AUGUSTA, Maine (October 18, 2006) - With sunny skies predicted, this weekend should be an ideal opportunity to take in some colorful Maine foliage. Foliage is just slightly past peak throughout southern and south central Maine according to the state Department of Conservation's
(DOC) sixth and final foliage report for 2006.

While forest and state park rangers are reporting that all zones have now past peak, Gegg Hesslein, forester at the Gray Headquarter reports good color. "Amazingly enough there is still a lot of color along the coast," said Hesslein. He reports very low leaf drop in some areas and even spots where some trees, such as the silver maple, have yet to reach their peak color.

A drive along coastal Route 1 from York to Portland, perhaps making antiquing stops along the way, should offer some beautiful leaf color. Those who prefer an active approach to foliage viewing can canoe or paddle through New England's largest salt-water marsh in Scarborough.

Located on both sides of Route 231, the Pineland Public Reserved Land includes more than 600 acres in New Gloucester, Gray and North Yarmouth. At Pineland, the pleasing landscape of forests over rolling hills invites hikers to explore it, and perhaps there is no better time than during foliage season.