Devastating Emerald ash borer reaches Catskills
New York’s Department of Environmental Conservation says the devastating Emerald ash borer has been found in the Catskills. Here’s DEC commissioner Pete Grannis’s statement:
“This latest discovery of EAB is particularly troubling because it occurred within the boundaries of one of the state’s two constitutionally protected forest preserves,” Commissioner Grannis said.
“This should be a wake-up call for everyone who enjoys New York’s forests and woodlands. We know that the transportation of firewood causes the spread of this destructive pest, so everyone should do their part to protect our trees: Don’t transport firewood. Buy your wood locally.”
This one invasive insect could wipe out as many as 5-10% of the trees in New York state — though in the Adirondacks ash are less widespread.
Also lurking out there is the Asian longhorn beetle, an invasive nasty that preys on sugar maple trees.
Last week, I was driving through the American West and saw huge expanses of forest hit by pine bark beetles. It’s not pretty.
The idea of seeing huge swaths of the North Country tree canopy laid waste in similar fashion is pretty grim.
The ash borers are ready on my farm in St Lawrence Co. HAven;t you seen the purple traps hanging in ash trees along the highways?
Bret –
Those purple boxes are sampling traps, designed to function as an early warning system when EAB arrives in an area.
Unfortunately, they’re not a means of eradicating the critters.
So far, at least to my knowledge, EAB has not been confirmed in our area.
–Brian, NCPR
Brian:
You probably know that emerald ash borer is here in Ottawa – in the east end of the city. City foresters are saying that within 10 years all ash trees in the city will be affected. That was a year ago; I haven’t heard much since then.
I don’t know what kind of barrier the St. Lawrence will provide to their spread southward – at least temporarily.
Maybe we need to fine $1,000 anyone who is caught transporting wood more than 50 miles. To add some spice, maybe we should allow the arresting officer to pocket 50% of the fine, tax free.
Brian, I’m sure we have them here north of Gouverneur. From what I’ve been told and what I’ve seen on the internet the Ash I have dying are text book examples of Ash Borer damage.
Brian,
The DEC keeps talking about “firewood”. Not transporting it long distances is a good idea, but is there ANY evidence at all that is has anything to do with the spread of the bug?
They better keep their eye on the ball, once it is here the firewood ban doesn’t do anything to get rid of the creature.
What is the plan? Will they cut trees on the Forest Preserve up here or in the Catskills to control it?
PS
My brother-in-law met George W. Bush last Friday when he was out Mt. Biking near Saranac Lake, I am surprised it took the press till today to report that he was in the area.
Bret, If your right you should contact DEC right away. But, there are many species of borers that affect ash trees which are native and cause the same level of damage to individual trees. What specifically makes you think its EAB?
AJ-I was unaware there were other insects that mimic EAB damage. I’ve never had any issues with Ash damage before. I’ll be cutting several damaged Ash over the next week hopefully so I’ll see if I can find the actual culprit then.
Any idea what the other bugs are so I can look them up? As I said, this is the first I’ve heard of other creepies that do the same type of damage.
You don’t need to cut them down to find out, that is you don’t need to see the actual culprit. The exit hole and galleries will tell you who’s doing damage. Several species of clearwing ash borers and roundheaded ash borers infest ash trees. Basically, if you see a distinctly ‘D’ shaped hole about 1/8 inch wide, you may have EAB and need to call DEC ASAP
I’m in SLC, and I’m losing Ash trees. They have holes bored into them. I wouldn’t know one of these buggers if I saw one, but I know dying trees.
Dan, this is the site I’ve been using- http://www.emeraldashborer.info
AJ, they’re dead and make great firewood, down they come!
I think it is ridiculous that officials continuously point the finger at the campers and firewood (ie the little guy) why don’t they start pointing the finger at the large companies hauling wood over these interstates – where research has shown they are coming from. No just point it at the little guy with no voice. Basically gearing up for some bulls**t fee or permit they are going to require us to move a little firewood to go camping. Just an easy money grab for this ass backwards top heavy state. ANOTHER reason to move out of state – thanks NY
For extensive information on the emerald ash borer, including identification photos, visit this website: http://www.emeraldashborer.info . It is very helpful.
“This Web site is part of a multinational effort in Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Ontario and Quebec to bring you the latest information about emerald ash borer.”
Good link, Bret.
Thanks.
Very discouraging. Our home is situated on 3 acres of Black Ash forest. *SIGH*