Minnesota Forest Pest First Detector Program

1. Minnesota Forest Pest First Detector Program • Welcome

2. Other Program Offerings Today • Continuing Education: • International Society of Arborist • 4.25 CEUs • Minnesota Tree Inspector Recertication • Society of American Foresters – Continuing Forestry Education • Category 1: 3.5 CFE Credits • Tree Inspector Exam

3. What is your vocation? • City forester • DNR employee • Educator • Other government employee • Master volunteer • Certified arborist • Private tree/forestry consultant • Other 0 of 5

4. Which are you? • Became a First Detector in 2008 • Became a First Detector in 2009 • Became a First Detector in 2010 • Want to become a First Detector in 2011 • Not interested in being a First Detector 0 of 5

5. Why are you here: • To volunteer to help find these species • To learn more about these species • To stay current on invasive species • For my job • Need the CEU credits • Love to sit in the classroom • Better manage my trees • All of the above • Other

6. Introductions

7. Minnesota Forest Pest First Detector Program • Everyone Checked In?

8. On with the program…. Minnesota Forest Pest First Detectors

9. New and Emerging Invasive Forest Pests

10. Meaning of “Invasive” • Species non-native to an environment may be called: • Alien, Exotic or Introduced • If they also cause harm to the economy, environment and / or human health they are called: Invasive • Native species are not called invasive even if they do cause harm Polydrusus spp. Steve Katovich USDA Forest Serivce Emerald ash borer Jeff Hahn, University of Minnesota Bronze birch borer Steve Katovich USDA Forest Serivce

11. Meaning of “New and Emerging” • New = not present • Asian longhorned beetle • Emerging = present but not widely distributed • Gypsy moth • Established = widely present • Dutch elm disease

12. Minnesota Forest Pest First Detector Becoming a…

13. Requirements • Complete the three on-line modules • Agree to the criteria, standards and expectations First Detectors • Fill out and sign the First Detector Confidentiality Form Minnesota Forest Pest First DetectorsVolunteer Program

14. Role of the First Detector “Do I Have?” Checklist Pest Reporter First Detector Hotline First Detector Evaluate Using Guidelines Minnesota Department of Agriculture

15. Responsibilities of the First Detector • Follow the Guidelines for all reports. • Triage pest reports and pass to MDA if pest can’t be ruled out. • Collect samples or pictures if convenient, else pass on information for MDA to collect sample.

16. Report Logs • Record each report – regardless of resolution • Primarily for work done as a First Detector • MDA will collect Report Logs in December

17. Handling Samples • Collecting Samples • Collect it yourself if convenient, else • Have reporter send to MDA if possible, or • Let MDA know to collect if needed • Types • Wood or bark • Insects • Digital pictures • Handling • Treat as if infested with pest – keep contained • Protect from damage, elements

18. Handling Samples • Wood or bark • Handle like it contains pest • Secure so an emerging adult could not escape • Double bag w/ heavy plastic bags at minimum • Keep it cool until passed on to MDA • Insects • Secure in a sealable container that is crush-proof • Store in a cool place (freezer) until passed on to MDA • Digital pictures • Use whenever possible to expedite process • Send to Arrest.The.Pest@state.mn.usas attachment

19. Common Reporting Situations • Insect-based • Saw it, but didn’t capture it • Have a specimen • Tree-based • Sample within reach? • Tree to be felled in future? • Re-contact if situation changes • Consider phenology and host specificity when evaluating reports

20. Working with the Public • If possible, have the citizen review the appropriate checklist • First Detectors do not have authority to enter private property without permission • Being a First Detector is a volunteer activity

21. First Detectors • Cumulative Total: • 2008 - 157 • 2009 - 225 • 2010 – 301 • In 64 of 84 counties

22. Good Digital Photos • In focus • Have object for scale • Well lighted • Different parts/views of the plant/insect: • Flower, stem, leaf, fruit, or seedhead • Whole plant or insect

23. Bad Digital Photos Too Blurry Too Vague Too Dim

24. Site Visits • Contact the owner before making a site visit. • The homeowner should be present for visit. • Get permission to look at the tree and/or pick up the insect. • Explain the First Detector Program. • Explain what your responsibilities are. • Be polite, courteous and respect property. • Report back to the homeowner the results of your findings if a decision is not made on site.

25. 2008 - 2010 EAB Reports Bronze birch borer

26. First Detector Program Awards • Awards: •  Distinguished Team - U of MN Extension's Dean Award •  Innovation & Technology – MANREP •  Excellence in Natural Resources Programming – MANREP •  Innovative Programs Silver Award (National) – ANREP •  Outstanding Team Silver Award (National) – ANREP • Professional Presentations/Publications: •  New Zealand Journal of Forestry Science (publication) •  Association of Natural Resource Extension Professionals •  MN Society of American Foresters •  MN/WI Invasive Species Conference • EAB Research & Development Meeting

27. Volunteer Confidentiality • Protecting confidential information and not releasing any information that has not already been made public by Authorities Minnesota Forest Pest First Detectors

28. Confidentiality Form

29. Questions?