In October 2014, researchers at Wright State University discovered that an invasive insect called the emerald ash borer (EAB) was attacking white fringetrees (Chionanthus virginicus) in addition to ash trees. This was big news at the time. The EAB had already killed tens of millions of ash trees, and the fact that it could harm another species made it even more devastating.
Visitors to Waterbury Reservoir may have encountered something new at the lake this year: a nice young man with a yellow “Public Access Greeter” shirt on. This summer was the inaugural year for a Public Access Greeter Program at Waterbury Reservoir (FWR), which was established by Friends of Waterbury Reservoir with assistance from the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation’s aquatic nuisance species grant-in-aid program. A part-time greeter, along with a motivated group of volunteers from FWR, offered invasive species education and boat inspections at multiple launch sites around this aquatic gem in central Vermont.
The growing season for 2016 saw many projects across the state tackling the forest, field, and wetland health issue of non-native invasive plants. Below are highlights of some of these amazing local efforts. Huge thanks to everyone who is working toward making our Vermont landscapes healthier and more resilient, and protecting them for generations to come.
The Mapping for Healthy Forests (M4HF) pilot project continues to build momentum, with our volunteers collecting over 2,200 observations of non-native invasive plants, across 120+ Vermont towns. Making huge waves in eastern VT, is Superstar Volunteer, Tom Norton. A retired engineer, Tom now spends his time as a musician, gardener, naturalist, and land steward. He is moved by the desire to see biodiversity across the 200 acres of forested land he stewards in Thetford and Hartford.
The numbers of Forest Tent Caterpillar, a native insect that feeds on hardwoods, are on the rise. The Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation (VT FPR) monitors Forest Tent Caterpillar. Trap catches this year increased compared to last year in 12 of 13 sites. Populations seem to be growing across the state. The 2016 aerial survey mapped at least 24,500 acres of FTC defoliation. Heaviest defoliation occurred in Essex, Lamoille, Orleans and Caledonia counties.
An international team of researchers has designed decoys that mimic female emerald ash borer beetles and successfully entice male emerald ash borers to land on them in an attempt to mate, only to be electrocuted and killed by high-voltage current.
"A new paper suggests we need to rethink our models about endangered plant species.
Japanese knotweed. Purple loosestrife. Kudzu. Mesquite. Giant hogweed. Bitou bush. What do all of these plants have in common? Easy: they’re all among the most invasive plant species on the planet. Wherever they turn up, native species often get squeezed out and pushed toward extinction.
For those who have never visited Seymour Lake in Morgan, Vermont – you’re missing out. This glacial lake in the Northeast Kingdom offers some of the most spectacular views, crystal clear waters, and excellent fishing opportunities in Vermont. It is also free of aquatic invasive species (AIS) such as Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussels that have plagued other waterbodies.
The problems caused by invasive species are not going away overnight. Vermont is facing a long-term stewardship issue that requires ingenious, thoughtful, and continued focus as we figure out how best to care for our land and water.
Much of Vermont is still relatively invasive free compared to our southern New England neighbors. The opportunity to maintain the existing structure and...
Hemlock trees in southern Vermont have been threatened with hemlock woolly adelgid for several years. They have also been stressed by drought for two seasons. Recently another stressor has been added to the mix. Elongate hemlock scale (EHS) has been found in stands of hemlock in Windham County, occasionally in conjunction with hemlock woolly adelgid.
Mike Bald tries not to use war terminology to describe his work of invasive plant removal. It's a resolution made difficult by the sheer magnitude of the task he faces. Royalton-based Bald spends his days crisscrossing the state digging, chopping and pulling myriad nonnative species: Japanese knotweed, chervil, giant hogweed, Japanese barberry and, for now, lots of wild parsnip.
The Forest Health Update for July 2016 discusses Vermont's dry weather, sugar maple insects, early detection invasive plants, poison parsnip webworm, oak twig pruner, dutch elm disease, and Emerald Ash Borer Biosurveillance.
