ALB Newsletter, Volume 1, Issue 5 (2/27/2009)

This is Volume 1, Issue 5 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 biweekly.

Recent News

Tree removal stories dominated the ALB news over the past two weeks.

• The tree removal process in Worcester has now entered Phase 3. Download an updated map here.
• Beetle Battle Leaves Parts of Worcester 'Naked' (WBZ)
• Beetle battle shines light on neighborhood (Worcester Telegram & Gazette)
• The MIPOP blog has close-ups of the "Before and After" tree removal shots that have been making the news this week.
• The Mass. ALB Eradication Program website just added more galleries of photos showing tree removal in the Burncoat St. area.

In other news:

• Westminster asks local power plant to stop accepting wood chips from the ALB tree removal (Worcester Telegram & Gazette)
• NPR covers the ALB in Worcester (audio available)
• More ALB-infested trees were found this winter on Staten Island, NY, causing expansion of the quarantine zone there (New York Times)

Job Opportunities

• The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources will soon be hiring a part-time worker to assist with ALB outreach and surveys. Details will be in the next newsletter, or check here (search Agency for "Dept. of Agricultural Resources").

Upcoming Events and Volunteer Opportunities

• Look for ALB exhibits staffed by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources and USDA APHIS-PPQ at:
  • The Winter Garden Fair at Russell's Garden Center in Wayland, Feb. 28-March 1, 10am-4pm. Admission is free! Stop by our booth and ask for a free ALB temporary tattoo.
  • The Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions Annual Environmental Conference, Feb. 28 in Worcester, MA.
  • The 17th Annual Mass Audubon Birders Meeting, March 7 in Worcester, MA.
  • Ag Day at the State House, March 10
• USDA APHIS will present an update on ALB infestations in the USA at the 2009 Community Tree Conference, March 10 in Amherst, 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.