Minnesota Forest Pest First Detector Program

1. Minnesota Forest Pest First Detector Program

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

3. 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.

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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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.

10. Minnesota’s First Detection • May 13 Arborist notices woodpecker damage on ash, eventually finds larvae • May 13 PM – phone call to MDA regarding find • May 14 AM – MDA visits sites and collects samples • May 14 PM – USDA confirms find based on digital photos • May 14 PM – Find announced at a press conference in St Paul • Infestation is one of the youngest found – estimated 3 years old from dendrochronological analysis

11. 2008 - 2010 EAB Reports • Arrest the Pest (MDA) = 1814 calls between May 13 – December 31, 2009 • 116 calls during all of 2008 • First Detector Hotline = 1025 calls during 2009 • First Detector Referrals = 228 during 2009 Bronze birch borer

12. 2009 First Detector Experiences • First Detector Report Logs • 50 cases logged and turned in to MDA • 2 were insect-based • 48 were tree-based • 4 were not ash (~8%) • EAB ruled out by First Detector in 40 (80%) • First Detector not sure on 10 (20%) • MDA consulted on 5 (10%) Bronze birch borer

13. Confidentiality Form

14. New and Emerging Invasive Forest Pests Curtis Utley, CSUE, Bugwood.org Plant & Disease Image Library, Bugwood.org

15. 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

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

17. John H. Ghent, USDA Forest Service The Pests • Emerald ash borer • Gypsy moth • Asian longhorned beetle • Thousand cankers on walnut Curtis Utley, CSUE, Bugwood.org