Provided by the Oregon Department of Forestry
I know a lot of TSW-ites are from the Northwest so here goes
A devastating forest pest, Emerald Ash Borer arrives in Oregon. They were asked to report what they saw
Forres Grove, Ore – June 30, Dominic Maze, an invasive species biologist at Portland City, observes that a number of ash trees are falling while waiting outside the summer camp in the forest grove to pick up the children.
Upon closer inspection, he noticed the unique D-shaped pits, invasive and destructive pits made by adult emerald ash boulders, emerging from a tossed tree.
“When my children came, I asked them to look for adult beetles,” Maze said. “My son was immediately attracted to someone. When I found out how many millions of ashes trees these beetles had killed in the country, I thought I would throw them.
Maze’s discovery of the EAB in the Forest Grove parking lot is known for the first time in the West Coast. Maz was well aware of ABE and the signs on the ash trees have been supplied by federal and state agencies to Portland and other Oregon cities with educational materials. He immediately called the Oregon Forest Health Department to report on the EAB view.
ODF forest ecologist, Christine Buhl, drove to the site the same day and identified the adult EAB, who is known for his metallic and shiny greens. She then warned the Oregon Department of Agriculture. Her identity was later confirmed by two more invasive species specialists – Max Ragozino with ODA and Wyatt Williams with ODF.
State officials are asking the public to know what the Emerald Ash Borer looks like and report any sightings online to the Oregon Invaders. This will help the state know how far and how fast these destructive insects are spreading in Oregon.
EAB is located in East Asia and has spread to more than three dozen states since it first appeared in Michigan two decades ago. EAB is now considered one of the most destructive forest pests in North America. Although harmless to humans, pets, and animals, it has been found to be a killer for all species of ash in North America and Europe, including Fraxinus latifolia. EAB can damage American frankincense and European olive trees.
Forest groves affected by deforestation were cut down within 48 hours. ODF and ODA are now working closely with industry partners, including urban forests and nursery growers, to provide information and resources as Oregon responds to ABE’s findings.
Faith Campbell has extensive blog posts on pre- and post-production, here in Oregon.
Here are some photos from the post.
