EAB in Dutchess County

[Rebecca Hargrave]

Recent news: The Emerald Ash Borer has been found in Dutchess County, across from the large Ulster and Greene County infestation. This is the first EAB find east of the Hudson River. See the 2011 maps at http://www.nyis.info/index.php?action=eab_maps

The new location is not yet on the map.

[Jeff Jourdain]

Rebecca-

Do you know how long it took from when the EAB was initially found in Ulster & greene counties until they found it in Duchess county?  Just trying to think how long before it reaches us in the Berkshires.

Jeff

[Rebecca Hargrave]

Jeff,

A short time line:

EAB found in Ulster County in 2010. In early 2011 the largest EAB delineation program ever surveyed 100s of trees in Ulster, Greene and Dutchess County- none found in Dutchess. Trap trees were also established on both sides.

Although EAB was found in Ulster in 2010, it is thought to have been there for 5+ years before it was spotted.

Looking at the rate of natural spread (generally less than a couple miles a year)- combine it with control efforts/ sink trees which seems to reduce that spread rate. In Randolf, NY (found 2009 extensive control and sink tree efforts there) it looks like 1/2 mile spread from the original core.

So. What does that mean for the Berkshires? If you make the assumption that only natural spread will move EAB, you have some time. But, I wouldn't make that assumption.

If you've got some time this weekend, go out and scout for woodpeckering on local ash trees- it's a great early detection method. http://www.nyis.info/index.php?action=signs

[Rebecca Hargrave]

The official Press Release came out today: http://www.dec.ny.gov/press/81718.html