Positive Outcome of Emerald Ash Borer
Ash trees occupy the field of Old Main. Photo by Colton Oltesvig.

Positive Outcome of Emerald Ash Borer

Originally discovered in Detroit, the emerald ash borer beetle was first found in the Stevens Point area in 2002.

“It’s a big deal now, it was a big deal in 2002. We just know more,” said Rich Hauer, professor of urban forestry.

Essentially, anyone can identify emerald ash borer. The key identifying items to look for are woodpecker holes, lightly colored bark, and dying leaves. The woodpecker holes and light bark indicate birds going after the insect. The insect eats the tree in larva form and leaves a “D-shaped” exit hole, which is the shape of their head.

“Infestation can cross paths and then the tree cannot pass nutrients anymore. Look at the top of the tree; the leaves start to die because the nutrients cannot get up there,” said Luke Scheberl, recent soil science graduate.

The insect only feeds a small distance into the tree, but will affect the health of tree as a whole. It is better to report a potential case of emerald ash borer to the city than to ignore the signs.

Many students have wondered about the Golden Sands RC&D green ribbon urban forestry campaign on campus. Visually, the first response is to wonder if all the trees with green ribbon are coming down. Scheberl worked on this project to raise awareness and educate the public about emerald ash borer, in hopes of raising funds for management options.

Ash trees occupy the field of Old Main. Photo by Colton Oltesvig.

Ash trees occupy the field of Old Main. Photo by Colton Oltesvig.

“When I saw this in operation, I thought this is one of the most effective urban forestry campaigns I’ve ever seen,” Hauer said. Volunteers flagged the trees so that the public would not ignore the importance of having so many ash trees infected.

Hauer supports preparing for disasters such as emerald ash borer by implementing an emergency action plan. This plan was created a few years ago and has proven itself useful.

“A tragedy like this increases the opportunities but also shows people the importance of trees,” Hauer said.

Management options for emerald ash borer include doing nothing, getting rid of infected trees and replanting or treating the infected trees. The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point campus is putting together an emerald ash borer treatment program and educational demo to inform the public and deplete the ash disease within a two decade period. Good candidates for treatment are mature, healthy trees. Unhealthy trees contribute to a better host environment for the beetle.

Iconic trees that have been in a location for a long time should be treated for the social health of the community. Treatment also depends upon budget; trees will be treated every 2-3 years as long as the tree needs to be protected.

Scheberl’s graduate work includes going into communities to complete soil inventory and discovering which trees are best planted there. There are a few species that can be planted anywhere, including ash trees.

“We are running out of those species that you can plant anywhere, so my project is to increase plant diversity,” Scheberl said.

Plant diversity protects large populations of one species from being torn down if infected. Scheberl hopes clubs on campus will get more involved due to the long term impact the emerald ash borer has on the Stevens Point community.

Kaitlyn Wanta

Reporter

Kaitlyn.M.Wanta@uwsp.edu

 

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