Aliens & Pests

Pearson Metropark, one of Toledo Ohio's most popular public parks, will lose all it ash trees after discovery of two infestations of emerald ash borer (Agrilus glabripennis). Federal and state protocols require the removal of all ash trees within half a mile of an infestation. Protocols should also require removal before adult beetles become active in May. Ohio is so overwhelmed by removal needs that many trees are likely to remain standing through much of the summer.  This may defeat the purpose of the quarantine methods.  Throughout Ohio, hundreds of thousands of ash trees are scheduled for removal this year.

In Pearson Metropark over 2000 trees, representing a third of all the trees in the park, will be removed in the next few weeks and through the summer. Visitors to the park will be affected by intermittent park closures and a dramatic decline in shade.

More information including maps at the Ohio EAB site and article in Toledo Blade.

Maryland is asking property owners to report any symptomatic rhododendrons, camellias or azaleas. Plants infected with sudden oak death (Phytophora ramorum) were shipped into Maryland in 2003 and 2004 before effective quarantines were in place in California and Oregon. With spring upon us, the opportunity for these plants to infect Maryland's forests is significant.

John Horvath, the St. Clair County MI farmer who resisted the removal of ash trees from his property, continues to resist state authorities. The state wants to remove the trees as part of the emerald ash borer quarantine and eradication program. Horvath appealed a Michigan Department of Agriculture decision to remove the trees. A Michigan State University professor testified that pesticide treatment is more effective than quarantine, but agriculture officials and other professors disagree. A recommendation will be made to the Directore of the Agriculture Department. The trees will need to be removed before borers emerge in late April or early May, but this case may be tied up in court much longer than that.  Detroit Free Press.