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.
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has 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.)