Regulatory Services

May 2023 Asian Longhorned Beetle (ALB) Cooperative Eradication Program Community Update

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 below map shows the approximate regulated area boundaries and infested tree locations.

The red outline represents the current ALB quarantine and totals 76.38 square miles. Within the quarantine, 7,430 infested trees have been detected, each of which is represented by a red dot.

The red outline represents the current ALB quarantine and totals 76.38 square miles. Within the quarantine, 7,430 infested trees have been detected, each of which is represented by a red dot. 

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 4,853 infested trees and 2,920 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!

On April 15th and 16th, the ALB Program attended the Coastal Carolina Outdoor Expo at Exchange Park in Ladson, SC. Over the weekend program staff spoke to nearly 100 people from across South Carolina. Every conversation was thorough and left booth attendees with an understanding of our program operations and the importance of eradicating Asian Longhorned Beetle from South Carolina.

Saturday, April 29th, was a busy day for the ALB Program with two events across the Low Country. The first was Plantasia, hosted by The Charleston Horticultural Society at Magnolia Park and Community Garden. During this event program staff spoke with approximately 80 members of the Charleston community, all of which have strong ties to our environment and its protection. The second event was The North Charleston Health and Resource Fair hosted by A Second Chance Resource Center. Program staff spoke with approximately 50 individuals, all of which went home with information and branded merchandise to spread awareness of our program.

Looking ahead to the rest of May, the ALB Program will be attending The Native Plant Festival at Old Santee Canal Park on Saturday May 27th. This event will highlight South Carolina’s native plants and have multiple guest speakers to showcase the diversity of SC’s environment. The Program also plans to attend multiple Low Country farmer’s markets in the upcoming weeks including the Ravenel Depot Farmer’s Market located within the quarantine zone.

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 – 226,182   

Infested Trees Detected – 7,430    

Infested Tree Removals – 4,853  

High Risk Tree Removals – 2,920   

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’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. We appreciate your support. Thank you.