“The Three Biggest Threats to Maine’s Landscapes and Forests”

Asian Longhorned Beetle

“The Three Biggest Threats to Maine’s Landscapes and Forests” May 31

Camden, Maine-There are three big threats to Maine’s landscapes and forests: the Asian longhorned beetle, the emerald ash borer, and the hemlock woolly adelgid. While you are enjoying the outdoors, look out for these pests! Invasive insects are threatening the trees of Maine. To help community members recognize these pests, and know what to do to assist Maine agencies in protecting our forests, the Camden Public Library is hosting a public presentation by entomologist Karen Coluzzi on the three invasive insects. 

Each of these pests has a favorite tree, and each has been causing widespread devastation in areas where they are established.  The Asian longhorned beetle, which attacks healthy hardwood trees, primarily maple, has established itself firmly in nearby Massachusetts. Over 30,000 trees have been removed in an effort to eradicate it and stop it from spreading. The emerald ash borer is established in 15 states, and has caused the destruction of millions of ash trees, and has recently been detected east of the Hudson River in New York. Neither of these beetles have been discovered in Maine yet. The hemlock woolly adelgid is in Maine and is not only a threat to ornamental hemlocks but to forested stands as well. HWA occurs in approximately 18 states and is responsible for widespread hemlock mortality. In Maine, HWA is established in parts of York, Cumberland, Sagadahoc, and Lincoln counties, and has been found on planted hemlock on Mount Desert. HWA spreads easily and may go unrecognized for years.

When infestations of these insects are found early, control and management are more successful and less expensive. An informed and aware public contributes greatly to early detection. A slide presentation will teach about these insects, how to recognize them, how to recognize an infested tree, and how to report them. Insect and wood displays will be available to look at also.

Emerald ash borer larva (Photo by David Cappaert, Michigan State University)

KAREN COLUZZI

Karen Coluzzi

Maine Department of Agriculture Entomologist and State Survey Coordinator Karen Coluzzi has been with the Maine Department of Agriculture since 2003, where she works as the State Survey Coordinator for the Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey (CAPS) Program. The CAPS Program, which is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS), provides a mechanism for early detection of foreign plant pests and diseases that could be harmful to our agricultural and natural resources. Karen coordinates exotic pest detection surveys throughout the state and works with industry and stakeholders to raise awareness of harmful exotic pests. She received her Master of Science degree in entomology from the University of Maine in 2005.