|
Newsroom |
||||||
Suzanne Bond (301) 734-5175 ASIAN LONGHORNED BEETLE ERADICATION PARTNERS DETERMINE NEXT STEPS IN MASSACHUSETTS Extensive Tree Surveys Planned for Summer 2009 The ALB eradication program will start chemical tree treatments against the invasive insect in spring 2010, when more of the tree surveys are completed. The surveys done in 2009 will define the areas for chemical treatment in 2010. In addition, with more infested trees identified and removed this year, the success of 2010 chemical treatments at reducing the overall beetle population in the regulated area will be enhanced. Chemical treatment is used to prevent and eradicate infestations; however, treatment cannot save an ALB-infested tree. Chemical treatment and host removal are the two control actions applied within the ALB program. Homeowners may independently treat their trees or hire private contractors; however, the ALB program will not fund private treatment. Treatment of individual trees may provide protection to that specific tree the year that it is treated, but area-wide treatments are required to eradicate the beetle. Whether treated by the ALB program or privately, any treated tree that is determined to be infested in subsequent survey inspections will be removed. The ALB program treats trees for a minimum of three consecutive years. Door hangers, Web postings and tree postings will provide advance notice of survey, replanting or removal activities carried out this summer, fall and winter. ALB program employees will seek access to private property to evaluate trees for ALB and to remove infested trees. The Massachusetts ALB Cooperative Eradication Program is comprised of USDA-APHIS, the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, the City of Worcester, the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, the U.S. Forest Service and the towns of Holden, Boylston, West Boylston and Shrewsbury. # Note to Reporters: USDA news releases, program announcements and media advisories are available on the Internet. Go to the APHIS news release page at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/newsroom. Also, anyone with an e-mail address can sign up to receive APHIS press releases automatically. Send an e-mail message to lyris@mdrdlyriss10.aphis.usda.gov and leave the subject blank. In the message, type
| |||||||