Invasives in the News

A Vermont Fish and Wildlife Warden discusses aquatic invasive species laws.

Boating season kicks off, and the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources is ready meet the challenges posed by aquatic invasive species

June 26, 2018

The Vermont Agency of Natural Resources is poised to combat the spread of aquatic invasive species this summer.

N.H. Forests Are Global Hotspot For Destructive Non-Native Insects

June 20, 2018

There are at least 50 species of non-native insects established in the state, including the Emerald Ash Borer, which has devastated the local ash tree population. Poised to join this list is another wood-boring bug, which could have a similar impact on more of New Hampshire’s trees: the Southern Pine Beetle.

Emerald Ash Borer Discovered in Maine

May 30, 2018

Officials at the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) report that emerald ash borer (EAB) has been found in Maine. Despite an aggressive search for at least a decade, the destructive forest insect from Asia had not been detected in Maine previously. It has killed hundreds of millions of ash trees in thirty-four states throughout the country. The estimated commercial (unprocessed) value of Maine ash trees is approximately $320 million.

Feds to abandon quarantine of tree-killing insect

May 21, 2018

After years trying to stop the spread across state lines of an invasive beetle that destroys trees, the federal government looks about ready to give up.

The Department of Agriculture will soon propose abandoning an emerald ash borer quarantine that restricts the movement of firewood and items from ash trees, putting new emphasis on biological controls and other approaches that don't require federal regulations and, the agency said, may be more effective.

Vermont DEC announces 2018 Vermont Invasive Patroller training schedule

May 17, 2018

Training dates for this year's Vermont Invasive Patroller trainings, hosted by the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation, have been set.

Emerald Ash Borer: Slow the Spread! New Signs Warn Motorists, “Don’t Move Ash Firewood”

May 15, 2018

Motorists in the areas of Plainfield, Groton, Calais, Williamstown, Washington, and Barre may notice new flashing road signs reading “Don’t move ash firewood beyond this point.” The signs are part of an inter-agency partnership to slow the spread of the Emerald Ash Borer, which has been detected in the vicinity. Signs are located on state highways and are visible to motorists leaving the EAB-infested areas.

Vermont Announces Quarantine of Invasive Emerald Ash Borer

May 7, 2018

As part of the ongoing response to the recent discovery of the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) within the state, Vermont has joined the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s 31-state quarantine boundary. The quarantine will help reduce the movement of infested ash wood to un-infested regions outside of Vermont’s borders. Ash wood may not be moved from Vermont to Maine, Rhode Island, or 5 counties in New Hampshire because the pest has not been identified in these states and counties. Vermont will be directing available resources to protect state forest health by providing Vermonters with low-risk options for use and disposal of wood that is already infested.

A public access greeter performs a watercraft decontamination.

New Training Design For Vermont Public Access Greeter Program’s Seventeenth Year

April 16, 2018

Vermont DEC unveils training schedule for Public Access Greeter Program in 2018.

the flowers of a dame's rocket plant, showing four petals and pink/purple in color, are gathered in a cluster

May Showers and Spring Flowers: Invasive Plants Will Be Blooming

April 4, 2018

As winter ends, and spring begins, and we look forward to May, we can start to learn invasive plants that are common early bloomers.

EAB found in 3 more Vermont towns

March 27, 2018

The emerald ash borer, which is responsible for the death of millions of ash trees around the country has now been discovered in Barre, Groton, and Plainfield. It was first detected in Orange. The news has many public and industry officials around the state preparing for what's to come.

Announcing ourVTwoods.org: New Digital Resource for Healthy Forests

February 27, 2018

ourVTwoods.org is a new comprehensive digital resource about Vermont’s forests. The website serves as a portal for partner coordination and a hub for information on forest health, stewardship, and the Vermont forest economy. We invite you to be part of the online ourVTwoods.org community and share the news that ourVTwoods.org is live.

Emerald Ash Borer Found in Vermont

February 25, 2018

The Vermont Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation and the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Foods & Markets report that emerald ash borer (EAB), a destructive forest insect from Asia, has been detected in Vermont. Officials with the USDA Animal & Plant Health and Inspection Service have confirmed the identification of a beetle recently found in northern Orange County, Vermont. The insect was reported through the vtinvasives.org website.

Pennsylvania Hit by Colorful Invader

February 21, 2018

In a state where agriculture and forestry are important industries, the spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) is not a welcomed guest. First discovered in Berks County, Pennsylvania in 2014, the colorful invasive from China poses a threat to timber, viticulture, fruit and nursery businesses. By the end of 2017, nearly 3,000 square miles of the state have been affected.

VT Fish & Wildlife Responds to Baitfish Violation

February 21, 2018

The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department responded to an angler report of an unusual fish in his bait bucket, and eventually cited a Vermont baitfish wholesaler for illegally importing an unapproved fish species into the state.

Writing an Invasive Plant Management Plan: Part 3- Mapping invasive plants

February 15, 2018

This is part three (final) in a three-part series on how to create an invasive plant management plan. This section will guide you through assessing and mapping options for everyday landowners.