (partial)
Organug Lane
Phasant Court
Plaistead Road
Quail Court
River Farm Road
Seahawk Lane
Snowbird Lane
South Street
Winterbrook Drive
Woodcock Lane
York Street (partial)
Explore the interactive map
An interactive online map applications allows the user to explore the results of each sample and examine the results of the hotspot analysis. Clicking the image below will open the interactive map in a new browser tab.
How can I help?
There are four main ways you, as a York resident, can help to resolve this issue:
➜ Sign the petition and share it with others who hold your same values
➜ Attend Planning Board Meetings (they will be posted here when announced)
➜ Email town officials to share your concerns and to demand accountability
➜ Inform your friends and neighbors whose homes are in the zone. Whether or not you or they choose to become involved, we believe that it's everyone's right to have the information.
If you choose to email town officials, here are the people you should include:
DeCarlo Brown, Land Use Planner
dbrown@yorkmaine.org
Harry Norton, CEO, Code Enforcement
hnorton@yorkmaine.org
Aaron Beauregard, Code Enforcement
yorkcode@yorkmaine.onmicrosoft.com
Peter Joseph, Town Manager
pjoseph@yorkmaine.org
Taylor Maguire, Environmental Planner
tmaguire@yorkmaine.org
Kathryn Lagasse, Asst. Town Manager
klagasse@yorkmaine.org
It's important that within your email, you ask that it be shared with the Planning Board, as the public cannot contact them directly. You should also request that your comment be placed on the public record. Please be respectful in your demeanor with town officials and volunteers.
Reference Materials + Educational Resources
REPORT: Spatial Analysis of Whiskey Fungus Testing
for the Town of York, Maine, July 20, 2023
ARTICLE: Portland Press Herald, 8/23/23
ARTICLE: Portland Press Herald, 3/13/23
