Minnesota First Detectors Minnesota Forest Pest First Detector Program Welcome & Intro

Minnesota First Detectors Today Check In Continuing Education: International Society of Arborist 4.25 CEUs Minnesota Tree Inspector Recertication Society of American Foresters – Continuing Forestry Education Category 1: 3.5 CFE Credits

Minnesota First Detectors Today Tree Inspector Exam MN Forest Pest First Detectors Three on-line modules EAB Field Days Agenda: New and Emerging Tree Pests

Minnesota First Detectors What is your vocation? A. City forester B. DNR employee C. Educator D. Other government employee E. Master volunteer F. Certified arborist G. Private tree/forestry consultant H. Other

Minnesota First Detectors Which are you? A. Became a First Detector in 2008 B. Became a First Detector in 2009 C. Became a First Detector in 2010 D. Want to become a First Detector in 2011 E. Not interested in being a First Detector

Minnesota First Detectors Why are you here: A. To volunteer to help find these species B. To learn more about these species C. To stay current on invasive species D. For my job E. Need the CEU credits F. Love to sit in the classroom G. Better manage my trees H. All of the above I. Other

Minnesota First Detectors Introductions

Minnesota First Detectors Questions?

Minnesota First Detectors On with the program…. Minnesota Forest Pest First Detectors

Minnesota First Detectors New and Emerging Invasive Forest Pests

Minnesota First Detectors Meaning of “Invasive” Species non-native to an environment may be called: Alien, Exotic or Introduced If they also cause harm to the economy, environment and / or human health they are called: Invasive Native species are not called invasive even if they do cause harm Polydrusus spp. Steve Katovich USDA Forest Serivce Jeff Hahn, University of Minnesota Emerald ash borer Bronze birch borer Steve Katovich USDA Forest Serivce

Minnesota First Detectors Meaning of “New and Emerging” New = not present Asian longhorned beetle Emerging = present but not widely distributed Gypsy moth Established = widely present Dutch elm disease

Minnesota First Detectors First Detectors Cumulative Total: – 301 In 64 of 84 counties

Minnesota First Detectors Role of the First Detector Pest Reporter “Do I Have?” Checklist First Detector Minnesota Department of Agriculture Evaluate Using Guidelines First Detector Hotline

Minnesota First Detectors Responsibilities of the First Detector Follow the Guidelines for all reports. Triage pest reports and pass to MDA if pest can’t be ruled out. Collect samples or pictures if convenient, else pass on information for MDA to collect sample.

Minnesota First Detectors Report Logs Record each report – regardless of resolution Primarily for work done as a First Detector MDA will collect Report Logs in December

Minnesota First Detectors Handling Samples Collecting Samples Collect it yourself if convenient, else Have reporter send to MDA if possible, or Let MDA know to collect if needed Types Wood or bark Insects Digital pictures Handling Treat as if infested with pest – keep contained Protect from damage, elements

Minnesota First Detectors Handling Samples Wood or bark Handle like it contains pest Secure so an emerging adult could not escape  Double bag w/ heavy plastic bags at minimum  Keep it cool until passed on to MDA Insects Secure in a sealable container that is crush-proof Store in a cool place (freezer) until passed on to MDA Digital pictures Use whenever possible to expedite process Send to as attachment

Minnesota First Detectors Common Reporting Situations Insect-based Saw it, but didn’t capture it Have a specimen Tree-based Sample within reach? Tree to be felled in future? Re-contact if situation changes Consider phenology and host specificity when evaluating reports

Minnesota First Detectors Working with the Public If possible, have the citizen review the appropriate checklist First Detectors do not have authority to enter private property without permission Being a First Detector is a volunteer activity

Minnesota First Detectors Good Digital Photos In focus Have object for scale Well lighted Different parts/views of the plant/insect: Flower, stem, leaf, fruit, or seedhead Whole plant or insect

Minnesota First Detectors Bad Digital Photos Too Dim Too Vague Too Blurry

Minnesota First Detectors Site Visits Contact the owner before making a site visit. The homeowner should be present for visit. Get permission to look at the tree and/or pick up the insect. Explain the First Detector Program. Explain what your responsibilities are. Be polite, courteous and respect property. Report back to the homeowner the results of your findings if a decision is not made on site.

Minnesota First Detectors Minnesota’s First Detection May 13 Arborist notices woodpecker damage on ash, eventually finds larvae May 13 PM – phone call to MDA regarding find May 14 AM – MDA visits sites and collects samples May 14 PM – USDA confirms find based on digital photos May 14 PM – Find announced at a press conference in St Paul Infestation is one of the youngest found – estimated 3 years old from dendrochronological analysis

Minnesota First Detectors EAB Reports Bronze birch borer Year Arrest the Pest Calls First Detector Referrals

Minnesota First Detectors First Detector Report Logs Bronze birch borer Year Tree – based Insect- based Resolved by FD % %

Minnesota First Detectors First Detector Program Awards Awards: Distinguished Team - U of MN Extension's Dean Award Innovation & Technology – MANREP Excellence in Natural Resources Programming – MANREP Innovative Programs Silver Award (National) – ANREP Outstanding Team Silver Award (National) – ANREP Professional Presentations/Publications: New Zealand Journal of Forestry Science (publication) Association of Natural Resource Extension Professionals MN Society of American Foresters MN/WI Invasive Species Conference EAB Research & Development Meeting

Minnesota First Detectors Confidentiality Form