An important message from the USDA

An important message from The Rhode Island Tree Council

USDA Volunteer Forest Pest Survey

America’s trees are under attack. Help us track down the killer beetles.

The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) beetle and Asian Longhorned Beetle (ALB) have destroyed millions of trees throughout the United States. The USDA and The Rhode Island Tree Council are partnering to ask members of The Rhode Island Tree Council to participate in the Volunteer EAB/ALB Forest Pest Survey. We need your help to determine if these damaging forest pests are in your community.

The EAB and ALB most likely arrived in the United States inside solid wood packing material from Asia. Since their discovery, infestations of ALB have been reported in four states and infestations of EAB in 13 states. There could be other undetected infestations in the country as well.

Be an ace beetle detective. Start searching today.

You can help us stop the spread of the beetles — and the devastation to our forests, parks and neighborhoods — by searching your community for signs of both beetles. Just follow these simple steps:

1. 1. Review the attached fact sheet to become familiar with the EAB and ALB as well as signs of damage. Take the fact sheet for reference when you search.
2. 2. Locate host trees in your search area. The EAB lives in ash trees and the ALB lives in hardwood trees, particularly maple, birch, horsechestnut, willow and elm. Carefully examine each tree for signs of infestation. Take notes on the following:

• • Area searched.
• • Types of trees examined.
• • Descriptions of any beetles or signs of infestation detected. It is also helpful to take pictures of the insects or damage to your trees.

1. 3. Report both positive and negative sightings online at BeetleDetectives.com. Negative sightings help confirm that the beetles were not found in your area. Make sure you indicate your organization’s name on the online reporting form.

All reports of suspect pests will be followed up by Federal and/ or State agriculture officials. No pest reports will be considered confirmed unless verified by Federal and/ or State officials.

Help your organization become top-ranked beetle detectives.

At BeetleDetectives.com, we will rank participating organizations based on the reports their members submit. If you know other people who would like to help protect our trees, forward this email to them and ask them to report their findings as an individual.

Thanks in advance for helping protect America’s trees!

Robin Enos

Community Coordinator

Rhode Island Tree Council

Patricia M. Douglass

State Plant Health Director

USDA/Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

Liz Lopes-Duguay

State Survey Coordinator

Rhode Island Division of Environmental Management