INTRODUCTION:
We want to keep you informed about the Asian Longhorned beetle (ALB) infestation in South Carolina, as supportive community relationships are essential to the success of eradicating the beetle. This update is being issued to established collaborators, communities, and stakeholders, and we invite you to share this information with anyone who may be affected by our operations.
OVERVIEW:
Clemson University’s Department of Plant Industry (DPI) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) are conducting tree inspection surveys within Charleston County and the surrounding area to determine the size and scope of the infestation. Davey Resource Group is contracted to carry out survey and tree removal services on behalf of the ALB Program. The attached map shows the approximate regulated area boundaries and infested tree locations (“CommunityUpdate_20240208.pdf”).
For property owners who will have infested trees requiring removal, they should receive official notification via certified mail from DPI and, whenever possible, will be notified by a Davey Resource Group official before tree removal work begins. Davey has removed 5,182 infested trees and 3,445 high risk trees in the quarantine zone.
QUARANTINE:
Federal and South Carolina State quarantines are established for Charleston County and a small portion of Dorchester County. The state quarantine legislation was enacted with publication in the State Register on June 25, 2021. See SC ALB regulations here and view the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations here. The ALB regulated boundary is denoted by the red outline in the attached map and is also available at www.clemson.edu/public/albmap. Movement of firewood, storm debris, and other tree parts is prohibited from this area to prevent the spread of Asian Longhorned beetle. Even if beetles are not seen, eggs and larvae may be present within the tree material. Help informing and educating residents about this quarantine is appreciated.
Residents and businesses operating in the quarantine area should be aware that host material should be disposed of properly inside the quarantine area. Please dispose of any woody storm debris from ALB host trees to the Bees Ferry Road Convenience Center, 1344 Bees Ferry Road, 29414 or the Hollywood Convenience Center, 5305 Highway 165, 29449. Any woody debris half an inch or more in diameter is considered regulated material and must be disposed of properly. Please contact the Program with any questions about proper handling and disposal of storm debris.
The ALB Program is proactively contacting businesses operating within the quarantine for guidance in how to adhere to the quarantine requirements. To sign up for free compliance training, where you can learn about how to handle regulated articles, please contact the SC ALB Program at stopALB@clemson.edu or 843-973-8329.
OUTREACH:
The Clemson University Invasive Species Program often shares Program updates and information on ALB (as well as other invasive species of concern in South Carolina) on its Facebook page – like and follow to get updates in your social media feed!
In the month of February, come see our program staff Friday, 2/16 to Sunday, 2/18 downtown at Marion Square for the Southeastern Wildlife Exhibition (SEWE). We will be joining other vendors speaking about all of the different types of wildlife present in the lowcountry (both native and invasive). We look forward to seeing everyone there!
If you can’t make it to SEWE and would love another opportunity to come and speak with us, then we have got you covered! Past the month of February, we will have additional outreach events scheduled in and around our Quarantine Zone (QZ). On Tuesday, 3/19 we will be tabling at the Spring Seed Swap at the Bees Ferry Library. After this in April, you can find us at Azalea Park in Summerville Friday, 4/5 to Sunday, 4/7 for the Flowertown Festival, as well as back at the Bees Ferry Library on Saturday, 4/13 for the Bees Ferry Renaissance Festival.
If your community organization is interested in hosting an ALB outreach event, please contact the program at stopALB@clemson.edu. Asian Longhorned Beetle outreach materials are available at www.clemson.edu/alb. If you or someone you know would like printed copies of our brochure, please reply to this email and we will arrange to get them to you.
OPERATIONS:
Tree Surveys – 323,168
Infested Trees Detected – 9,995
Infested Tree Removals – 5,182
High Risk Tree Removals – 3,445
REMINDERS:
It is important to know the beetle is not harmful to people or pets. DPI and USDA tree inspectors will notify residents of survey activities on private properties before they conduct surveys whenever possible. Tree inspectors are dressed in Clemson, USDA, or Davey Resource Group uniforms and will provide identification if asked. We are asking residents to look for the beetle and to examine their trees for any damage that may be caused by the beetle. Residents can report the beetle or tree damage through the reporting tool at www.clemson.edu/alb, by emailing stopALB@clemson.edu, or by calling the SC ALB Program Office at 843-973-8329.
PROGRAM CONTACT
Email: stopALB@clemson.edu
Phone: 843-973-8329
CLOSING:
We aim to provide consistent, transparent communication with all those affected in the Charleston area. Please let us know how we can assist in the wider sharing of this information in your communities and with all stakeholders. Our program is made possible through a collaborative effort between Clemson University’s Department of Plant Industry, The College of Charleston and The College of Charleston Foundation, and the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. To subscribe or unsubscribe from this update please email stopALB@clemson.edu describing your request. We appreciate your support. Thank you.
