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.
***South Carolina Asian Longhorned Beetle Program Hiring*** Our program is currently in the process of filling multiple positions. Please visit www.clemson.edu/careers if you or someone you know is interested in applying. We are excited to grow our team.
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.
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 4,080 infested trees and 2,783 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.
As tropical storm season continues, 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!
The SC ALB Cooperators Meeting highlighted in our previous newsletter was a massive success. Those in attendance were shown active infestations within our quarantine and gave insight on the successes and failures of fellow programs. Attendees also explored computer models that could one day aid us in predicting and controlling the spread of ALB.
In October and November, the ALB program attended several events, including: the Edisto Blackwater Boogie, the SC Native Plant Society Fall Native Plant Sale, Fall for Greenville Music and Food Festival, SC Women in Agriculture Conference, the Greenville 7th Grade Career Fair, and the Latin American Festival. Collectively, these events reached nearly 3,000 community members.
Our tree climbing team is also attending the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) expo from November 10th – 12th in Charlotte, NC. This event is one of the largest of its kind in the country. We hope our attendance will spread awareness of ALB to tree care professionals from across the nation.
Additionally, the Program gave presentations at the Lichtenfelt Nursery Pest Seminar and NC State 22nd Ornamental Workshop on Insects and Diseases to inform homeowners as well as pest professionals of the ALB infestation and Program in South Carolina.
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 – 156,121
Infested Trees Detected – 6,511
Infested Tree Removals – 4,080
High Risk Tree Removals – 2,783
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
