Resources & FAQ for Emerald Ash Borer in Oregon
While LWC is not taking the lead on the recent Oregon invasion of Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), we know that our community often turns to us for direction when faced with a new invasive threat. There has never been an invasive threat as dire as the EAB, so we have created this page as a starting resource for community involvement in fighting to protect the Oregon Ash and its important role in watershed restoration.
|
|
What's the big deal about the Emerald Ash Borer?
It's a HUGE deal. In 2018, the Oregon Invasive Species Council created the Readiness and Response Plan to prepare for its arrival. This is an all-hands-on-deck moment for everyone to deal with an existential threat to Oregon ash (Fraxinus latifolia), and potentially to two susceptible related species, olive (Olea europaea) and white fringetree (Chionanthus virginicus). This short general-audience segment from KPTV news in Portland covers the basics of what the arrival of EAB means for the sub-basins of the Willamette River. Watch the video to the left, or read the transcript here. |
What should I look for?
EAB isn't always directly visible, but it leaves some pretty clear calling cards. Even if you don't see a beetle, if you see these signs, you should report them to the Invasive Species Hotline. For more details and examples, the Canadian Forest Service published an excellent 20-page Visual Guide to Detecting EAB Damage.
D-shaped exit holes are bored out by emerging adult beetles in May-June.
Image credit: Daniel Herms, The Ohio State University, Bugwood.org
|
Curving grooves under the bark are larval galleries where the cambium layer has been eaten away, preventing the flow of water and nutrients. Bark has cracked and peeled around the dead areas.
Image credit: USDA NRCS South Dakota
|
Thinning and dead branches around the crown are a sign that this tree is well into an infestation.
Image credit: Nebraska Forest Service
|
Click on the image to view full-size.
I saw a shiny green beetle! Is it EAB?
Not every shiny green beetle is EAB - thank goodness! The species most commonly confused with EAB is the golden buprestid, an native wood-boring insect that is an important part of the Douglas fir life cycle. The feeding larvae break down dead and dying trees, and adult beetles create entry points for important fungal species to further decompose and return carbon and nutrients to the soil. A golden buprestid is larger and wider than EAB and has conspicuous coppery wing margins. When in doubt, collect a specimen to have it positively identified by a specialist.
I'm SURE I saw an EAB - what now?
Photograph the insect, note its location, and submit it to the Oregon Online Invasive Species Hotline, where experts will evaluate the image and positively identify the species. Browsing existing reports is a great way to familiarize yourself with identified look-alikes.
Not every shiny green beetle is EAB - thank goodness! The species most commonly confused with EAB is the golden buprestid, an native wood-boring insect that is an important part of the Douglas fir life cycle. The feeding larvae break down dead and dying trees, and adult beetles create entry points for important fungal species to further decompose and return carbon and nutrients to the soil. A golden buprestid is larger and wider than EAB and has conspicuous coppery wing margins. When in doubt, collect a specimen to have it positively identified by a specialist.
I'm SURE I saw an EAB - what now?
Photograph the insect, note its location, and submit it to the Oregon Online Invasive Species Hotline, where experts will evaluate the image and positively identify the species. Browsing existing reports is a great way to familiarize yourself with identified look-alikes.
|
|
How can I do more?
OSU Extension Service is a great resource for learning more about EAB. They even provide a free self-paced online course to become an Oregon Forest Pest Detector volunteer, so you can learn how to watch for signs wherever you go. The Oregon Invasive Species Council has launched an information hub to learn about all invasives. Aside from vigilant monitoring, the most important thing we can do is learn good wood hygiene habits to avoid spreading. Teach your community: Don't Move Firewood! and learn how to buy it where you burn it. |
What is the Luckiamute Watershed Council doing about EAB?
For the past few years, the LWC has been preparing for the arrival of EAB by decreasing the proportion of Oregon ash planted within our restoration areas and continuing to monitor our project sites for any sign of this pest. Additionally, we are helping to get the word out about EAB, and working on the development of a rapid response protocol in the event that we do identify EAB within any of our project sites and need to remove them and replant with another species. We will continue to update this page as we get more information about verified local EAB sightings and the best ways to respond to and prevent EAB from infesting ash trees on your property.
