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_20240501.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 5,396 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!
This month marks the start of farmers market season! The program will begin to attend the West Ashley farmers market every first and last Wednesday of the month and the Ravenel Depot farmers market every third Saturday of the month until the end of Fall. We will also be attending the native plant festival on Saturday, May 11th at 9am, where there will be local vendors, food trucks, presentations and an engaging nature walk! We appreciate everyone who’s stopped by to see us at these events, and we hope to see some more new and familiar faces!
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 – 385,210
Infested Trees Detected – 10,278
Infested Tree Removals – 5,396
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.
