EMC: Everybody Must Care!

St. Lawrence County Environmental Management Council 49½ Court Street, Canton, New York 13617-1169 Phone: (315) 379-2292 Fax: (315) 379-2252 E-mail: Planning@stlawco.org Web Site: http://www.stlawco.org/Planning/EMC.htm

Draft

MEETING MINUTES May 18, 2016

2nd-Floor Conference Room, Public Safety Complex 49½ Court Street, Canton, New York

Action items in bold italics / Motions underlined.

1. Call to Order: In the absence of the Chair, Vice-Chair Don O’Shea called the meeting to order at

6:05 PM. 2. Roll Call, Determination of Quorum: It was determined that a quorum DID NOT exist.

Members present included: J. Berbrich; J. Brant; D. O’Shea; S. Rau; L. Rudiger; A. Soutar; D. Welch; P. Whalen. Members absent included: R. Burkum; B. Dashnaw; L. Denesha; R. Marshall; P. Skomsky; D. Smith; R. Williams; B. Zimmerman. Staff: J. Tenbusch. Guest(s): Chastity Miller, Franklin Co. Soil & Water Conservation District.

3. Hearings, Comments from the Public: Tenbusch introduced Chastity Miller, District Manager for the Franklin County Soil & Water Conservation District. Ms. Miller spoke about the St. Lawrence River Watershed Project (SLRWP), and the recently-awarded grant to develop a Watershed Revitalization Plan.

Miller explained that the St. Lawrence River watershed encompasses all of St. Lawrence County, and parts of seven others: Clinton; Essex; Franklin; Hamilton; Herkimer; Jefferson; Lewis.

The watershed drains an area over 5,600 square miles in NYS (and another 295,000 sq. mi. in Canada).

Minutes of the EMC Meeting 5/18/16 Page 2

The watershed includes 11,370 miles of rivers and streams, with almost 1,100 lakes and ponds. Approximately 195,000 people live in the watershed, with the largest population centers being Potsdam, Malone, Ogdensburg, Massena, Canton and Gouverneur.

Miller reported that the St. Lawrence River Watershed Project was created in 2008 as a partnership of agencies from across the watershed “to encourage watershed partnerships and the implementation of conservation projects that promote, enhance and protect natural resources and water quality”. Their program can be summed up as “Clean water promotes growth in our communities”.

SLRWP has been awarded $225,000 from the NYS Dept of State to develop a Local Watershed Restoration Plan for the St. Lawrence River watershed area. This LWRP will become a basis for future funding for a wide variety of conservation and development projects. At 7:10, O’Shea called for a brief recess. The meeting recommenced at 7:15 PM.

4. Acceptance of Order of Business, Items for New Business, Items for Unfinished Business: Accepted by consensus.

5. Approval of the Minutes of the March EMC Meeting: Minutes of the April EMC meeting

could not be approved due to lack of quorum. 6. Report by the Representative of the Board of Legislators (BOL): Tenbusch reported that Larry

Denesha, BOL liaison to the EMC, has a standing conflict on the third Wednesday of each month. Denesha had asked the EMC to consider moving its meeting date/time.

(Note: this schedule conflict has been resolved; EMC meeting dates will still take place at 6:00 PM on the third Wednesday of each month.)

7. Reports by EMC Members on Conversations with County Legislators: None.

8. Report of the Committees:

a. Executive Committee: No report.

b. Conservation of Resources Committee (CRC): See attached.

c. Invasive Species Committee (ISC): See attached.

d. Watershed Management Committee (WMC). See attached. 9. Report of the Staff: Tenbusch reported that:

A representative from Cassella Waste Management Services had inquired about how Cassella might coordinate with the County’s College Move Out Days events. - Welch reported that Cassella Waste Management has recycling programs in Vermont,

including a program to recycle/compost food waste. He is working with the Town of Madrid Planning Board to update their Zoning Code. He made a presentation to the Norfolk Town Board about the CDBG program.

Minutes of the EMC Meeting 5/18/16 Page 3

The Planning Office will have another intern for the summer. She will work on a housing conditions assessment for the County, and on Fair Housing planning activities. - Welch suggested that this project should include an analysis of vacant houses.

10. Unfinished Business: None.

11. New Business: There was a discussion about scheduling EMC meetings over the summer.

Typically, the EMC takes August off; there is usually a picnic planned for the third Wednesday of August. However, this year there is a possibility that the EMC might schedule a trip to the Cranberry Lake Biological Station in August.

In order to maintain scheduling flexibility and still allow EMC members a month off during the summer, those in attendance agreed that there will not be an EMC meeting in June (including committee meetings). If a n additional meeting is needed, the EMC picnic in August will include an announcement of a business meeting.

12. Announcements: None.

13. Message to the Board of Legislators: EMC members were asked to speak to their Legislators about the St. Lawrence River Watershed Project, and to make these points: The SLR Watershed Project is a partnership of agencies from across the 8-county SLR

watershed The purpose of the SLR Watershed Project is to “promote sharing of information, data, ideas

… to foster a dynamic and collaborative watershed management approach … to water quality and protection.” Their program can be summed up as “Clean water promotes growth in our communities”.

SLRWP has been awarded $225,000 from the NYS Dept of State to develop a Watershed Restoration Plan for the SLR watershed area.

This Restoration Plan will become a basis for future funding for a wide variety of conservation and development projects.

14. Adjournment: The meeting adjourned by consensus at 7:45 PM. Respectfully submitted:

Joseph Brant Joseph Brant, Secretary Minutes prepared by J. Tenbusch

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Tenbusch, John

From: Tenbusch, JohnSent: Wednesday, May 18, 2016 2:54 PMTo: Bob Zimmerman; Doug Welch; Jennifer Berbrich - home; Jennifer Berbrich - office; Patrick

Whalen (whalenpj@gmail.com); Rick Marshall; Rick WilliamsSubject: EMC: CRC mtg report 5.11.2016

 

St. Lawrence County Environmental Management Council

Conservation of Resources Committee Meeting Report

Wednesday, May 11, 2016       The meeting started at 4:45 PM.

In attendance: R. Marshall, D. Welch, R. Williams. J. Tenbusch attended as staff. Absent: J. Berbrich, P. Whalen, B. Zimmerman. Item 1: Discussion of Priority Projects for the Committee.

Report on the College Move Out program. Tenbusch reported that the “College Move Out” program is

underway. Roll-off bins have been placed at Clarkson, SLU and SUNY Potsdam. Each campus is conducting its cycling program a little differently. Eric Hanss (CPO volunteer coordinator) and Alex French (Clarkson coordinator) gave an interview to WPDM on May 3rd; it was posted to the WPDM Facebook page that same day:

R. Marshall asked for more information about the program; Tenbusch will provide it.

Report on the Household Hazardous Waste collection event. Tenbusch reported that the HHW event will be held in Canton on May 21st at the Human Services Center (80 SH 310). EMC volunteers will be needed. (Whalen had previously volunteered; J. Berbrich can come for 1 hour. Marshall may be able to assist.)

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Report on application to RVRDA for ReUse Center project. Tenbusch reported that this application had been submitted on April 15th. We expect to hear awards for this program in June. - D. Welch asked if anyone was aware of a study done for the local chapter of Habitat for Humanity;

he understood that this report concluded that deconstruction and reuse of building materials would not be feasible in our region, due to low population and low population density. o Tenbusch reported that he was familiar with this study done for HFH. He agreed with Welch’s

statement of the report’s conclusions. He noted, though, that while the ReUse Center will include a deconstruction/resale of building materials component; it will also probably include resale/recycling of clothing and other textiles, donated household items, furniture, books, appliance, electronics; repair of electronics as part of a job-skills training program; other community repair and practical educational activities; etc. Tenbusch expressed his opinion that, while deconstruction might not be supportable as a stand-alone activity, it may well be supportable as part of a coordinated program.

Item 2: Other Projects for “To Do” list

Conservation Field Day at Indian Creek Nature Center. R. Williams reported that he and Derrick Conway will staff this event, to be held on Thursday May 26th. (Note: due to low participation, the staff at CFD have dropped the EMC from its list of presenters for this year. )

Other Projects for 2016

- It was reported that J. Berbrich is working on a presentation on endangered animals in St. Lawrence County.

Item 3: Potential Public Service Announcements.

A report on the “College Move Out” project

A PSA about ticks: how to deal with them Item 4: Other

Welch reported that the Canton Sustainability group is working on issues related to ag plastics. He suggested that the EMC might draft a letter of support for this project.

Tenbusch reported that planning has been ongoing to have an EMC meeting in Cranberry Lake. Some contact has been made with staff at the Cranberry Lake Biological Station. It appears that they may be able to host an EMC meeting in August (Aug. 17?). In this case, might the EMC skip its June meeting? (Note: the EMC is required to meet 10 times per year. It usually skips a meeting in August, and one in December.) If the EMC skips the June meeting, might it also skip committee meetings in June?

The next meeting of the Conservation of Resources Committee will be determined. Report by John Tenbusch, staff.   

==========================

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Tenbusch, John

From: Tenbusch, JohnSent: Tuesday, May 10, 2016 3:52 PMTo: Bill Dashnaw (wdashnaw@slic.com); Patrick Whalen (whalenpj@gmail.com); 'Peter

Skomsky'; Sue RauSubject: EMC: ISC Mtg Report 5.10.2016Attachments: EAB presentation to BOL 5.9.16.pdf; SLC-EAB-TF Mtg3 Report 4.27.2016.pdf

St. Lawrence County Environmental Management Council

Invasive Species Committee Meeting Tuesday May 10th, 2016

       

Meeting started by phone at 1:05 PM. Present: D. O’Shea, chair; S. Rau; P. Whalen. J. Tenbusch, staff. Absent: B. Dashnaw; P. Skomsky. Tenbusch will check with them to determine their ability to attend ISC committee meetings.   Item 1: Review Priority Projects.

EMC meeting at Cranberry Lake Biological Station. At last month’s committee meeting, P. Whalen had volunteered to contact the Cranberry Lake Biological Station about scheduling a visit/meeting by the EMC sometime this summer. Whalen had gotten back to staff and reported that the best time to visit the CLBS would be in August.

At today’s meeting, Tenbusch reported that he had spoken to B. Zimmerman, EMC Chair, and Don O’Shea, EMC Vice-Chair (by phone, immediately before this Committee meeting); they were in agreement that, if the EMC can schedule a visit to CLBS in August, the EMC would skip its June meeting (and committee meetings). Tenbusch will contact Robin Kimmerer, director of the CLBS, to finalize arrangements. Whalen will contact Cranberry Lake State Park to reserve a pavilion for a picnic before the EMC meeting in August.

Countywide EAB Task Force. Tenbusch reported on the third meeting of the EAB Task Force: it was held on April 27th; nine persons attended. There was further review of the map of “Highly Probable Areas”, including the addition of 40 campgrounds. Tenbusch thanked S. Rau for compiling the list. The EAB TF discussed making an effort to provide all campgrounds in the County with information about EABs, suitable for posting to inform campers about the risks. TF members will work on these materials. See attached meeting report.

Whalen stated that the Task Force should not worry about repeating previous efforts to contact campgrounds. He felt that, by emphasizing outreach to private campgrounds, the Task Force might reinforce the previous efforts made by DEC, CCE and other agencies.

2

The Task Force is planning a trip to Syracuse on Monday May 23rd to talk with the Onondaga County EAB Task Force; Tenbusch reported that Mark Whitmore may be able to join this discussion. A van is available; first come, first served. O’Shea and Whalen volunteered to go; S. Rau will check her work schedule and may be able to go.

The TF discussed making a presentation to the BOL on the dangers posed by EAB. (Note: Paul Hetzler and J. Tenbusch made a presentation to the SLC BOL Operations Committee on May 9th. Tenbusch provided a brief overview / history of the EAB infestation. Hetzler discussed the risks for municipalities when ash trees are dead/dying, and catastrophic collapse of dead trees causes liability/safety issues that municipalities may not be able to afford.)

Next meeting of the SLC EAB Task Force will be held Wednesday May 18th at 9 AM in the basement conference room of the Courthouse.

Placing “Invasive Species Drop Boxes” at launch/take out sites. Tenbusch reported that the SLC Soil &

Water Conservation District is still looking to place “Invasive Species Drop Boxes” at boat launch sites around the County. SWCD is now asking the EMC to help determine where to place these boxes. Ideally, locations will be at boat launches that are:

i. outside the Adk Park; ii. at launch sites that are not already the responsibility of another agency (DEC; OPRHP;

NYPA; Brookfield); iii. Not all sites must be in St. Law County. Jefferson and Lewis Counties are also eligible.

Examples for placement might include: Lake Ozonia; Grasse River along SH 68 just west of Canton. EMC members are asked to look for suitable sites.

Whalen suggested that Tenbusch contact Richard McDonald (Biologist, DEC Region 6) for help to find/select sites. Item 2: Items for Committee Work in 2016.

Ideas for Wild Parsnip Project(s). It had been suggested that a presentation on Wild Parsnip be made to

Town Highway Superintendents at one of their Association meetings in June. No progress to date. Item 3: Other Items.

Household Hazardous Waste Collection event will be held Saturday May 21st at the Human Service Center in Canton (80 SH 310, Canton) from 8:30 AM – 1 PM. Volunteers are needed.

EMC members were asked to develop a list of questions to ask Judy Drabicki (DEC Regional Director) when she attends the EMC meeting in July (7/20). EMC members should send questions to Tenbusch.

Item 4: Schedule Next Committee Meeting: The next meeting of the ISC will be determined at the EMC meeting in May.

The meeting was adjourned at 1:45 PM. Report drafted by John Tenbusch

How are we going to deal with The Emerald Ash Borer?

Mark WhitmoreDept. of Natural ResourcesCornell Universitymcw42@cornell.edu

Female

Photo byKent Loeffler, Cornell University 

Summer/FallLarval growth

WinterPre‐pupae

Early spring Pupation

May/JuneAdult EmergenceOvary maturation

June/July Oviposition

1‐YearLife Cycle

St. Lawrence County Emerald Ash Borer Task Force

Chair: Paul Hetzler, SLC CCE 315-379-9192 ph59@cornell.edu Vice Chair: Scott Thornhill, Ogdensburg DPW 315-393- 2300 sthornhill@ogdensburg.org Utilities Liaison: Bob Baker, National Grid 315-244-7379 robert.baker2@nationalgrid.com Secretary: John Tenbusch, SLC Planning, 315-379-2292 jtenbusch@stlawco.org

Meeting Report

Meeting #3 / April 27, 2016 SLC Courthouse Basement Conference Room

The meeting was called to order by P. Hetzler at 9:05 AM. Agendas were distributed. In attendance: Bob Baker, National Grid; Matt Brown, SLC Soil & Water Conservation District; Matt Curatolo, Ogdensburg Parks & Recreation; John Gwozdz, NYPA; Paul Hetzler, Cornell Cooperative Extension – St. Lawrence County; Don O’Shea, Vice-Chair, SLC Environmental Management Council; Steven Sherwood, DEC – Potsdam office; John Tenbusch, SLC Planning/Environmental Management Council; Scott Thornhill, Ogdensburg DPW. Discussion of “Highly Probable Areas”: J. Tenbusch distributed copies of the map “Highly Probable Areas”. He had updated the map with locations of campgrounds, as requested at the last meeting; it includes a list of campgrounds on the reverse side (see attached).

S. Sherwood noted a mistake: the HPA for Ogdensburg had been moved to cover Waddington. (Note: This has been corrected in the attached map.)

J. Gwozdz noted that the map does not include Akwesasne; he felt that the Mohawks would have an interest in this project.

It was suggested that the Task Force speak to Border Patrol, which speaks to all visitors from Canada, and which has frequent roadblocks along North Country roads; might they be able to ask “Are you carrying firewood? Where does it come from?” Could they confiscate any firewood brought in? How would that firewood be disposed of?

Discussion of campgrounds: The revised HPA map showing campground locations; 40 camping sites were listed. Hetzler asked what can/should the Task Force do to address the problem of people bringing their firewood to camping areas. (Note: it has been described that campgrounds are often the first places to show evidence of EAB infestation – presumably from campers bringing their own firewood – from areas already infested with EABs - to camp.)

S. Thornhill suggested that this Task Force can develop/assemble information on EABs and distribute these materials to camp sites in the County.

Sherwood suggested that the materials include “Don’t Move Firewood” info.

Hetzler distributed copies of a two-page “Pest Alert: Emerald Ash Borer” from USDA Forest Service (see attached for 2008 version). It was suggested that this “Pest Alert” be laminated for distribution to /to be posted at campgrounds. Hetzler and M. Brown offered to do so.

It was suggested that something more “eye-catching” be developed/distributed as well. There was some discussion about the EAB poster that the EMC had developed (below). Suggestions for updating this poster included to remove the maps at top right; revise and simplify the text at the right.

Tenbusch will distribute a copy of the poster (see attached), and ask TF members to send him their suggestions for revisions.

B. Baker volunteered to take EAB TF materials to campgrounds along Black Lake. Other TF members will take materials to other campgrounds. TF members should only need to visit two or three sites. Tenbusch volunteered to provide

contact info for campgrounds for the next TF meeting. It was suggested that other materials be ready to distribute by the time of the TF meeting in May. Then, materials can be placed at campgrounds by Memorial Day.

Task Force trip to Onondaga Co. EAB Task Force: Hetzler reviewed the details of this trip to Syracuse: Monday May 23rd; assemble at the Co. Courthouse at 7:30 AM; drive to Syracuse; meet with OCEABTF members/staff; visit EAB sites; return by late afternoon. Hetzler reported that Mark Whitmore (Cornell Univ.) may be able to meet us in Syracuse.

Tenbusch reported that he is trying to reserve a van. He will notify TF members if/when a van becomes available. If not, TF members will take their own cars (carpooling opportunities?). Lunch will be on our own.

Presentation to the Board of Legislators: Tenbusch reported that the Task Force may have an opportunity to present to the County Board of Legislators at their Operations Committee meeting in May (May 9th). After some discussion, it was decided that Hetzler and Tenbusch will make the presentation (which must be under 10 minutes in length); other TF members may attend to BOL mtg to show support for the Task Force.

It was suggested that the Task Force add Larry Denesha (Vice-Chair, BOL – District 6; BOL liaison with the SLC Environmental Management Council) to the email list.

Outreach: M. Curatolo asked if any municipalities have gotten involved with the EAB Task Force. There was some discussion about how to do outreach to communities. It was suggested that the TF should reach out to those communities that are located within “Highly Probable Areas” (HPAs). These would include Gouverneur, Hammond, Massena, Morristown, Ogdensburg, Oswegatchie, Pitcairn, Rossie (see map, attached).

Thornhill suggested that these communities be provided with educational materials, and be invited to participate on the Task Force.

Hetzler recalled that he had done some survey work among communities several years ago. He will look to see if those data provide information about which communities might be interested to participate.

Other Business:

Hetzler discussed the possibility for the Task Force to create subcommittees, which could meet/do business between meetings of the entire TF.

Tenbusch proposed that the Task Force appoint a Chair, Vice Chair, and other officers. He explained that doing this would give outsiders (BOL; community leaders) a sense that the Task Force is organized. After some discussion, the Task Force agreed by consensus that P. Hetzler would be Chair; S Thornhill would serve as Vice-Chair; B. Baker would serve as “Utilities Liaison”. (Tenbusch already serves as Secretary.)

M. Brown stated the need to make progress with educational efforts. He emphasized the need for a poster that will “grab attention”; he wants to see progress made in updating the EAB poster (see illustration, page 2).

Sherwood distributed copies of the Request For Proposals from the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (see attached). This funding program includes as a priority “preventing and controlling invasive species”. Applications are due June 21st. Information can be seen at http://www.na.fs.fed.us/watershed/gl_restore_initiative.shtm

The meeting was adjourned at 10:30 AM. Next meeting will be held Wednesday, May 18th at 9:00 AM in the basement conference room in the Courthouse. Meeting report prepared by John Tenbusch

St. Lawrence CountyForested Areas,Highly Probable Areas,Campgrounds 

SH 37 / Int’l BridgeMassena

SH 37 / Int’l BridgeOgdensburg

SH 37 / SH 12Hammond

USH 11 / Gouverneur

SH 3 /Pitcairn

Camping Areas in St. Lawrence County, NY Brasher Riverside Campgrounds Clifton Cranberry Lake State Campground Cranberry Lake Wild Forest Campers Village Campground Colton Carry Falls / Parmeter Campsite Catamount Lodge Higley Flow State Park Edwards Wolf Lake State Forest Fine Aldrich Pond Wild Forest High Falls Streeter Lake Gouverneur Yellow Lake Campsite Hammond Back Bay Campground & Cottages Cedar Island State Park Lisbon Lisbon Town Beach St. Lawrence Experience Trailer Park Macomb Dashnaw’s Camp Wildwood Massena Hillside Campground Massena International Campground Robert Moses State Park Morristown Jacques Cartier State Park Morristown / Oswegatchie Bird’s Nest Campground Blevins Campsite Boo’s 1000 Island Campground Camp Carol Camps Indian Head Point Massaouapi Cabins & Camps McLear’s Campgrounds North Country Cottages and Campgrounds Rogers Old Oak Campgrounds Sandy Cove Camps The Log Cabins Oswegatchie Eel Weir State Park Parishville McNeil Campsite Piercefield Bog River / Hitchens Pond / Lows Lake Horseshoe Lake Massawepie Easement Russell Grasse River / Donnerville Wild Forest Stockholm St. Regis Campground Waddington Coles Creek State Park  

Total: 40 sites

United States Department of Agriculture

Forest Service

Northeastern Area State and Private Forestry

NA-PR-02-04 Revised September 2008

Figure 1. Adult emerald ash borer.

Figure 2. Purplish red abdomen on adult beetle.

Figure 3. Second, third, and fourth stage larvae.

Figure 4. Gallery of an emerald ash borer larva.

A beetle from Asia, Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire (Coleoptera: Buprestidae), was identified in July 2002 as the cause of widespread ash (Fraxinus spp.) tree decline and mortality in southeastern Michigan and Windsor, Ontario, Canada. Larval feeding in the tissue between the bark and sapwood disrupts transport of nutrients and water in a tree, eventually causing branches and the entire tree to die. Tens of millions of ash trees in forest, rural, and urban areas have already been killed or are heavily infested by this pest.

A. planipennis has been found throughout Michigan, across much of Ohio, and in parts of Indiana, Illinois, Maryland, Missouri, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin. Infestations have

also been found in more areas of Ontario and in the province of Quebec. The insect is likely to be found in additional areas as detection surveys continue. Evidence suggests that A. planipennis is generally established in an area for several years before it is detected.

The broad distribution of this pest in the United States and Canada is primarily due to people inadvertently transporting infested ash nursery stock, unprocessed logs, firewood, and other ash commodities. Federal and state quarantines in infested states now regulate transport of these products.

IdentificationAdult beetles are generally larger and brighter green (Fig. 1) than the native North American Agrilus species. Adults are slender, elongate, and 7.5 to 13.5 mm long. Males are smaller than females and have fine hairs, which the females lack, on the ventral side of the thorax. Adults are usually bronze, golden, or reddish green overall, with darker, metallic emerald green wing covers. The dorsal side of the abdomen is metallic purplish red and can be seen when the wings are spread (Fig. 2). The prothorax, the segment behind the head and to which the first pair of legs is attached, is slightly wider than the head and the same width as the base of the wing covers.

Larvae reach a length of 26 to 32 mm, are white to cream-colored, and dorso-ventrally flattened (Fig. 3). The brown head is mostly retracted into the prothorax, and only the mouthparts are visible. The abdomen has 10 segments, and the last segment has a pair of brown, pincer-like appendages.

BiologyA. planipennis generally has a 1-year life cycle. In the upper Midwest, adult beetles begin emerging in May or early June. Beetle activity peaks between mid June and early July, and continues into August. Beetles probably live for about 3 weeks, although some have survived for more than 6 weeks in the laboratory. Beetles generally are most active during the day, particularly when it is warm and sunny. Most beetles appear to remain in protected locations in bark crevices or on foliage during rain or high winds. Throughout their lives beetles feed on ash foliage, usually leaving small, irregularly shaped patches along the leaf margins. At least a few days of feeding are needed before beetles mate, and an additional 1 to 2 weeks of feeding may be needed before females begin laying eggs. Females can mate multiple times. Each female probably lays 30-60 eggs during an average lifespan, but a long-lived female may lay more than 200 eggs. Eggs are deposited individually in bark crevices or under bark flaps on the trunk or branches, and soon darken to a reddish brown. Eggs hatch in 7 to 10 days.After hatching, first instar larvae chew through the bark and into the phloem and cambial region. Larvae feed on phloem for several weeks, creating serpentine (S-shaped) galleries packed with fine sawdust-like frass. As a larva grows, its gallery becomes progressively wider (Fig. 4). Beetle galleries often etch the outer sapwood. The length of the gallery generally ranges from 10 to 50 cm. Feeding is usually completed in autumn. Prepupal larvae overwinter in shallow chambers, roughly 1 cm deep, excavated in the outer sapwood or in the bark on thick-barked trees. Pupation begins in

Emerald Ash Borer

late April or May. Newly eclosed adults often remain in the pupal chamber or bark for 1 to 2 weeks before emerging head-first through a D-shaped exit hole that is 3 to 4 mm in diameter (Fig. 5). Studies in Michigan indicate 2 years may be required for A. planipennis to develop in newly infested ash trees that are relatively healthy. In these trees, many A. planipennis overwinter as early instars, feed a second summer, overwinter as prepupae, and emerge the following summer. In trees stressed by physical injury, high A. planipennis densities, or other problems, all or nearly all larvae develop in a single year. Whether a 2-year life cycle will occur in warmer southern states is not yet known.

Distribution and HostsA. planipennis is native to Asia and is found in China and Korea. It is also reported in Japan, Mongolia, the Russian Far East, and Taiwan. In China, high populations of A. planipennis occur primarily in Fraxinus chinensis and F. rhynchophylla, usually when those trees are stressed by drought or injury. Other Asian hosts (F. mandshurica var. japonica, Ulmus davidiana var. japonica, Juglans mandshurica var. sieboldiana, and Pterocarya rhoifolia) may be colonized by this or a related species. In North America A. planipennis has attacked only ash trees. Host preference of A. planipennis or resistance among North American ash species may vary. Green ash (F. pennsylvanica) and black ash (F. nigra), for example, appear to be highly preferred, while white ash (F. americana) and blue ash (F. quadrangulata) are less preferred. At this time all species and varieties of native ash in North America appear to be at risk from this pest.

Signs and SymptomsIt is difficult to detect A. planipennis in newly infested trees because they exhibit few, if any, external symptoms. Jagged holes excavated by woodpeckers feeding on late instar or prepupal larvae may be the first sign that a tree is infested (Fig. 6). D-shaped exit holes left by emerging adult beetles may be seen on branches or the trunk, especially on trees with smooth bark (Fig 5). Bark may split vertically over larval feeding galleries. When the bark is removed from infested trees, the distinct, frass-filled larval galleries that etch the outer sapwood and phloem are readily visible (Fig. 4 and Fig. 7). An elliptical area of discolored sapwood, usually a result of secondary infection by fungal pathogens, sometimes surrounds galleries. As A. planipennis densities build, foliage wilts, branches die, and the tree canopy becomes increasingly thin. Many trees appear to lose about 30 to 50 percent of the canopy after only a few years of infestation. Trees may die after 3 to 4 years of heavy infestation (Fig. 7). Epicormic shoots may arise on the trunk or branches of the tree (Fig. 8), often at the margin of live and dead tissue. Dense root sprouting sometimes occurs after trees die.A. planipennis larvae have developed in branches and trunks ranging from 2.5 cm (1 inch) to 140 cm (55 inches) in diameter. Although stressed trees are initially more attractive to A. planipennis than healthy trees are, in many areas all or nearly all ash trees greater than 3 cm in diameter have been attacked. Figure 7. Ash tree killed by

emerald ash borer. Note the serpentine galleries.

Figure 8. Epicormic branching on a heavily infested ash tree.

ResourcesFor more information on the emerald ash borer and related topics... •Visit the following Web sites:

Multi-agency Emerald Ash Borer Web Site: www.emeraldashborer.info

USDA Forest Service: www.na.fs.fed.us/fhp/eab/

USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service: www.aphis.usda.gov/plant_health/

•Contact your state Department of Agriculture, State Forester, or Cooperative Extension Office.

Prepared by:Deborah G. McCullough, professor, Departments of Entomology and Forestry, Michigan State UniversityNoel F. Schneeberger, Forest Health Program leader, and Steven A. Katovich, forest entomologist, Northeastern Area State and Private Forestry, USDA Forest Service

Photo credits:David L. Cappaert and Howard Russell, Michigan State University, www.forestryimages.org Steven A. Katovich, USDA Forest Service, www.forestryimages.orgEdward Czerwinski, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, www.forestryimages.org

Published by: USDA Forest Service Northeastern Area State and Private Forestry

Newtown Square, PA 19073

www.na.fs.fed.us

Federal Recycling ProgramPrinted on recycled paper.

Figure 5. D-shaped hole where an adult beetle emerged.

Figure 6. Jagged holes left by woodpeckers feeding on larvae.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Emerald Ash Borers: They’re Headed Our Way

WHAT CAN WE DO?

The St. Lawrence County Environmental Management Council recommends these actions:

Know what you own. Can you identify the species all of the trees on your property? Do you know which are ash trees?

Help your neighbors to identify their ash trees.

If you do have ash trees, are they located near structures, near power lines, etc.? Think about preventive maintenance for these trees, such as trimming branches to reduce risks to adjacent structures or power lines.

If your ash tree(s) is/are damaged, consult with an arborist. It may be better to plan for eventually taking the tree down on your schedule and within your budget, rather than waiting for it to become a hazard.

Keep aware of the problem. If and when the Emerald Ash Borer is found in St. Lawrence County, it will be publicly announced. At that point, you will be asked to inspect your ash trees closely. You may be able to treat your ash trees with one of several insecticides or biocontrols that are being researched now.

For further information about the Emerald Ash Borer and its potential to damage our tree canopy, see:

http://www.dec.ny.gov/pubs/74682.html

http://stopthebeetle.info/

http://www.nyis.info/?action=eab

http://www.nyis.info/pdf/NYS%20Emerald%20Ash%20Borer%20 Management%20Plan%20Development%20Workbook.pdf

http://www.co.st-lawrence.ny.us/Departments/Planning/AdvisoryBoards/ EnvironmentalManagementCouncil

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Tenbusch, John

From: Tenbusch, JohnSent: Tuesday, May 10, 2016 4:24 PMTo: Andy Soutar; Dana Smith; Joseph Brant; Lance Rudiger; 'Peter Skomsky'Subject: EMC: WMC mtg report 5.10.2016

St. Lawrence County Environmental Management Council

Watershed Management Committee Meeting Report

Tuesday May 10, 2016 Meeting started at 4:04 PM. Present: D. Smith. J. Tenbusch, staff. Absent: J. Brant, chair; L. Rudiger; P. Skomsky; A. Soutar. Item 1: Reports on Priority Items No report.

Presenting the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Watershed Erosion Prediction Project (WEPP) program. No report

Placing “Invasive Species Drop Boxes” at launch/take out sites. No report.

Develop a map of public amenities available along Black Lake. No progress.

Develop “No Mow Zone” project in Waddington. Smith reported that ownership/management has changed at the Twin Brooks Golf Course in Waddington. Therefore, they may no longer be a suitable candidate as a site for a “No Mow” zone.

Next Meeting: The next WMC meeting will be determined at the EMC meeting in May. The meeting adjourned at 4:10 PM. Report compiled by J. Tenbusch ========================== John F. Tenbusch Planner II St. Lawrence County Planning Office