Invasives in the News

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.

Emerald ash borer: How cities and towns can prepare for invasion

February 7, 2018

In Pennsylvania, where emerald ash borer has been present since 2007, municipalities have found successful ash-management plans under guidance of the state's Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and they offer a model for other regions to follow. A new guide outlines a set of four options for communities to choose from as they plan for the impact of the emerald ash borer.

Is species richness increasing? Insight into an intense ecological debate

January 30, 2018

Scientists are debating whether and why it appears that the number of species at sites worldwide is holding steady (even increasing at many), as biodiversity declines globally.

38 species of invasive plants now illegal to sell in Ohio

January 22, 2018

"Ohio is taking a swing at nature’s bullies.

Under new rules that went into effect Sunday, the sale and distribution of 38 destructive, invasive plant species will become illegal.

In its list, the state agriculture department included various types of honeysuckles, Bradford pear trees, autumn olive shrubs and fig buttercup flowers that line freeways, coat forest floors and choke wild spaces across Ohio.........................."

Author Credit: By Marion Renault, The Columbus Dispatch

A public access greeter with a watercraft decontamination station

2018 Aquatic Nuisance Species Grants Now Available!

January 2, 2018

Funding for aquatic nuisance species management projects for the upcoming year is now available through the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation.

So What About EAB?

December 19, 2017

It may be hard to believe, but the emerald ash borer or "EAB" has not been found in Vermont yet. It surrounds us on all of our borders and has taken up residence in 31 states and three Canadian provinces. In case you are feeling out of the loop, here are some great resources to help you stay up to date and prepare for the arrival of EAB.

Hemlock Woolly Adelgid: Population May Be on the Rise; Beetles Arrive

December 19, 2017

The winter of 2016- 2017 was a good one for hemlock woolly adelgids (HWA) in Vermont, which is probably bad news for hemlock trees. The adelgid is an invasive forest insect that attacks hemlock trees and was first discovered in Vermont in 2007. Last winter’s HWA mortality rate was only 65%, compared to 99 – 97% for the previous three years. Forest health staff with the Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation are seeking volunteers to help survey for HWA.