minnesota forest pest first detector program

Minnesota First Detectors

Minnesota Forest Pest First Detector Program

Welcome


Other Program Offerings Today

Continuing Education: International Society of Arborist

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

Forestry Education Category 1: 3.5 CFE Credits

Tree Inspector Exam


What is your vocation?

0 of 5

0%0%0%0%0%0%0%0% A. City forester

B. DNR employee

C. Educator

D. Other government employee

E. Master volunteer

F. Certified arborist

G. Private tree/forestry consultant

H. Other


Which are you?

0 of 5

0%0%0%0%0% A. Became a First Detector in 2008

B. Became a First Detector in 2009

C. Became a First Detector in 2010

D. Want to become a First Detector in 2011

E. Not interested in being a First Detector


Why are you here:

0%

0%0%

0%0%

0%0%

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

B. To learn more about these species

C. To stay current on invasive species

D. For my job

E. Need the CEU credits

F. Love to sit in the classroom

G. Better manage my trees

H. All of the above

I. Other


Introductions


Minnesota Forest Pest First Detector Program

Everyone Checked In?


On with the program….Minnesota Forest Pest First Detectors


New and Emerging Invasive Forest Pests


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


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 Forest Pest First Detector

Becoming a…


Requirements

Complete the three 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


Role of the First Detector

Pest Reporter “Do I Have?” Checklist

First Detector

Minnesota Department of

Agriculture

Evaluate Using Guidelines

First Detector Hotline


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.


Report Logs

Record each report – regardless of resolution Primarily for

work done as a First Detector

MDA will collect Report Logs in December


Handling Samples

Collecting Samples Collect it yourself if convenient, else Have reporter send to MDA if possible, or Let MDA know to collect if needed

Types Wood or bark Insects Digital pictures

Handling Treat as if infested with pest – keep contained Protect from damage, elements


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 [email protected] as attachment


Common Reporting Situations

Insect-based Saw it, but didn’t capture it Have a specimen

Tree-based Sample within reach? Tree to be felled in future? Re-contact if situation changes

Consider phenology and host specificity when evaluating reports


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


First Detectors

Cumulative Total:

2008 - 157 2009 - 225 2010 – 301 In 64 of 84

counties


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


Bad Digital Photos

Too Dim Too Vague

Too Blurry


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.


2008 - 2010 EAB Reports

Bronze birch borer

YearArrest the Pest Calls

First Detector Referrals

2008 116 0

2009 1800+ 228

2010 742 505


First Detector Program Awards

Awards:• 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


Volunteer Confidentiality

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

Minnesota Forest Pest First Detectors


Confidentiality Form


Questions?

minnesota forest pest first detector program

Documents