Minnesota First Detectors

Minnesota Forest Pest First Detector Program

Welcome

Minnesota First Detectors

Other Program Offerings Today

Continuing Education: International Society of Arborist

6.5 CEUs Minnesota Tree Inspector Recertication Society of American Foresters – Continuing

Forestry Education Category 1: 5.5 CFE Credits

Tree Inspector Exam- prior registration required

Minnesota First Detectors

What is your vocation?

0%0%25%50%0%0%25%0% A. City forester

B. DNR employeeC. EducatorD. Other government employeeE. Master volunteerF. Certified arboristG. Private tree/forestry consultantH. Other

Minnesota First Detectors

Which are you?

0%

25%

50%

25% A. Became a First Detector in 2008 - 2010B. Became a First Detector in 2011C. Want to become a First Detector in 2012D. Not interested in being a First Detector

Minnesota First Detectors

Why are you here:

0%0%0%0%0%0%25%25%50% A. To volunteer to help find these species

B. To learn more about these speciesC. To stay current on invasive speciesD. For my jobE. Need the CEU creditsF. Love to sit in the classroomG. Better manage my treesH. All of the aboveI. Other

Minnesota First Detectors

What Topic Are You Most Interested In?

A. Brown Marmorated Stink BugB. Oriental BittersweetC. Gypsy MothD. Thousand Cankers DiseaseE. Asian Longhorned BeetleF. Emerald Ash BorerG. FirewoodH. All of the aboveI. Other

Minnesota First Detectors

TCD ALB OB

BMSB GM EAB

New and Emerging Invasive Forest Pests

Minnesota First Detectors

Meaning of “Invasive” Species non-native to an

environment may be called: Alien, Exotic or Introduced

If they also cause harm to the economy, environment and / or human health they are called: Invasive

Native species are not called invasive even if they do cause harm

Polydrusus spp.

Steve Katovich USDA Forest Serivce

Jeff Hahn, University of Minnesota

Emerald ash borer

Bronze birch borer

Steve Katovich USDA Forest Serivce

Minnesota First Detectors

Meaning of “New and Emerging”

New = not present Asian longhorned beetle

Emerging = present but not widely distributed Gypsy moth

Established = widely present Dutch elm disease

Minnesota First Detectors

Minnesota Forest Pest First Detector

Becoming a…

Minnesota First Detectors

Requirements

Complete the on-line modules Agree to the criteria, standards and

expectations First Detectors Fill out and sign the First Detector

Confidentiality Form

Minnesota Forest Pest First Detectors Volunteer Program

Minnesota First Detectors

First Detectors

Cumulative Total:

2008 - 157 2009 - 225 2010 - 301 2011 - 412 2012 - 512

Minnesota First Detectors

Responsibilities of the First Detector

Follow the Guidelines for all reports.

Triage pest reports and pass to MDA if pest can’t be ruled out.

Collect samples or pictures if convenient, else pass on information for MDA to collect sample.

Minnesota First Detectors

Working with the Public

If possible, have the citizen review the appropriate checklist

First Detectors do not have authority to enter private property without permission

Being a First Detector is a volunteer activity

Minnesota First Detectors

Site Visits

Contact the owner before making a site visit. The homeowner should be present for visit. Get permission to look at the tree and/or pick

up the insect. Explain the First Detector Program. Explain what your responsibilities are. Be polite, courteous and respect property. Report back to the homeowner the results of

your findings if a decision is not made on site.

Minnesota First Detectors

Handling Samples

Wood or bark Handle like it contains pest

Secure so an emerging adult could not escape Double bag w/ heavy plastic bags at minimum Keep it cool until passed on to MDA

Insects Secure in a sealable container that is crush-proof Store in a cool place (freezer) until passed on to MDA

Digital pictures Use whenever possible to expedite process Send to Arrest.The.Pest@state.mn.us as attachment

Minnesota First Detectors

Good Digital Photos

In focus Have object for scale Well lighted Different parts/views of the plant/insect:

Flower, stem, leaf, fruit, or seedhead Whole plant or insect

Minnesota First Detectors

Bad Digital Photos

Too Dim Too Vague

Too Blurry

Minnesota First Detectors

First Detector Program AwardsAwards:• NPDN Teamwork Award – APHIS NPDN•  Distinguished Team - U of MN Extension's Dean Award•  Innovation & Technology – MANREP•  Excellence in Natural Resources Programming – MANREP•  Innovative Programs Silver Award (National) – ANREP•  Outstanding Team Silver Award (National) – ANREP

Professional Presentations/Publications:•  New Zealand Journal of Forestry Science (publication)•  Association of Natural Resource Extension Professionals•  MN Society of American Foresters•  MN/WI Invasive Species Conference•  EAB Research & Development Meeting• Society of American Forests National Convention 

Minnesota First Detectors

Volunteer Confidentiality Protecting confidential information and

not releasing any information that has not already been made public by Authorities

Minnesota First Detectors

Confidentiality Form

Minnesota First Detectors

Questions?