Last week was my last week working with the NPS. I am going to miss working with this outstanding group of professionals very much. They have taught me so much in my short time here and as I leave, I carry with me many fun memories with the interns and rangers at this lovely park.
For my last week, we mostly focused on getting some Emerald Ash Borer surveys done around the park. The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is an invasive insect from east Asia, which decimated millions of ash trees throughout North America. Although EAB does defoliate the canopy of its host, the main cause of death is the disruption in the flow of nutrients and water throughout the tree because the larvae feed on the transportation tissues. Once infected, a tree can die within 2-5 years if no control measures are taken. Early detection is one of the most important defenses against this harmful infestation.
For my last week, we mostly focused on getting some Emerald Ash Borer surveys done around the park. The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is an invasive insect from east Asia, which decimated millions of ash trees throughout North America. Although EAB does defoliate the canopy of its host, the main cause of death is the disruption in the flow of nutrients and water throughout the tree because the larvae feed on the transportation tissues. Once infected, a tree can die within 2-5 years if no control measures are taken. Early detection is one of the most important defenses against this harmful infestation.
To do our part, we are going around to the areas of the park’s forests that are most densely populated with ash trees (dark purple) and marking all the ones we find. After we have identified an ash tree we looking for signs and symptoms of EAB: dying back/thin crown, chewed up leaves, premature yellow/brown foliage, cracks in the bark, woodpecker damage (they feed on the larvae), epicormic sprouting, D-shaped emergence holes, and S-shaped larvae tunnels underneath the bark.
Based on our observations we decide whether the tree is infested or not. Next, whether the tree is infested or not, we rate each tree’s overall condition (Poor, Fair, Good, or Excellent). Then we rate the amount of hazard the tree poses to the surrounding area (None, Minor, or Major). For example, if a tree was leaning in the direction of a bench or parking lot the tree would be considered a “Major” hazard because if the tree were infected and then died, it is highly likely that when it fell it could put the likes of visitors in danger. On the other hand, a tree hazard is considered “None” if the tree is relatively straight or, more likely, the tree is leaning in a direction that would not be dangerous if it were to fall, such as into the woods. Finally we “tag” the tree and log its GPS points so that it can be found again in the future for further study.
There are a few things that you can do to help mitigate this devastating infestation too! First, you can keep an eye on any ash trees in your area and monitor them for signs or symptoms. If you start to notice some changes report it to your county Extension office or one of the other agencies involved in the EAB effort (http://www.emeraldashborer.info/call.cfm#sthash.bcqRoMTD.dpbsT ). Second, you can help reduce the spread of EAB but not moving firewood between states; burn it where you get it.
For more information about EAB and the research and efforts being taken to stop it visit: http://www.emeraldashborer.info/index.cfm#sthash.GsTjfW1c.dpbs
For more information about EAB and the research and efforts being taken to stop it visit: http://www.emeraldashborer.info/index.cfm#sthash.GsTjfW1c.dpbs