Invasive forest insect training

    GREENVILLE — The Piscataquis County Soil and Water Conservation District (PCSWCD) will host representatives from the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (Maine DACF) as they conduct an invasive forest insect outreach volunteer training at the Greenville town office on Wednesday, Feb. 11 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

    The focus of this free workshop is to train people to recognize, report and to spread awareness about key pests such as the Asian longhorned beetle (ALB), the emerald ash borer (EAB), hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) and other invasive tree pests. These invasive tree pests pose serious threats to the trees and forests of Maine. Although ALB and EAB have not been found in Maine, the emerald ash borer has been found in New Hampshire, 35 miles from the Maine state line. HWA is established in coastal locations in Maine The best defense for trees and forests is early detection by people who work with trees, those who enjoy the outdoors and those involved in community education. This training will prepare folks with the necessary tools and information to help protect our forests from these invasive pests.
    Anyone interested in learning how to recognize invasive tree pests and who are interested in protecting our natural resources should consider attending this training. This training would be valuable for residents working in the wood products industry, including but not limited to foresters, mill workers, loggers and landowners. Participants who attend this training will also learn how to effectively disseminate information to the public to help spread awareness. All information, materials and guidance will be provided by the Forest Pest Outreach Project coordinators.
    Lorraine Taft and Karen Coluzzi of the Maine DACF, and Allison Kanoti, Maine forest entomologist with the Maine DACF, will be presenting this training to participants. Training topics will include the potential impact of ALB, EAB and HWA in Maine, current management activities, pest and infestation identification, pest life cycles, infestation reporting, host tree identification and community response planning. Free credits for licensed foresters and pesticide applicators will be available for attending this valuable training.
    Those interested in attending this training are strongly encouraged to pre-register by contacting the Piscataquis County Soil and Water Conservation District at 564-2321 ext. 3 or by sending an email to info@piscataquisswcd.org.