ALERT – Asian Longhorned Beetle in Central Massachusetts
http://www.maccweb.org/emacc/action_alert_8-26-08.html

August 25, 2008

Dear Conservation Commissioners,

As you may have heard, the Asian Longhorned Beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis, "ALB"), a pest of hardwood trees, was recently discovered in Worcester, Massachusetts. ALB is an invasive species native to China. It was first discovered in the U.S. in New York in 1996, and has also been found in Chicago and New Jersey. The beetles tunnel within the trunks and branches of trees, disrupting the sap flow and weakening and eventually killing them.

This pest attacks a wide variety of hardwood trees, particularly maples, and is considered a serious threat to the nursery, lumber, wood products, maple syrup, and tourism industries in our state. If it becomes established over a large area, it could significantly disrupt the forest ecosystem, potentially leading to the loss of 35% of the forest canopy.

The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation and Department of Agricultural Resources, and the City of Worcester, are partnering with the U.S. Forest Service and USDA APHIS-PPQ to coordinate a management plan to eradicate this species in Massachusetts. First steps include a survey of the area to determine the extent of the infestation, and regulatory management to prevent movement of host trees and wood out of the infested area. Infested trees will need to be removed and destroyed, and susceptible host trees may need treatment to prevent further infestations. A restrictive area has been established covering parts of five communities in Central Massachusetts (Worcester, Boylston, Holden, Shrewsbury, and West Boylston).

Conservation commissions can help by educating themselves and others about this pest, reporting all potential sighting to the appropriate authorities, and supporting the federal and state response efforts to contain and eradicate this infestation. The websites below provide important information including educational resources, contacts to the response team, forms for reporting sightings, and the emergency order and restriction zone. A DVD with video, powerpoint, and print materials is also available.

City of Worcester ALB webpage: http://www.ci.worcester.ma.us/cmo/beetles.htm

USDA APHIS: www.na.fs.fed.us/fhp/alb/

UMass/NRCS: http://massnrc.org/pests/index.htm

Surveys to determine the extent of the infestation are underway. Tree removal work will begin after the first hard frost. MACC is working with DCR and DEP to clarify policy and procedures for ALB control work in wetlands regulated areas. When we have more information, we will communicate it to you. MACC encourages conservation commissions to cooperate with federal and state authorities to ensure a swift and effective response to this pest.

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REGISTER NOW FOR MACC's FALL CONFERENCE AND EDUCATION PROGRAMS

Go to: https://www.maccweb.org/edu_workshops.html
For more details and registration forms.

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Sincerely,

Linda Mack
Executive Director
Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions