Nov. 29, 2012 - The Cherokee One Feather

6 THURSDAY, NOV. 29, 2012 cherokee one feather/na tsalagi soquo ugidahliPark confirms Emerald Ash Borer infestation in backcountryPark Resource Managers recentlyconfirmed the Smokies first backcountryemerald ash borer (EAB)nfestation.According to Great Smoky MounainsNational Park Biologist, Glenn Tayor,“The emerald ash borer is a 1/2nch-long metallic green beetle that laysggs on the bark on all species of ashrees. After hatching, the EAB larvae burowunder the bark, and create feedingunnels that cut off nutrient and waterow to the tree. The tree can die in threeo five years.”Accidentally introduced to Northmerica from Asia, EAB was first discovredin southeast Michigan in 2002, andas spread to 16 states and two Canadianrovinces killing tens of millions of ashrees.Since 2009, officials have been monitoringfor the presence of EAB. Frontcountry infestations were confirmed inJune 2012 at Sugarlands Visitor Centerand at the Greenbrier entrance to thePark. An off-duty park employee discoveredthe backcountry infestation on InjunCreek Trail in the Greenbrier area on Nov.8. The employee noticed a pile of barkchips at the base of several ash trees.Signs of woodpecker activity on ash treesis an excellent indicator of an EAB infestation.Paul Merten, a forest insect specialistfrom the USDA Forest Service inAsheville, confirmed EAB at the site bylooking under ash tree bark for feedingtunnels left by the immature beetle. “Theinfestation is well established, probablytwo years old or older,” Merten said.Complete eradication of EAB is notcurrently feasible, but Park ResourceManagers are developing a managementplan to maintain public safety and protectash trees where possible. EAB and othertree pests can be transported in firewood.Park regulations prohibit bringing firewoodto the Smokies from areas that havebeen quarantined for EAB or other destructivepests. For more informationabout firewood regulations at the Smokies,visit our website athttp://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/firewood-alert.htmMore information about emerald ashborer can be found at:http://www.emeraldashborer.info/ andathttp://www.tn.gov/agriculture/regulatory/eab.shtml- NPSwww.theonefeather.com11/2911/29 11/29