Keep an eye on our trees this August
Help protect New York’s trees by reporting new Asian long-horned beetle sightings before they can establish and spread. ALB is an invasive wood-boring insect that feeds on trees including maple, birch, poplar, and willow. The native white-spotted pine sawyer, right, is often mistaken for the invasive Asian long-horned beetle, left. Look for the white spot at the top of the sawyer's back to tell the two insects apart. Graphic courtesy of NYSDEC
The banded antennae of Asian long-horned beetle can measure 4 inches long, nearly twice the length of their body. Photo courtesy of Joe Boggs | Ohio State University
Help protect New York’s trees by reporting new Asian long-horned beetle sightings before they can establish and spread. ALB is an invasive wood-boring insect that feeds on trees including maple, birch, poplar, and willow. The native white-spotted pine sawyer, right, is often mistaken for the invasive Asian long-horned beetle, left. Look for the white spot at the top of the sawyer's back to tell the two insects apart. Graphic courtesy of NYSDEC
The banded antennae of Asian long-horned beetle can measure 4 inches long, nearly twice the length of their body. Photo courtesy of Joe Boggs | Ohio State University
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By August, most outdoorsmen and women are focused on late-summer fishing, scouting for deer season or enjoying a walk through the woods. This month also offers an opportunity to help protect one of New York’s greatest natural resources -- our forests.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has designated August as "Tree Check Month," encouraging the public to watch for signs of the Asian long-horned beetle, an invasive insect first discovered in Brooklyn in 1996. Although eradication efforts have eliminated the beetle from several infested areas, continued vigilance remains essential to keeping it from spreading.
The Asian long-horned beetle attacks many of New York’s hardwoods, including maple, birch, elm, poplar, willow and ash. Adults are striking insects, shiny black with white spots and long black-and-white banded antennae. The real damage, however, is caused by the larvae, which tunnel deep into the wood, disrupting the tree’s ability to move water and nutrients. Once a tree is infested, it cannot be saved.
Watch for perfectly round exit holes about the size of a pencil in trunks or larger branches. The NYSDEC also asks homeowners to check swimming pool skimmers and filters during August, as backyard pools often trap adult beetles. If you suspect you’ve found one, photograph it and please email the image to foresthealth@dec.ny.gov.
Unfortunately, the Asian long-horned beetle is not the only invasive pest to challenge our state forests. Over the past 20 years, the emerald ash borer has killed millions of ash trees across the state, transforming woodlots, parks and neighborhoods. My hunting stands were all initially set up from Ash trees. These trees are all gone now because of the emerald ash borer. The hemlock woolly adelgid continues to threaten eastern hemlocks, trees that provide cool shade for trout streams, stabilize streambanks and offer important wildlife habitat. More recently, the spotted lanternfly has spread into New York, raising concerns for vineyards, orchards and several tree species.
These insects have one thing in common: they arrived without the natural predators and diseases that help keep them in balance in their native habitats. Conservation is, at its core, about maintaining that balance. Healthy forests support wildlife, protect water quality, provide recreational opportunities and sustain the outdoor traditions that define much of Western New York.
Most invasive insects are first discovered by ordinary citizens -- not scientists. A few minutes spent looking closely at the trees around your home, camp, favorite fishing stream or hunting property can make a real difference. Early detection gives resource managers the best chance to contain new infestations before they spread.
This August, enjoy the outdoors as you always do -- but take a moment to look up and around. Your observation could help protect the forests that future generations will hunt, fish, hike, camp and enjoy.
For information on identifying and reporting the Asian long-horned beetle, visit the NYSDEC Forest Health webpage at https://dec.ny.gov/nature/forests-trees/forest-health.
Gotta love the outdoors.
CALENDAR
Aug. 6: WNY Walleye Association, monthly meeting, Knights of Columbus, Hamburg, 6:30 p.m.; info-Dennis Young, 716-316-4974.
Aug. 8: Chautauqua Lake Association Dragon Boat Festival, Lucille Ball Memorial Park, Celoron; Visit www.chautauqualakeassociation.org/chq-dragon-boat, or call 716-763-8602 for info.
Aug. 9: Ellington Rod and Gun, "Don't Know Partner Trap League," 1045 Hagerdon Hill Road, Ellington; Info: 716-287-3987.
Aug. 9: Introduction to Upland Hunting, Chautauqua County Bird Dog Association, 3974 Fluvanna Townline Road, 8 a.m. to noon; lunches and up to 125 rounds of ammo provided. Limited to 20 participants: must be at least 21 years of age; Contact Paul Steward at 716-397-2855. Will also include a mentored pheasant hunt in October.