Davey Showcase: USDA APHIS:


USDA APHIS: Asian Longhorned Beetle Eradication

Davey Resource Group is under contract to perform preventative treatment of potential Asian Longhorned Beetle host tree species in defined quarantine areas in New York City.

The contract is with the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA APHIS) and covers seasonal treatments through 2008 of approximately 60,000 potential host trees in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens and Long Island.

The beetles were discovered in 1996 on several hardwood trees in Brooklyn. Soon thereafter, the secretary of agriculture declared an extraordinary emergency in order to combat the infestation and potential destruction of trees with regulatory and control actions. Asian Longhorned Beetles are believed to have been introduced into the United States in wood packing material in cargo
shipments from Asia.

Thirty-five to 45 certified pesticide applicators and data recorders and 20 management, technical and data management staff members are completing the work.

Treatment techniques include basal soil injections for the majority of trees, which include maples and elms, and trunk injections as necessary. This project requires coordination with the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation and the Central Park Conservancy and access permits from the city’s department of transportation, Long Island Rail Road, and various other entities. Davey also is responsible for gaining access to properties including backyards, penthouse gardens, and courtyards.

For more information, contact Brent Repenning at (440) 788-2320.