Emerald Ash Borer Preparedness Plan

Woodstock, NY

November, 2012

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Table of Contents Introduction ……………………………………………………………..Page 3. What is EAB? ……………………………………………………………..Page 4. Life Cycle ……………………………………………………………...…Page 5. Signs and Symptoms ……..…………………………………………...…Page 6.

Detection ………………………………………….…………………...…Page 7. Partners and Current Efforts ………………………………………...…Page 8.

New York State Departments of Agriculture & Markets (DAM) and Environmental Conservation (DEC) …………….………….......….Page 8.

NYS Department of Transportation …………….…………………..…Page 10.

Catskill Regional Invasive Species Partnership ……………………...…Page 10.

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Columbia and Greene Counties...…..Page 11.

Woodstock Environmental Commission ……………...…………......…Page 12.

Impact of EAB On Woodstock ……………………………………......…Page 12.

The Woodstock Ash Street Tree Inventory ………………………......…Page 13.

EAB Management Options ………………………………….……......…Page 14.

Recommended Management Actions…...…………………….……......…Page 15.

Closing …………………………………………………………..…......…Page 16.

References and Resources ………………………................................…Page 18.

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Introduction

Leah Bauer, USDA Forest Service Northern Research Station, Bugwood.org

The emerald ash borer (EAB), a beetle that has devastated ash trees in the Mid-West costing communities millions of dollars, has now been detected in several counties in New York State including, Ulster and Greene. The infestation in Ulster and Greene counties, centered around Saugerties, Woodstock and Kingston, has been determined to be the largest in the state and has been assigned the highest threat level by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. This destructive insect will kill all of the ash trees in the region and our communities will be faced with severe risk from a sudden wave of hazard trees if no action is taken. EAB has been responsible for the destruction of 70 million trees in the United States. New York has more than 900 million ash trees, representing about seven percent of all trees in the state, and all are at risk from EAB. Recent research papers have reported that the potential costs to municipalities from EAB could exceed $12 billion over the next 10 years. Portions of Woodstock are already infested with a dense EAB population that continues to spread throughout the town. While control and containment efforts may slow the spread of this invasive beetle, Woodstock residents and local officials will be dealing with the local impacts of the EAB in the immediate future. Ash trees can be found throughout the area, along community streets, public parks and in natural areas. Infested trees rapidly decline and die within 2-4 years. The dead ash trees are prone to drop large limbs and pose a significant public safety and personal property hazard.

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The Catskill Regional Invasive Species Partnership (CRISP) has identified this issue as a top priority and is sponsoring the EAB Community Support Project to assist communities in the process of preparing through a number of avenues. This plan outlines the efforts CRISP and other partners are making and addresses the Woodstock Ash Street Tree Inventory. In addition, this plan describes several management actions the Town of Woodstock can take. The purpose of this plan is to provide information and guidance as the EAB infestation spreads and intensifies. This plan attempts to reinforce the urgency to take action and promote proactive planning and management for EAB. The plan recommends management of the ash trees in Woodstock in order to achieve the following goals:

1) The reduction of the public health and property hazards associated with EAB. 2) The mitigation of the economic and social costs associated with control efforts and damage. 3) The prevention of further unintended human caused spread of EAB.

It is important for Woodstock to take a proactive approach and plan for the impact EAB will have on its community and municipality. Identifying the potential impacts, developing a plan and management strategy are the most effective ways to minimize the costs and mitigate the negative impacts of EAB. What is EAB? EAB is an invasive insect that kills all species of ash (Fraxinus) trees. Originating from

Asia, the small metallic wood-boring beetle (family Buprestidae) is named for the brilliant emerald/green color of the adult. The first North American populations were confirmed in the summer of 2002 in southeast Michigan and in Windsor, Ontario. Experts believe the beetle was introduced to the area in the early to mid 1990's, judging by the size of the infestations and the stage of damage to the infested trees. It is likely that the beetle was introduced into North America in ash wood used for shipping pallets and packing materials in cargo ships or shipping containers.

Since its introduction into North America, EAB has spread into 15 states (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin) and two Canadian provinces; Ontario and Quebec. EAB was first confirmed in New York in June 2009 and has since been found in a total of twelve counties.

Photo: Howard Russell, MI State U., www.forestryimages.org

MI State U., www.forestryimages.org

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www.emeraldashborer.org In Asia, EAB populations are kept in check by predators and pathogens and by the fact that Asian ash trees have developed co-evolutionary resistance to EAB attacks. In North America, on the other hand, the EAB has few predators and ash trees have no natural resistance. While North American woodpeckers and other insectivores have been observed eating EAB larvae, this predation has not had a significant impact on EAB populations. Left to its own devices, the emerald ash borer can expand its range up to several miles per year during the adult beetles’ June to August flight period. Human activities, however, have led to the spread of the EAB over much greater distances. Shipments of nursery stock and firewood have been inadvertently responsible for the majority of new EAB introductions. Life Cycle University

Adults emerge around late-May to feed on leaves and mate. Females begin laying eggs on cracks in the bark about 1 to 2 weeks after emergence thru August. Eggs hatch in 7 to 10 days as larvae, which have a distinguishing, nested bell shape. Larvae tunnel trough the

bark into the cambium where they feed on the phloem. Phloem is the tissue that transports food and water from the leaves to the rest of the tree. The larvae feed throughout the

David Cappaert, Michigan State University, Bugwood.org

David Cappaert, Michigan State University, Bugwood.org

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growing season creating characteristic S-shaped galleries, that immature larvae over-winter in. Mature larvae will over-winter as in pupil cells, pupate in spring and emerge as adults. A tiny D-shaped exit hole is created as the adult chews through the

bark ready to repeat the cycle and infect more trees.

Signs and Symptoms

EAB infestations are very difficult to detect in the early stages and at low densities. The upper parts of the tree are infested first; making the entrance cracks and exit holes in the bark nearly impossible to see early on. The best indicator of EAB is evidence of woodpecker foraging, which can be visible from long distances. When the tree begins to decline rapidly signs may include bark splitting, canopy thinning and epicormic sprouting (water sprouts). Although these symptoms can also be

caused by other problems, including the common disease ash yellows.

Most of the distinguishing indicators are also the least visible. The upper parts of the tree are infested first; making the entrance cracks and exit holes in the bark early on. When the larva feeds on the cambium (the nutrient transport tissue below the bark), it kills the bark over top. The next year, as the new bark is formed under the old, the old is pushed out, and where it is dead, it cracks.

Woodpecker damage David Cappaert, Michigan State University, Bugwood.org

Water sprouts Joseph O'Brien, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org

Blonding, Woodpeckering, Water sprouts Steven Katovich, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org

S-shaped Galleries Michigan Department of Agriculture, Bugwood.org

David Cappaert, Michigan State University, Bugwood.org

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Detection Purple Traps USDA APHIS (the United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service), in cooperation with state natural resources agencies and others, has instituted an EAB survey to identify the leading edge of known infestations and to locate new or outlying populations. The survey detection tool is a 3-sided, 24 inch (60 cm) long corrugated purple plastic prism-shaped trap that is coated with non-toxic glue on all three sides and is baited with a lure that mimics essential oils of ash trees to attract the adult beetles. Purple Prism Traps (PPT's) are for detection or monitoring purposes only. They are placed in areas where EAB has not been found to determine if it is present. They are not used to control EAB populations. PPT's cannot be purchased; they are part of the United States Department of Agriculture surveying program. Trap Trees

This trapping technique exploits the attraction EAB has to the chemicals released by stressed ash trees. Trap trees are created by artificially stressing trees through manual girdling (stripping a section of bark around the entire circumference of the tree). Girdled trees are removed at the end of the season and the bark is carefully peeled to determine if there is EAB present. EAB is often found in trap trees when it was not caught on traps placed in the trees.

Biological Control The Emerald Ash Borer does not have any natural enemies in North America, therefore comprehensive biological control studies and trials are being conducted to determine if there are suitable agents that can be used in the fight against EAB.

Insects being evaluated include egg and larvae parasitoids (stingless wasps), Spathius agrili, Tetrastichus planipennisi, and Oobius agril. They are insects who lay their eggs in EAB eggs or larvae and whose young consume the EAB when then hatch. Microbes are also being considered for EAB control.

Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources - Forestry Archive, Bugwood.org

Photo: Mark C. Whitmore,Cornell University

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Partners and Current Efforts

New York State Departments of Agriculture & Markets (DAM) and Environmental Conservation (DEC)

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the Department of Agriculture and Markets (DAM) enacted a quarantine encompassing the majority of western New York, as well as Greene and Ulster Counties that restrict the movement of ash trees, ash products and firewood from all wood species in order to limit the potential introduction of EAB to other areas of the state.

The state's quarantine order restricts the movement of certain "regulated articles" within New York State - for instance, ash trees, certain wood products, and the Emerald Ash Borer itself. The order specifically defines regulated articles as:

• Entire ash trees of any size, inclusive of nursery stock. • Any part of ash trees, including leaves, bark, stumps, limbs, branches, and roots. • Ash lumber or ash logs of any length. • Any item made from or containing ash wood. • Any article, product or means of conveyance determined by APHIS, NYSDAM

or the NYSDEC to prevent a risk of spreading the EAB infestation. • Firewood from any tree species. • Wood chips and bark mulch from any tree species, larger than 1 inch in two

dimensions, whether composted or un-composted.

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Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Tree Infestation

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Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Trap Detection Only

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Emerald Ash Borer (EAB)

Infestations and DetectionsQuarantined Areas

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• The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation enforces regulations that govern the movement of all firewood, not just ash wood. There is a state ban on untreated firewood entering New York and a restriction covering intrastate movement of untreated firewood to no more than a 50-mile radius from its source, regardless of other quarantine regulations. This was enacted in 2008 as a precaution against the introduction and spread of EAB and other invasive species because of the documented risk of transmission by moving firewood. More information can be found on the DEC website.

The DEC developed an EAB Management response plan called Slow Ash Mortality or “SLAM” available at http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/7253.html . Under the plan, management efforts focus on determining the extent of EAB, slowing the spread of infestations through early detection and rapid response and educational outreach to raise awareness. In order to map the extent of the Ulster/Greene infestation the DEC is conducting a delimitation project on the EAB occurrences in the region. Delimitation involves overlaying a grid on the infested area and sampling Ash trees in each grid to determine the presence or absence of EAB. The massive effort delimiting this population has become the largest project of its kind in the country.

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Two species of bio controls (EAB predators) were released in four locations in Ulster and Greene County in 2011. Parasitoids were also released every other week in the Hudson Valley during the summer of 2012 for research purposes. Trap tree sites in Woodstock and the surrounding area are currently being utilized to help slow the spread of EAB. The trap trees, stressed artificially by manual girdling, become infested at high densities creating a sink for EAB. At the end of the growing season the trees are inspected and cut down, killing the greatest number of EAB possible. In 2011, 125 trap trees were created at twenty-nine sites in and around Woodstock. This year almost 900 trap trees are being established in the region with 226 of the trees located in Woodstock. New York State Department of Transportation New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) is looking for EAB and will report possible EAB signs. In Ulster County, the DOT is proactively managing for EAB by committing 75% of the tree removal budget to ash tree removal. All ash trees in the right of way are removed, immediately chipped and left on the roadside. In Woodstock, these management efforts are being conducted on county route 212, from route 375 west to route 28. This year, the DOT received an additional $20,000 for continued ash tree removals in the region. Catskill Regional Invasive Species Partnership The Catskill Regional Invasive species partnership (CRISP) worked extensively in the region helping communities prepare for EAB. Efforts to assist communities have involved: 1) Conducting ash street tree inventories

• Ash street tree inventories were conducted by CRISP in vulnerable communities in Ulster and Greene Counties in 2011. Trained volunteers inventoried ash trees in the public right of way along streets with the highest volume of pedestrian activity in select communities. The results of the inventory, including tree locations, condition and distance to the street were compiled into a report with suggestions for further action and maps were presented to the municipality. The Town of Woodstock was prioritized for an inventory based on its proximity to the local EAB infestation. The inventory was coordinated with the support of the Woodstock Environmental Commission and the Woodstock Land Conservancy.

2) Development of educational displays and presentations

• EAB/ALB training for approximately 30 members of the NYSDOT Greene County Maintenance Residency April 22, 2011.

• Forest pest outreach trainings targeting schools and summer youth groups • Development of and educational purple prism trap art display • Ash tree tagging events

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• Development of an EAB web resource with information for homeowners for Greene and Ulster County municipal websites

3) Implementation of the EAB Community Support Project

• The EAB Community Support Project was sponsored by CRISP to provide assistance with decision-making, taking actions and planning for EAB for towns and villages in soon to be effected communities. The main component of this project is the development of County EAB task forces in Ulster and Greene Counties. The County EAB Task Forces were formed in an effort to bring together state, county and local representatives as well as industry professionals and concerned citizens. The Ulster County EAB Task Force kick-off meeting was held on November 9, 2011 and subsequent meetings were held in January, June and November of 2012. The discussions focused on the latest details of the infestation, existing efforts, needs and how best to share resources. Educational efforts, management options and main concerns regarding EAB were also discussed.

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Columbia and Greene Counties (CCE Columbia & Greene) CCE Columbia & Greene has been working on raising awareness by highlighting EAB in public programs and regularly collaborates with CRISP, NYFOA and regional land conservancies. Educational workshops targeting municipal officials and landowners were held in April 2010 and again in August after the initial EAB discovery. Training programs have been provided to Master Gardeners, Master Forest Owners and 25 foresters/loggers. CRISP and CCE provided a variety of integrated educational and outreach programs highlighting EAB including:

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1) Master Forest Owner (MFO) Site Visits • Eight volunteers were trained on invasive species issues and given resources to distribute as part of the forest management counseling provided on there site visits. 2) “You and Your Forest” letter on invasive species • As part of a letter series, an 8-page letter on invasive species was distributed to about 50 participants. 3) Master Gardener Invasive Species Training • A training module on invasive species was developed for the Master Gardener Program Coordinators in Greene, Schoharie, Ulster, Otsego and Orange Counties. 4) Wasp-Watchers Citizen Science Program • The Cornell-based program was provided to 4-H groups throughout Greene County. Youth to locate and monitor smoky-winged beetle bandit wasp nests to see if they are feeding on emerald ash borer. 5) Invasive Species Radio Show • A one-hour radio show focused on EAB was recorded to be aired on local radio stations. The Woodstock Environmental Commission (WEC) The WEC has organized and hosted a variety of educational EAB workshops, presentations and projects for the public. In an effort to raise awareness about EAB the commission provided the funding to treat a large ash tree near the town building to be used as an educational tool. Jim Hanson has been appointed the commissions EAB contact person and has assisted the agencies and organizations with many of the projects mentioned above. Impact of EAB on Woodstock Subsequent to its discovery in Saugerties, NY in 2010, EAB was found in several places in Woodstock, NY. Detections have been made on Vandale Road and along Hurley Road from Route 28 to the 4 corners. A heavy infestation has also been found near Zinnia Street from Gitnick Road to Chestnut Hill. The Town is Woodstock is known as the colony of the arts. It is renowned as a tourist destination with a small but vigorous commercial center dotted with shops selling unique wares. It is home to galleries exhibiting widely noted fine arts and crafts and many music venues that welcome a variety of distinguished musicians that perform regularly. Located in the Catskill Park, Woodstock maintains miles of heavily frequented public trails including a wooded dog park and the 77-acre Comeau Stewardship Property. The arrival of EAB and the sudden death of the town’s ash trees could have a variety of adverse impacts on Woodstock. The EAB infestation now spreading into Woodstock is categorized at the highest threat level by the DEC and the degree of infestation in Woodstock is expected to be high. The foremost adverse impact of EAB is the public health hazard posed by the dead ash trees. EAB kills all the trees at once and relatively quickly. The dead trees rapidly begin falling apart and pose a significant threat to Woodstock’s residents and numerous tourists. The EAB infestation will dramatically increase the risk of personal injury, property damage resulting liability suits. The

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simultaneous death of the trees also compounds the problem if no preemptive actions to identify, remove and/or treat trees are taken. In addition, the presence of so many dead and dying trees will be aesthetically damaging to a town known for the beauty of its wooded hills.

The Woodstock Ash Street Tree Inventory The purpose of the inventory was to locate trees along public streets in order to enumerate the population of ash trees in the public right-of-way. The inventory provides a baseline of information to guide management actions and priorities. The volunteer training session was held at 6 PM on April 7, 2011 at the Woodstock Community Center. The inventory took place on Saturday April 9, 2011 from 10 AM to 1 PM. With the help of 12 volunteers all 8-map sections of Woodstock were completely inventoried for ash trees. Data obtained on the trees included the location, DBH, condition, distance to the street, EAB sign and presence of electrical wire.

A total of 76 single, community ash trees were recorded either along or close to the streets and other public areas. Stands of multiple ash trees were also noted, as were trees on private property. The graph below depicts the quantity of trees found within each assigned diameter (at breast height, DBH) class. This information will be most important for assessing costs determined by the diameter of the tree. A condition rating of at least a 3 was assigned to 45 of the 76 trees – an implication that most of the trees in the community are generally healthy or very healthy. However, given the time of year this

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inventory was done and the fact that no leaves or indication of “dieback” could be positively determined, this data could be skewed. The prediction would be that a greater number of community trees are healthier than noted. There were 52 trees with at least one sign of either EAB damage (bark splitting, wood-peckering, exit holes, etc.) or sign of a general stress (canopy dieback, epicormic branching, etc.) and 42 trees are near some type of electrical wire. The stressed trees near wires pose the most threat to infrastructure because they are more likely to cause an array of damage if they were to fall. As a recommendation, these trees should be prioritized. EAB Management Options There are four management options to respond to EAB: 1. Response - remove trees as they die 2. Treatment – Insecticide Injection or Basal Trunk Applications 3. Pre-emptive Removal - Planned tree removal on predetermined time frames and specifications 4. Combination - combination of these three strategies. Each of these strategies is discussed below. Response Woodstock could wait for the EAB to increase and remove and replace the trees as they begin to die. Since portions of Woodstock are already infested it is not likely the town would have much time before the trees inventoried begin to decline. In addition, this strategy put the town at a high liability risk for damages and could result in the need for all or most of the 76 inventoried trees to be removed at once. Preventative Treatment There are insecticidal treatments available that have proven effective in protecting ash trees from EAB. These include systemic insecticides that are applied through direct injection into the tree or drenching around the base of the tree trunk. Each of these methods result in the insecticide being drawn into the tree and killing the feeding larvae of EAB. The efficiency of the treatments is limited by a number of variables. The injection application method requires treatment every 2-3 years to retain protection of the tree. Basal drenching is less expensive (about ½ the cost of injection) although it must be reapplied annually. Trunk injection is the most environmentally “friendly” application method because all of the insecticide is injected directly into the tree and will not expose people and animals to the insecticide. For this reason the injection method is recommended and will be the method referred to in the rest of this plan. A tree must be 6 inches in diameter or greater for trunk injection, therefore this method cannot be used on very young trees.

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The cost to treat a tree is a function of the size of the tree and the number of trees to be treated. Larger numbers of trees to be treated will generally return more favorable unit prices. The larger the tree to be treated the more insecticide required to treat the tree and therefore the higher the cost to treat the tree. The cost to treat a tree ranges from $10 to $15 per inch of trunk diameter. For the purposes of developing a cost estimate to treat Woodstock’s ash trees $15 per inch in diameter will be used. The estimated cost to treat all of the inventoried ash trees with a good condition rating (3-4) would be approximately $12,975.00. A schedule could be developed to spread these costs over a number of years, for example treating one third of the trees each year. The duration ash trees will need to be treated to protect them from EAB and the long-term effectiveness is presently estimated for 15 years. This scenario does not include the cost to remove trees where treatment is ineffective. Pre-Emptive Tree Removal The pre-emptive removal strategy employs removing all of the ash trees over a pre-determined project duration prior to an EAB infestation in the Village. This strategy provides for work planning and realizing a favorable distribution of cost. Woodstock could implement this strategy for the inventoried trees over a ten-year period with the pre-emptive removal of 7-10 trees annually. Tree removals could be prioritized based on the location and condition ratings assigned in the inventory. Prioritizing the trees in the poorest condition may also serve to inhibit the spread of EAB. Combination Strategy A combination strategy employs treating and preserving a select number of trees for an unknown number of years and pre-emptive removal of a select number of trees per year for a predetermined duration. This strategy, like pre-emptive removal provides for work planning and a favorable distribution of cost for completing the tree removal and tree injection work. Recommended Management Actions The immediate first step in managing for EAB is to learn as much as possible about it. Appropriate departments and staff should be informed about the insect and the potential hazards. Highway and buildings & grounds departments should be aware of the signs and symptoms of an EAB infestation and educated in ash tree identification. The town should appoint a representative to serve on the Ulster County EAB Task Force and attend meetings to stay updated. This plan and the inventory report are also important resources that should be carefully reviewed by the town board and staff. Woodstock can proactively prepare for EAB by continuing to inventory the ash trees on public property. Jim Hanson with the WEC has begun planning an ash inventory along the public trails of the Comeau property. The ash trees identified will be tagged with specialized tags containing information about EAB providing an additional opportunity to raise public awareness. It is recommended that the highway department and buildings

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and grounds personnel attend an event like this. The Woodstock dog park is another highly trafficked wooded area that should be inventoried and managed. The eastern portion of Woodstock is heavily infested with EAB and the dying ash on the roadsides pose a significant hazard. The right of way along the roads throughout this area should be prioritized for ash tree removals. In addition, the Town should approach the Ulster County DOT about conducting ash tree removals on county highways. Opportunities for collaboration with the county and other municipalities regarding ash tree management should also be investigated. Pre-emptive tree removals and the combination strategies are the best options for the publically owned trees identified in the Woodstock ash street tree inventory. Managing the inventoried trees using these strategies could be implemented immediately utilizing the information in this plan and the inventory data. Departments responsible for tree removals should review the inventory data and develop a list of trees to be prioritized for removal or treatment. Ash trees near wires with the lowest condition rating and the shortest distance from the road can be considered the most hazardous. The list of the most hazardous can then be divided into manageable sets of trees that can be scheduled for removal on a monthly or yearly basis. The town should also publicize tree removals or treatment on the website to encourage homeowners to take actions. Shade trees are an important part of the landscape. They provide added property value and are an important part of the scenic character of Woodstock. Treatment of the town’s large shade trees is recommended to protect this valuable resource. The cost to treat trees can be estimated based on the dbh of the trees allowing the town to develop a budget for treatment. Treatment costs can be distributed over time by treating a portion of the trees on a rotating basis, as described in the preventative treatment section above. Summary of Recommended Actions

• Educate appropriate staff and join Ulster County EAB Task Force • Roadside removals of infested trees in the eastern portion of town • Prioritize and schedule removal/treatment of inventoried street trees • Inventory trees on Comeau property trails and dog park (planned by WEC) • Publicize tree removals/treatment on the town website

Closing The information contained in this plan, sponsored by CRISP, is intended to be a useful resource as Woodstock manages for EAB. Unfortunately, the Town of Woodstock must face the social and economic costs associated with EAB. Although there is not much time to prepare, the negative impacts of EAB can be minimized. Lessons learned from the hard hit Midwest have shown planning and proactive management actions can alleviate the burden EAB brings to communities. The EAB infestation in the area is severe and will have a profound impact on the community. The urgency for Woodstock to take action is very real as illustrated by the map below.

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References and Resources Emerald Ash Borer Cornell Cooperative Extension Emerald Ash Borer Website- New York State Invasive Species Clearinghouse: http://www.nyis.info EAB Website: http://www.emeraldashborer.info/ NYS Department of Environmental Conservation EAB website: http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/7253.html EAB and Firewood hotline at 1-866-640-0652 Don’t Move Firewood Campaign: http://www.dontmovefirewood.org/ The Catskill Regional Invasive Species Partnership (CRISP) http://www.catskillinvasives.com Ulster County EAB Task Force Contact - Aaron Bennett, UC Department of Environment (845) 340-3522 aben@co.ulster.ny.us www.co.ulster.ny.us/environment www.co.ulster.ny.us/recreation (REConnect) Cornell Cooperative Extension: http://www.cce.cornell.edu