Environment DEC
From the March 2007 issue
State Assists Maryland in Eliminating Pest that Kills Ash Trees
The invasive pest feeds just beneath the bark of trees - photo courtesy of the State of Michigan
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets announced the state's response to help Maryland eradicate the emerald ash borer (EAB), a destructive, invasive pest that causes a high rate of mortality in infested native ash trees. This past December, Maryland's Department of Agriculture asked neighboring states for help in conducting an inventory of ash trees, identifying infested trees and assisting with their removal. A contingent of 11 horticulture inspectors and 17 foresters from New York will be working with counterparts in Maryland to quickly isolate and remove infested trees.
"DEC is looking forward to helping our colleagues in Maryland manage this emerging threat to New York's native ash trees, as well as provide our staff with valuable experience in approaches that quickly address threats that can significantly damage our forested ecosystem," DEC Acting Executive Deputy Commissioner Carl Johnson said. "We will continue to develop and advocate for support of strategies to address invasive species on the state, federal and local levels so that we can quickly mobilize the resources needed to contain and eradicate these threats."
Gaining Knowledge and Experience
New York's participation will provide Maryland with experienced regulatory officials knowledgeable in tree identification, the target pest and landowner interactions. In return, New York inspectors and foresters will have the opportunity to observe an actual EAB infestation and gain valuable knowledge and experience that will enhance the surveillance and early detection of this pest in our state.
Potential Threat to NY's Trees
New York's Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey Program (CAPS) has targeted the EAB as an invasive pest with a high probability for introduction into the state. This pest is responsible for the decline and death of more than 25 million ash trees in the United States. Introduced from Asia, immature stages of the EAB feed just beneath the bark and produce galleries that eventually girdle and kill the tree. The EAB was first discovered in 2002 in Michigan and neighboring Windsor, Ontario, Canada but has not been detected in New York State.
Ash is an important component of New York's forest resource. It is valued for its strength, hardiness, weight and elasticity. Ash has a variety of applications including interior finish, furniture, baseball bats and tool handles. It is often used as a shade or street tree in many communities.
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