Feb 26, 2014 2 min read

Methods to combat an invasive insect pest proving deadly to Pennsylvania’s ash trees will be showcased in the coming months in a series of free, public workshops planned across the state, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Ellen Ferretti announced today.

Beginning in mid-March and ending in mid-June, workshops will be held in Chester, Huntingdon, Allegheny and Tioga counties as part of DCNR’s ongoing Emerald Ash Borer Management Plan for Pa. Communities. Admission to the day-long sessions is free, but registration is required.

“Attendees will leave these workshops with a wealth of newfound knowledge on what they can do personally to challenge the emerald ash borer’s spread,” said Ferretti. Panels will focus on the biology of the ash tree and its insect enemy; damage detection and control; and ash tree inventories and management strategies.

Attendees also will be introduced to urban tree benefits; insect management tools; utilization of dead ash trees; costs of management options; and species selection to replace dead ash trees. Field trips to local management areas and chemical treatment demonstrations are planned.

The Allegheny County workshop will be held from 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. May 14 at North Park Lodge, North Park, Pittsburgh,

Reservations must be made five days in advance of the workshops by calling 717-783-2066 or emailing cshafer@pa.gov. Workshops will be held regardless of weather; refreshments will be provided at the sessions.

Most recently, emerald ash borer infestations have been confirmed in 47 of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties. It is now found in 22 states.

Details on the emerald ash borer and other Pennsylvania forest pests can be found at http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/forestry/insectsdisease/index.htm