ALB Newsletter, Volume 1, Issue 4 (2/11/2009)

This is Volume 1, Issue 4 of the ALB Newsletter, brought to you by the Massachusetts Introduced Pests Outreach Project (MIPOP). This newsletter contains the latest local news about the Asian longhorned beetle, published weekly or biweekly.

Recent News

• The tree removal process in Worcester has now entered Phase 2. Download an updated map here.
• A list of all companies and agencies that have completed compliance training through the Massachusetts ALB Cooperative Eradication Program, and are certified to perform work that would result in the movement or transport of wood materials in the regulated area can be downloaded here
• Details about the launch of the Worcester Tree Campaign (Worcester Telegram & Gazette)
• The Mass. ALB Eradication Program website just added two more galleries of photos showing ALB damage and tree removal: 1) Photos by Bob Childs, UMass Extension 2) Photos by Patty Douglass, USDA APHIS-PPQ.
• New York is targeting parks for its own ALB surveys using campground reservations made during the last four years by residents living in or near Worcester (The Times Union)
• The wood chips produced from felled trees in Worcester are being used to generate electricity in Fitchburg, MA and in Maine (Worcester Telegram & Gazette)
• The Massachusetts Introduced Pests Outreach Project has just released a new "ALB Lookalikes" mini poster
• Massachusetts Environmental Police are now on hand to assist with the enforcement of regulations governing the movement of wood within the regulated area (Worcester Telegram & Gazette)

Job Opportunities

• The USDA is looking for an Administrative Assistant for the ALB Program Director. Deadline to apply 2/17/2009.

Upcoming Events and Volunteer Opportunities

• Look for ALB exhibits from USDA APHIS-PPQ at the Springfield RV, Camping and Outdoor Show Feb. 13-15 and the Central New England RV & Camping Show Feb. 20-22.
• Robert Childs from UMass Extension will be speaking about the ALB at monthly meeting of the Friends of the Assabet NWR - Feb. 25th, 7pm, in Sudbury, MA
• Ongoing: The Greater Worcester Land Trust is still looking for volunteers to assist with its ALB surveys - Call 508-795-3838 or email anne@gwlt.org. No experience is required - you will be trained on site. More information here.

Regulated Area

• Most recent regulated area map (from 12/23/2008)

General Information

• The latest maps, fact sheets, and information can be found at the official website of the Massachusetts ALB Cooperative Eradication Program
• UMass Extension’s ALB page
• Asian Longhorned Beetle page from the Worcester Telegram & Gazette

If you have ALB-related links or other information that you would like to share, email pestalert@massnrc.org.

You are receiving this message because you signed up to receive the ALB Newsletter from the Massachusetts Introduced Pests Outreach Project (MIPOP). Visit our website for more information (http://www.massnrc.org/pests), or to make changes to your pest alerts subscription (http://massnrc.org/pests/signup.aspx).

DISCLAIMER: The listing of hyperlinks in this newsletter does not constitute endorsement of the linked websites, or the information, products or services contained therein. MIPOP makes no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the contents of any of these links.