Asian Longhorned Beetle Updates

August 08, 2008

MASSACHUSETTS
Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation ( DCR ) issue a quarantine order to suppress, control and eradicate ALB in any area of Massachusetts. The order regulates the transport of wood debris ½ in diameter or larger within the quarantine area.

August 16, 2008

RHODE ISLAND
RITree and RIDEM representatives visit ALB infestation site in Worcester, MA.

August 19, 2008

MASSACHUSETTS
Regulated area to suppress and control the ALB increases from 16 to 34 square miles as more ALB infested trees are found throughout Worcester County ( see map details at www.massnrc.org/pests/alb/ ).

August 22, 2008

MASSACHUSETTS
ALB Survey Teams begin tree inspections on public and private property in quarantine area. Residents notified by mail of need to survey property.

September 01, 2008

RHODE ISLAND
RITree announces the formation of the ALB Eradication Task Force to be headed by former State Forester Tom Dupree.

September 08, 2008

MASSACHUSETTS
ALB compliance training for businesses dealing with host materials in the regulated area is announced. Sessions will be held on 9-10, 9-13, 10-15 and 10-22-08.

September 10, 2008

RHODE ISLAND
RITree develops and sends ALB Pest Alert Posters and other pest information materials to all public libraries in Rhode Island.

September 28, 2008

MASSACHUSETTS
Regulated area increases to 62 square miles as the ALB is found in parts of towns of Boylston, Holden, Shrewsbury and West Boylston.

October 01, 2008

RHODE ISLAND
RIDEM mails announcement of ALB discovery in Massachusetts to all RI licensed arborists.

October 10, 2008

RHODE ISLAND
The Providence Journal reports that ALB larvae were found in firewood brought from Worcester to a residence in Cranston, RI. RIDEM officials in same article warn residents not to buy firewood from other states.

October 12, 2008

RHODE ISLAND
RITree and RIDEM announce plans to hold ALB Informational Workshops for state and municipal employees and tree care professionals in November and December ( see ALB Workshops for details ).

October 22, 2008

RHODE ISLAND
RITree officials attend ALB Workshop presented by the MA Tree Wardens and Forester’s Association in Waltham, MA.

October 22, 2008

MASSACHUSETTS
The Massachusetts Tree Wardens & Foresters Association holds an ALB Informational Session for tree care professionals in Waltham, MA.

November 09, 2008

MASSACHUSETTS
DCR and USDA-FS estimate cost of ALB control in Worcester County between $17 and $24 million. The majority of this cost estimate is for on-going detection surveys and the removal, chipping and burning of infested trees.

November 11, 2008

RHODE ISLAND
RITree Executive Committee recommends Board of Directors approve Strategic Plan drafted by ALB Eradication Task Force at next quarterly Board meeting December 10, 2008.

November 18, 2008

MASSACHUSETTS
DCR officials ask legislators to pass stiffer fines and penalties for anyone in violation of tree quarantine in Massachusetts. The legislation, if approved, will impose a fine of up to $25,000 per day and imprisonment of up to one year for anyone who violates quarantine rules and regulations.

November 20, 2008

MASSACHUSETTS
Worcester Telegraph and Gazette reported that the number of ALB infested trees has jumped from 1,700 to 3,200 over the past month. This figure was publically announced at a news conference by Worcester City Manager Michael V. O’Brien.

November 20, 2008

RHODE ISLAND
RITree announces the development of an ALB Power Point CD. The 17 slide CD examines the ALB threat in RI and explains how to identify ALB and to detect tree damage caused by this pest. The CD will be given free to any group, individual, or agency that agrees to show it as part of a ALB public awareness promotion.

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