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ALB VOLUNTEERS - Teaching 4H

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The Maine Department of Agriculture is looking for groups and individuals who are interested in learning about invasive forest threats, like Asian longhorned beetle and the emerald ash borer, and sharing that information with others. A workshop is planned at 4-H Days in June, 2011. Groups that work on this project during the coming year will be encouraged to participate in that event.

To schedule a meeting or a presentation, please contact BugWatchME@maine.gov

 

Background

The Asian longhorned beetle (ALB) is a woodboring beetle that attacks, and eventually kills, healthy hardwood trees, including maple, birches, poplars, willows and others. It has been found in four states and has resulted in the death of tens of thousands of trees. Maine has 17 million acres of vulnerable forests. Damage caused by the beetle would impact hardwood lumber production, maple syrup production, landscape plants, tourism, street trees and more.  In 2008 ALB was discovered in Worcester, Massachusetts, just 90 miles from the Maine border. In 2010 it was found in six trees in Boston, Massachusetts but because it was discovered quickly, there is a good chance that it has been successfully eradicated in that city.

Another woodboring beetle, the emerald ash borer (EAB) attacks and kills ash trees. It is found in many states and Canada, and was most recently found in western New York and Pennsylvania. Since its discovery in the United States in 2002 EAB has killed millions of ash trees. These insects are very small and difficult to see and can be moved in firewood.

Neither ALB nor EAB have been found in Maine, but if they are here, the sooner they are discovered the better the chance of eradication.

Please help protect our trees. Spread the word about ALB and EAB.