Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

WARREN – The Allegheny National Forest and the National Wild Turkey Federation are hosting an informational workshop about the emerald ash borer. The workshop will be held on June 18, 2015 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Allegheny National Forest Supervisor's Office, 4 Farm Colony Dr., Warren, Pennsylvania. Emerald ash borer is an exotic, wood boring beetle native to Asia that attacks all species of North American ash trees. It has killed an estimated 50 million ash trees in the United States and Canada since 2002. “This workshop is designed to help area landowners learn about this invasive pest that is devastating all North American ash species, and has established infestations across much of the ANF region,” said Andrea Hille, Forest Silviculturist. Several EAB experts will present information on a broad range of topics regarding EAB, including: • Emerald ash borer biology, history introduction and spread (Dr. Houping Liu, Entomologist, PA DCNR) • Pennsylvania Ash Manageme...

Washington, DC - Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) announced that he has sent a letter to the Chief of U.S. Forest Service, Tom Tidwell, urging the agency to develop a plan to combat a new threat of invasive species in the Allegheny National Forest (ANF). Right now the ANF is beset by Hemlock Woolly Adelgid and the Emerald Ash Borer, threatening Pennsylvania’s timber industry in Northwestern Pennsylvania, which last year alone saw $7 million in timber sales. In his letter, Casey asked the U.S. Forest Service to model any efforts to combat the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid and the Emerald Ash Borer after other efforts to confront the growth of the Gypsy Moth. “The Allegheny National Forest is one our state’s treasures and a key part of the economy in Northwestern Pennsylvania,” Senator Casey said. “The health of the Allegheny National Forest is directly related to the health of Northwestern Pennsylvania’s timber industry and the jobs it supports. I’m urging the Forest Service to tak...

Invasive Species' Harming PA Economy WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) today called on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to step up agriculture inspections to prevent invasive species from entering the country following a report that such inspections have dropped dramatically in the ten years since the formation of DHS. “The strength of the American people – our health, our economy, even our military – relies significantly on the security of our food supply,” Senator Casey wrote in a letter to DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano. “Invasive species, such as the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug, the Emerald Ash Borer and the Asian Longhorned Beetle have caused a significant amount of physical and economic damage in Pennsylvania. The federal approach toward the problem of invasive species must concentrate on prevention, not ignore it.” Senator Casey urged DHS to cross-train staff so they are prepared to identify threats to the safety of the agricultural and forestry ind...

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture today announced that the state Emerald Ash Borer quarantine restricting the in-state movement of ash materials and all hardwood firewood will be lifted April 15. However, a federal quarantine remains in effect. The Emerald Ash Borer is a highly invasive, wood-boring beetle that kills ash trees and poses a threat to the state’s $25 billion hardwoods industry. Acting Agriculture Secretary George Greig says because the Emerald Ash Borer has moved rapidly across the state, the in-state quarantine restrictions no longer serve a productive purpose. Since 2007, when the Emerald Ash Borer was first observed in Butler County, the pest has been found in 17 additional counties, including Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Bedford, Centre, Clarion, Cumberland, Fulton, Indiana, Juniata, Lawrence, Mercer, Mifflin, Somerset, Union, Washington and Westmoreland. For more information, go here PDF

The emerald ash borer beetle is already in Randolph, New York, now it’s closing in on the area from the east, too. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation confirmed that an ash borer beetle was found in a purple trap box in Pembroke in Genesee County, New York. The beetle has been confirmed in several counties in New York and Pennsylvania. Last week, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources added 31 counties to the quarantine list. That brings to 43 the number of counties where movement of ash, including firewood, is restricted. http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/forestry/fpm_invasives_eab.aspx

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation says more trees in the Randolph area have been infested with emerald ash borer, a tree-killing beetle first confirmed in New York last year. DEC foresters have detected emerging insects on private woodlands south of Interstate 86, but within the previously established quarantine area. The emerald ash borer is a small but destructive beetle that infests and kills North American ash tree species, including green, white, black and blue ash. Since it was first discovered in Michigan in 2002, the emerald ash borer has spread to 13 states, including Pennsylvania, and two Canadian provinces and is responsible for the destruction of 70 million trees in the United States alone. After the insect was discovered in Cattaraugus County last year, a multi-agency effort was undertaken to attempt to control its spread. An informational meeting was held last night in Randolph and DEC officials say property owners, and communties, should be read...

By ANNE HOLLIDAY WESB/WBRR News Director Foster Township Police Chief Jeff Wolbert is hoping to retire next year. Wolbert made the unofficial announcement during Monday’s Foster Township supervisors meeting after a question by Interstate Parkway resident Joe Piganelli. Piganelli said, because they know he attends the township meetings, several people asked if he knew anything about Wolbert retiring. Wolbert said he hopes to retire in January. He’ll be retirement age in November. Piganelli then asked if the supervisors had a plan to name a new police chief. “We’ve had some discussions” supervisor Chris Wolcott said. Piganelli asked if the discussions would be just among the supervisors, or if the public would be involved. “I don’t see that the public needs to be necessarily involved at this stage,” Wolcott said, adding that the supervisors are willing to take comments and suggestions. “We don’t even have a plan right at the moment,” Wolcott said. “We’ve had some discussions but, actuall...

More trees in the Randolph area are now infested with the Emerald Ash Borer beetle. In mid-June of last year the New York Department of Environmental Conservation announced that the destructive beetle had infested about 30 trees just south of Interstate 86. Today, DEC said more trees in the same area are infested. Foresters have detected the insect on private woodlands south of Interstate 86 in an area where trees are already quarantined. The beetle infests and kills North American ash tree species, including green, white, black and blue ash. So far, it’s spread to 13 states and two Canadian provinces and is responsible destroying more than 70 million trees. The invasive beetle was first detected in Pennsylvania in the summer of 2007 in Butler County, and subsequently was found in Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Bedford, Indiana, Juniata, Lawrence, Mercer, Mifflin, Washington and Westmoreland counties. Emerald ash borer traps (those purple boxes hanging from trees) can be seen throughout...

Emerald Ash Borer beetles have been found in Juniata County, bringing to 11 the number of Pennsylvania counties where the ash tree-destroying pest has been identified. Acting Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding says a state-imposed quarantine is being expanded to include Juniata County. He's reminding people to use only locally harvested firewood, burn all of the firewood on-site, and not carry it to new locations. The invasive beetle was first detected in Pennsylvania in the summer of 2007 in Butler County, and subsequently was found in Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Indiana, Lawrence, Mercer, Mifflin, Washington and Westmoreland counties. It's also been found in Cattaraugus County, New York, near Randolph. http://www.agriculture.state.pa.us/agriculture/cwp/view.asp?A=390&Q=153457

The US Department of Agriculture has doubled the amount of funding it will provide to New York State to battle the spread of the emerald ash borer. Senator Chuck Schumer says the funding has been boosted to $200,000. The destructive beetle was found last month in Randolph, New York, and has already destroyed dozens of trees. With the extra money, New York's Department of Environmental Conservation will be able to survey the state to determine the extent of the infestation, and create and enact a plan to fight the spread of the beetle.

New signs are now in place across the Allegheny National Forest as a reminder to visitors – burn it where you buy it! The purple panel trap in the upper right is one of many across the forest. These traps are monitored throughout the summer to detect emerald ash borer. The emerald ash borer continues on its relentless move across the United States, but only with the help of people moving firewood. A weak flyer, the emerald ash borer, can normally only expand its range less than ½ miles per year on its own. But, this disastrous critter has been hopping from state to state in firewood being transported from home to camps, or vice-versa. It has recently been found in Randolph, New York, near Allegany State Park. Please leave your firewood at home over the Fourth of July weekend if you plan to come to the Allegheny NF. If you do buy or collect firewood once you arrive on the forest, burn it where you buy it. Protect your forest.

The emerald ash borer has been found in Cattaraugus County. The destructive beetle that infests and kills North American ash tree species has been found Randolph. The infestation was first reported on June 15 after US Department of Agriculture employees recognized damage on trees just off Exit 16 of Interstate 86. About 30 trees have been affected. The purple boxes people see hanging from trees in the region are emerald ash borer traps.

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) is hanging purple panel traps in trees along roadsides and other open areas in the forest to survey for emerald ash borer (EAB) beetles. The color of the purple traps is pleasing to EAB beetles; the traps contain Manuka oil which, to an EAB beetle, is a pleasant scent that mimics that smell of an ash tree. Insects attracted to the purple panel traps become stuck on the panels. The panel traps are surveyed on a schedule to identify insects on the trap. Pennsylvania crews will be driving crew-cab pickup trucks with yellow magnetic signs identifying them as PDA Plant Pest personnel. These crews will also be completing visual surveys and sweep netting of brush to potentially catch a beetle. Placement of these traps is part of a much larger EAB management strategy that includes quarantines, closure orders, tree harvesting, surveys, and bans on the movement of firewood to slow the spread of EAB. Since 2002, the EAB beetle has killed 50...

- Some recreation facilities on the Allegheny National Forest (NF) are opening this weekend, thus they will be open for the opening day, 4/18, of trout season according to Forest Supervisor Leanne Marten. Water may not be turned on at many areas. Recreation Areas scheduled to be open for the beginning of fishing season are: · Primitive Campgrounds with vault restrooms: Beaver Meadows, Hearts Content, Minister Creek and Tracy Ridge; · Improved Campgrounds with vault toilets and electric hookups; bathhouses will not be opened due to cold weather: Loleta, Red Bridge, and Twin Lakes; · Boat-to Campgrounds: Allegheny Reservoir-Handsome Lake, Hooks Brook, Hopewell, Morrison, and Pine Grove; Tionesta Reservoir-Tionesta Lake; · Boat Launches: Allegheny Reservoir-Elijah Run, Kiasutha, Roper Hollow, Webbs Ferry, and Willow Bay; Other Boat Launches: Beaver Meadows and Irwin Run on the Clarion River; · Day-Use Areas: Beaver Meadows, Hearts Content, Jakes Rocks Overlook, Loleta, Rimrock Over...

An invasive beetle that destroys ash trees has been found in central Pennsylvania. State Agriculture Secretary Dennis Wolff said today that emerald ash borers were identified in Granville in Mifflin County. To help slow the spread of the beetle, Mifflin County will now be included in a quarantine already imposed on five counties in western Pennsylvania. The quarantine restricts the movement of nursery stock, green lumber and any other ash material.

Last year people were concerned about the emerald ash borer beetle. This year area maple producers are concerned about the Asian longhorn beetle, which targets maple forests. The New York State Maple Producers say an effort is underway to fund research into these pests and others. The money will come from a new two-cent assessment on the sale of every maple syrup container sold or produced for consumers. The beetle is currently within 100 miles of Western New York, which has prompted authorities to prohibit people from bringing firewood into campgrounds.

It’s hunting season. You’re ready to take a week off for some grouse or woodcock hunting in the Allegheny National Forest (NF); maybe even a side trip for pheasants to a nearby State Game Lands. The camp is ready for a week of you and your friends. Bring your firearm; leave the firewood at home. Leave your campfire wood at home! Dangerous insects are hitching rides inside firewood to new forests as people travel from their home to their recreation area and back. Collect or buy your firewood once you arrive at your hunting camp, be it a tent or a cabin. Firewood is available for purchase from local venders or for collection on the Allegheny NF. If you intend to collect more firewood on the Allegheny NF than needed solely for a campfire (for instance to stock up on firewood at your hunting camp), a fuelwood permit is necessary. Fuelwood permits for personal use are available at all Allegheny NF offices. Protect the forest that provides habitat for wildlife by leaving your firewoo...

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture has banned the transport of firewood from Mercer County after state workers found evidence of the emerald ash borer this morning. Ash borers are invasive and destructive beetles that destroy ash trees. They were first spotted in Pennsylvania in 2007. The state responded with a quarantine on firewood from Allegheny, Beaver, Butler and Lawrence counties. Survey workers from the Department of Agriculture have set traps for ash borers throughout in region, including several in the City of Bradford. The traps are those purple boxes hanging from trees. No insects have been found in this region.

If you haven't seen any of those "purple boxes" so many people are still curious about, there's one hanging in Callahan Park. Once again, they're emerald ash borer traps put up to see if the destructive beetle has made its way to this part of the state yet. City Parks Director Chip Comilla points out the sign tied to the tree explaining that the Department of Agriculture is doing "insect monitoring."

It seems a lot of people are still curious about those purple boxes hanging from trees in the region. For those of you who don't know, they are Emerald Ash Borer traps. The state Department of Agriculture put them up to see if the destructive beetle has made it to this part of the state yet. For more information, you can check out our previous posts on the topic HERE .