Get the buzz on invasive insects

By SANDY LONG

HONESDALE, PA — Some are already out there, while others are on their way here. Arm yourself with knowledge about protecting regional forests at the upcoming Forest Pest presentation, tailored to tackle the issue of invasive insects and more, on November 19 at 6:30 p.m. at the Park Street Complex.

“The purpose of the presentation is to help inform landowners in Wayne County about the pests that we are dealing with now, as well as the pests that have us in their sights,” said Wayne Conservation District (WCD) forest specialist Paul Reining.

The program is jointly hosted by the WCD and the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). It couldn’t be timelier, given the recent news that the EAB, which has been moving eastward across the state of Pennsylvania, has now been documented in Juniata County. The finding brings to 11 the number of Pennsylvania counties where the ash tree-destroying pest has been identified.

State and federal Emerald Ash Borer quarantines restrict the movement from the quarantine area of ash nursery stock, green lumber and any other ash material, including logs, stumps, roots and branches, and all wood chips. All hardwood firewood and wood chips are considered quarantined.

According to Reining, the free program will also include information on pests such as the gypsy moth caterpillar, hemlock wooly adelgid, Asian longhorned beetle, forest tent caterpillar, Eastern tent caterpillar, sirex woodwasp and the EAB.

Other topics will include information on the Forest Stewardship Program and how it can help when assessing potential threats to forested lands, the American Tree Farm System and the benefits to a landowner.

Forest stewardship plans available through DCNR will be discussed. A list of consulting foresters approved by the WCD and DCNR is available to landowners interested in preparing plans for their properties. DCNR offers partial funding to help offset the costs of hiring a consulting forester.

Presenters will include John Maza, DCNR service forester for Wayne & Lackawanna counties; Tom Hall, Ph.D., DCNR plant pathologist/forest pathologist; Bill Dunn, American Tree Farm System; Reining and others. Consulting foresters and aerial spray applicators will be available to speak with interested landowners.

As for when Wayne County might see its first EAB, Reining said, “That all depends on how it is spread. If it spreads by itself, it could be years. If spread by transporting infested firewood, nursery stock, bark mulch, etc., it could be here today.”

For more information contact the WCD at 570/253-0930.