New York Forest Health Advisory Council
For Immediate Release: June 18, 2009
Contact: Mark Whitmore, mcw42@cornell.edu

Impacts and recommendations related to the recent confirmation of Emerald
Ash Borer in Randolph, Cattaraugus County, NY.

The first occurrence of emerald ash borer (EAB, Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire) in New York State was
confirmed by the NY Department of Agriculture and Markets and Department of Environmental Conservation
on June 17, 2009 in Randolph, NY (Cattaraugus County). An invasive beetle native to eastern Asia, EAB kills all
species of ash trees in North America, and has the potential to cause severe economic and ecological damage.
First detected near Detroit in 2002 it has now spread to 13 states, the District of Columbia, and two Canadian
provinces. Ash mortality is 100% near Detroit and is widespread in all the affected areas.

With establishment of EAB in New York State we can expect tremendous economic impacts in forests where
ash is a common timber species and in urban areas where ash are frequently planted as street trees. EAB will
impact a wide range of stakeholders from homeowners and small woodlot owners to municipal governments
and large timber companies. Horticultural and specialty industries that rely heavily on ash, such as baseball
bat and tool handle manufacturers, will be severely impacted by necessary quarantine regulations and the
potential complete loss of ash. Ecological effects of EAB will be greatest in areas where ash is most abundant,
such as along streams and rivers, in northern wetlands, in second growth woodlands of abandoned
agricultural fields, and in the extensive upland forests of New York’s southern tier.

EAB was identified as the top priority of the New York Forest Health Advisory Council (NYFHAC), a group of
leading experts in state, federal, academic, and private institutions that recently formed to identify and
address threats to New York's forests.  NYFHAC makes the following recommendations regarding EAB in NY

- We must all work together to “Slow the Spread” of the EAB. Slowing the spread of EAB will allow more
time to research, refine, and implement sustainable management options and allow communities to
plan for the eventual arrival of this devastating pest.

- DO NOT MOVE FIREWOOD! Movement of ash firewood is the most common method of long‐distance
spread. Current DEC firewood regulations (www.dec.ny.gov/animals/28722.html) limit the
transportation of untreated firewood to less than 50 miles from its source and prohibit the import of
firewood into NY unless it has been heat treated to kill EAB. Compliance with these regulations by the
public is critical to slowing EAB spread in New York.

- Early detection and rapid response are key elements to slowing the spread and minimizing the impact
of EAB. Be aware of the signs and symptoms of EAB for early detection
(http://www.emeraldashborer.info/files/E‐2938.pdf). Have plans in place for a rapid response to EAB
detection. Trees cut for firewood or other uses should be inspected for signs of EAB. If EAB is detected
or suspicious signs are present NYS DEC should be immediately notified. Improper disposal of infested
material can hasten the spread of EAB. 

- If EAB is located in your area, cooperate with state and federal agencies to assist their efforts for
eradication and control.

- Land owners should not act in haste, but deliberately consider their need for action ‐ liquidating ash
shouldn't be the first and only consideration. We recommend participation in local educational
activities through groups such as Cornell Cooperative Extension and the New York Forest Owners
Association to identify management options as well as reputable arborists and forestry professionals in their area.
 
To view photos and get more information visit: www.emeraldashborer.info or
www.dec.ny.gov/animals/7253.html. If you detect EAB or EAB damage, call your county Cooperative
Extension, Regional NYSDEC office, or NYSDEC at (866) 640‐0652 or (518) 402‐9425. Get plugged in to your
local Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (PRISM) to work with other members of your
community in EAB outreach, early detection, and management; find contacts for your local PRISM here
(http://nyis.info/PRISM/Regional_Partnerships.aspx).

Click below for full press release:
Emerald Ash Borer Press Release

Oak Wilt Disease

Oak Wilt disease has been found in the Capital District.  This lethal disease is now present in New York State. Contact your local Cornell Cooperative Extension office if you suspect the trees that you manage are infected.

To learn more vitit the Cornell Coorperative Webpage:
http://www.ccealbany.com/ 

A new threat to forest and landscape trees in New York State
George W. Hudler , Department of Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology

Thanks to keen observations by several homeowners in Schenectady County, New York and prompt action by Cornell Cooperative Extension educator Chris Logue, plant pathologists at Cornell recently confirmed for the first time that oak wilt - a lethal disease of red oaks in the upper Midwest and mid-Atlantic states and Texas - is now present in New York State. So far, oak wilt is only known to occur in the state in an area equal to about three city blocks in Scotia. However, as word of the discovery spreads and more people learn to identify symptoms of the disease, Cornell Plant Disease Diagnostic Laboratory staff expect to process more samples from various localities elsewhere and, from them, to get a better picture of just how widespread the disease is.

Read the entire article in Capital District Growing Trends:
Growing Trends vol 12