The state tree is fighting for its life, and Pennsylvanians are asked to help identify initial focus areas in the state in most need of attention, reports IConservePA.org.

The non-native, invasive hemlock woolly adelgid is literally sucking the life out of the eastern hemlock, which, in addition to being the state tree, is invaluable to the riparian health and quality of waterways.

“Pennsylvania’s state tree is under deadly attack by the Hemlock woolly adelgid,” said DCNR Secretary Ellen Ferretti, “and our Bureau of Forestry has mounted a comprehensive and science-based battle plan that addresses both the non-native, invasive insect and the invaluable forest species it is killing.”

“Several potential focus areas with significant eastern hemlock stands in Pennsylvania are identified for further study,” noted Ferretti. “The bureau still is evaluating the status of these focus areas while it solicits and collects nominations from the public for additional sites throughout the state.”

“Landowners can follow the hemlock conservation strategy by assessing the extent and health of hemlock on site, and prioritizing trees for treatment,” Ferretti said. “They are advised to survey and monitor hemlock health and pests; conduct insecticide treatments when appropriate; and document and report any hemlock that appears resistant to hemlock woolly adelgid.”

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources developed a Conservation Plan for the eastern hemlock that outlines conservation strategies, implementation procedures, and critical research needs to aid in the preservation of the tree.

The woolly adelgid is a fluid-feeding insect, easily detected by telltale egg sacs resembling cotton swabs that cling to undersides of hemlock branches. The insect is attacking hemlocks in nearly every Pennsylvania county and has killed thousands of trees.

Several focus areas for treatment have been identified, but DCNR is asking for the public’s help in identifying any other critical areas. Additional focus area suggestions must be submitted by December 15 to the Bureau of Forestry by sending email to: ra-nreasternhemlock@pa.gov.

Landowners with hemlocks also can help by surveying and monitoring hemlock health and pests; conducting insecticide treatments when appropriate; and documenting and reporting any hemlock that appears resistant to hemlock woolly adelgid.

Click Here to read DCNR’s Hemlock Conservation Plan.

(Reprinted from the November 20 Seeds newsletter from IConservePA.org.  Click Here to sign up for your own copy.)

11/24/2014