DEC Contact: Lori Severino August 03, 2018
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DEC SEEKS POOL OWNERS FOR CITIZEN SCIENCE SURVEY OF INVASIVE BEETLEFinding Infestations of Asian Longhorned Beetles Early Saves Money and Trees |
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“The majority of invasive forest pest infestations are found and reported by members of the public, making citizen science a vital component for protecting our urban and rural forests,” said DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos. “Pool monitoring offers a simple, economical approach to surveying for Asian Longhorned Beetles and gives the public a chance to take an active role in protecting the trees in their yards and communities.”
People without pools can also help by learning how to recognize the beetle, as well as the signs it leaves behind:
ALB is a wood boring beetle native to Asia that was accidentally introduced to the United States through wood packing materials. These pests attack a variety of hardwoods, including maples, birches, and willows, among others, and have caused the death of hundreds of thousands of trees across the country. The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets (DAM) has worked diligently to manage the ALB infestations in our state and succeeded in eradicating the invasive beetle from Staten Island, Manhattan, Islip and Eastern Queens. For more information on ALB and the Pool Survey, visit DEC's website.
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