Administrative Order Clarifies the Movement of Ash Logs and Firewood to Minimize the Spread of EAB

You may have heard folks around Vermont using the term "introduced" species interchangeably with the conventional terminology of "invasive" species. This may be due to a conversation happening at many levels about the language and framing of ideas used in the field of invasion ecology. Because language has the power to shape public attitudes and behaviors, the Plant Health Team at Vermont's Agency of Agriculture is adopting more accurate, neutral, and respectful language to better reflect the complexities of species introductions and avoid reinforcing harmful stereotypes.

In mid-August, a concerned community member brought to the attention of scientists, the presence of an invasive insect. The insect, spotted lanternfly, had never been reported before in Vermont, and was first detected in the United States in 2014 in Pennsylvania, but has spread across the eastern US to 8 states.

In our last issue of the VTInvasives e-newsletter, we discussed a new method of treating knotweed by using wire fencing laid horizontally on the ground over a patch of the offending species. Over the past two months, I have received several emails from readers asking some clarifying questions and looking for updates. I apologize for not being able to reply to everyone, and I hope that this article can provide an update with some answers.