SOCIETY OF AMERICAN FORESTERS Western Forester April/May/June 2020 Oregon • Washington State • Alaska Societies Volume 65 • Number 2 Looking to the Past and Future When Managing Invasives

BY CATHY LUCERO

Clallam County, which is wedged into the northwestern most corner of Washington State, encompasses some of the best tree- growing country in the world! It has also been the battle- ground for some of the most con- tentious environmental conflicts over endangered species, in particular, the spotted owl, but also anadromous fish and many more. By the late nineties, much of our forest industry was scrambling to adjust to lower harvest quotas, complex habitat plans, and stream setbacks. The term “sustain- able” harvest was said everywhere, but PHOTO COURTESY OF CATHY LUCERO just how that was to be determined or In Washington State, the Olympic Invasive Working Group surveys for and removes knotweed, a Class B weed on the noxious weed list. achieved was hotly debated. This was the setting when, 20 years rogue ornamentals, as well as seem- tial regulatory action; five on this mon- ago, I became the first noxious weed ingly helpful, but increasingly harmful, itor list are trees. control coordinator for the recently non-natives that had spread far How is it that so many plant species activated Clallam County weed board. beyond their intended range. As became problematic, and why will the I had a newly minted environmental awareness of these effects on an noxious weed list continue to grow? We science degree and a background in increasingly diverse range of habitats all know that even the best-intentioned botany. Most of the 100-plus weeds on grew, so did Washington’s agro-centric actions can yield unpredictable results. the list were weedy species that colo- weed list. In 1997, there were 106 inva- For example, broadcasting non-native nized open disturbed areas and sive plants species on the noxious species like everlasting pea-vine, as a caused significant agricultural impacts weed list; fast forward to 2020 and good wildlife forage (not!) as well as and economic losses. Therefore, most there are now over 160. Many are erosion control, (too good!) has enabled of our efforts focused on infestations shade tolerant, and at least four non- this resourceful pioneer species to in and around agricultural lands. native invasive trees have been added. become an overpowering competitor in However, a slow and nearly invisible There are 51 species sitting on a moni- young reprod units. invasion that begun decades ago tor list as we collect more information picked up momentum. Scientists were and ponder whether these “monitor” Even forests are vulnerable now sounding the alarm about pro- species are aggressive and harmful For decades, usually only Scotch found ecosystem impacts caused by enough to warrant listing and poten- (CONTINUED ON PAGE 2)

In This Issue: Invasives become more evident with time, but knotweed is not. Instead knotweed Looking to the Past so has our recognition of the value of spp. are running rampant along many and Future When healthy forests in our community, in river corridors, creating living walls Managing Invasives terms of jobs, economy, and renew- that halt forest succession, altering (CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE) able resource and sustainability. By stream flow, disrupting complex food 2004, a serious threat to tree produc- webs, and creating a biological desert. broom and some of the thistles were tion and forested habitats emerged in Long thought to only readily colonize recognized by the forest industry as the form of an assemblage of woody, open habitats, our experience in problematic for tree regeneration, but invasive Polygonum species, often Washington has proved otherwise. these problems could be addressed lumped together and called Japanese Over the years, knotweed thickets have with routine site preparation. In the knotweed. Closer investigation formed massive monocultures span- dense forests of my region, most revealed not one, but several distinct ning hundreds of acres containing lit- foresters viewed invasives as simple although closely related species: tle to no other vegetation, including nuisances that would drop away as Japanese, Giant, and the aptly named, trees. Invasive knotweeds have proved soon as the canopy closed. Bohemian, a particularly aggressive to be remarkably persistent, and like It turns out forests aren’t as immune hybrid of Japanese and Giant most noxious weed problems, require as we thought. The impact and burden knotweed parents. a consistent, multi-faceted, long-term of invasive species on forests has only Much has been written about commitment to combat successfully. knotweeds, as if straight from a script for a ’50s horror film of an experiment Building partnerships around invasives gone terribly wrong. These prize-win- ning ornamentals were introduced As the magnitude of threats posed to into the United States in the late 1800s, forests by knotweed and a host of other but in Washington State were noted more recent non-native invaders has only as far back as the ’30s in close emerged, so has a coalition of unlikely Providing information about trees and forests association with railroads and logging partners. As my job title suggests, I am activity. The theory of origin in always looking to coordinate and bring Tom Hanson the people solution to bear on the inva- [email protected] Washington is that very young shoots were cultivated by camp cooks for use sive problem. To that end, in my little 206 300 9711 as early spring greens. Nearly 90 years corner of the world, the Olympic www.arborinfo.com later, the camps are gone, but Peninsula, we have formed a coopera- tive weed management area (CWMA), dubbed the Olympic Knotweed Working Group. Fifteen years later, and Western Forester much expanded, we’re now the Olympic Invasive Working Group. Land Society of American Foresters managers of both public and private PO Box 82836 • Portland, OR 97282 • 503-224-8046 www.nwoffice.forestry.org/northwest-office/western-forester-archive forests, environmental groups, Native American tribes, governmental agen- Editor: Andrea Watts, [email protected] cies and regulators work collaboratively Western Forester is published four times a year by the Oregon, Washington State, and Alaska Societies’ SAF Northwest Office to combat common adversaries that know no jurisdictional boundaries. We State Society Chairs Northwest SAF Board Members share information about what works Oregon: Jeff Grogan, CF, 541-912-8279, District 1: Tom Hanson, Forestry and and what doesn’t, as well as new threats [email protected] Arboriculture Consultant, ArborInfo LLC, posed by invasive plants and some- 206-300-9711, [email protected]; Washington State: Wes Tracy, 360-489- www.ArborInfo.com 2556, [email protected] District 2: Mark Buckbee, 541-580-2227, Alaska: John Yarie, CF, 907-474-5650, [email protected] LORENZ [email protected] FORESTRY Please send change of address to: CHUCK LORENZ, CF 1770 Society of American Foresters, 10100 Laureate Way, Bethesda, MD 20814 [email protected] Forest Management Planning & Operations, Inventory, Valuation Anyone is at liberty to make fair use of the material in this publication. To reprint or make multiple reproduc- for over 40 years tions, permission must be obtained from the editor. Proper notice of copyright and credit to the Western Forester must appear on all copies made. Permission is granted to quote from the Western Forester if the customary acknowledgement accompanies the quote. Other than general editing, the articles appearing in this publication have not been peer reviewed for techni- 360-951-0117 cal accuracy. The individual authors are primarily responsible for the content and opinions expressed herein. [email protected]

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2 WESTERN FORESTER ◆ APRIL/MAY/JUNE 2020 times animals. We pool our workforces when we can and inspire each other to be alert and keep up the effort. This Editor’s Note loose consortium is designed to sup- BY ANDREA WATTS port and empower individual partners with crafting an effective response to As the new editor of the Western Forester, it is serendipitous that my first invasive weeds on lands they manage issue is on invasives. I found my way to forestry by volunteering with Green while taking into account their organi- Seattle Partnership work parties to remove invasive plants in Seattle’s parks. I zational structure, resources, and spe- hadn’t known that the Himalayan and evergreen blackberry clumps growing cific management goals. around Grays Harbor County were in fact invasives plant. Since they were For the forests in Clallam County everywhere, I assumed they were natives. Having seen the detrimental effects and elsewhere in the Pacific Northwest, of invasive plants, such as English ivy, English holly, and blackberry, upon a significant vector for invasives is con- native plants in Seattle’s parks, I was determined to remove invasive plants taminated road-building materials. For from the family property. My dad downplayed how widespread the English that reason, most federal, and many holly was in our forest, but the five-foot-high pile of English holly that my Washington State agencies now younger sister and I piled on the burn pile changed his mind. include weed-free material language In this issue, there are several articles featuring management strategies to and standards in their contracts. contain the spread of invasive plants, such as choke cherry in Alaska and false Clallam County Weed Control Board brome on the Willamette National Forest. The “Invasives on the Horizon” article staff, funded by the Olympic National is a compilation of future invasives we should be aware of. And to provide Forest and the Clallam County Road much-needed positivity around this topic, there are several success stories. Department, is authorized to inspect Thank you to the authors who contributed to this issue. I would also be and certify rock sources. With the sup- remiss not recognizing the advertisers who also make producing the Western port of these two entities, we offer free Forester possible. inspections and a report with cus- And lastly, congratulations to our student members who graduated this tomized, practical, remedial actions to year! meet agency standards. By working together, we can ensure that projects aren’t delayed, and forests of all kinds are protected in the long term. In addition to actively controlling existing infestations in forests, weed boards simultaneously pursue meas- ures to prevent the spread of invasives. The solution, like the problem, lies with people. So when you hear, “I’m from the government and I’m here to help,” don’t laugh. Even though the weeds on our list may shift over time, the fundamental mission and overar- ching goal of weed boards in Washington State has not. We are charged with aiding our communities by protecting and preserving the land, our natural resources and our environ- ment. Get interested, get involved. Talk PHOTO COURTESY OF ANDREA WATTS to us. Let us know how we can help. A recent sweep of a section of the family forest yielded a truck full of Even if you don’t live in Washington, English holly. there is someone, some group that is focused on dealing with invasive species. We’re here for you. ◆ FOREST RESOURCES TECHNOLOGY SAF Accredited • http://cocc.edu/programs/forestry Cathy Lucero is the Clallam County Ron Boldenow, Ph.D., C.F., Forestry Noxious Weed Control coordinator. She Rebecca Franklin, Ph.D., Dendrochronology can be reached at 360-417-2442 or Bret Michalski, M.S., Wildlife Science [email protected]. E-mail: [email protected] (541) 383-7756 CENTRAL OREGON COMMUNITY COLLEGE Bend, Oregon

This publication is a benefit of your membership in your SAF State Society

WESTERN FORESTER ◆ APRIL/MAY/JUNE 2020 3 small rafts under trees to catch insects Alaska’s Chokecherry Trees: falling into streams from native trees and invasive chokecherry on Chester From Ornamental to Invasive and Campbell creeks in Anchorage. Roon found fewer insects and appearance of an upside-down broom decreased diversity of the insects BY GINO GRAZIANO and reduces fecundity and survival of falling into streams from the the tree. By combining their browse chokecherry than the native tree he snow was data with that from other schools, my species. deep, which group of students found the invasive There are no native prunus species Tresulted in inappro- chokecherry were not as impacted by in Alaska. The introduction of priate shoes being moose browse as native trees, and as chokecherry began in the 1950s as lost in the snowdrifts, the density of a chokecherry infesta- horticulturalists searched for land- yet the Anchorage tion increased, so did the rate of native scape solutions in a challenging envi- students were unde- trees that resembled upside-down ronment. The pretty flowers, cold terred as they pored brooms. hardy nature, and general resistance to over the trees’ branch tips for their moose made Prunus padus (European Why worry about chokecherry? place-based science project. The data, bird cherry or May Day tree) and P.vir- which was checked by myself and In 2017, I gained an interest in the giniana (Canada red variety of com- trained teachers, proved that the stu- chokecherry invasion of Anchorage mon chokecherry) excellent candi- dents correctly identified the tree forests while at the Alaska Invasive dates. University Extension Service species and the number of moose Species Workshop where I saw a poster horticulturalists and other forestry, bites on their branch tips. featuring a youth-led study on agriculture, and wildlife professionals Determining bite variability and the chokecherry. The students compared promoted planting the tree. The resulting tree architecture on different the diversity of understory vegetation attractive flowers and fruit that birds species of trees was core to the in areas with and without chokecherry devoured increased the popularity of research question the students were and found that diversity decreased these trees. However, by the late 1990s answering: How does the spread of with the invasion of chokecherry. and early 2000s, resource managers invasive chokecherry trees (Prunus Later, anecdotal observations of fewer noticed these trees were spreading padus and virginiana) in Anchorage insects on these trees lead to a formal into forests around Anchorage, and forests impact how moose browse study of impacts on salmon food webs Fairbanks. This led to resource man- native trees and shrubs? since these insects can make up a sig- agers and invasive plant specialists Excessive bites (browsing) by nificant portion of the diet of young becoming concerned and seeing a moose can lead to damaging changes salmon. University of Alaska Fairbanks need to control the chokeberry’s to tree architecture that results in the graduate student David Roon placed spread. When invasive plant managers and the University Extension Service began educating nurseries, other retailers, and the public about the spread of this species, they were initially met with resistance. Early on, invasive plant managers discussed chokecherry as a species to watch out for but hesitated to call the popular tree invasive. Scientific evidence that chokecherry could impact resources such as salmon continued to mount, and some nurseries stopped selling the tree. Then in the winter of 2010 and 2011, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game confirmed that three calf moose had died after browsing on ornamental chokecherry trees growing in a homeowner’s yard. The toxin cyanide is present in branch tips, and it’s why these trees are resistant to PHOTO COURTESY OF GINO GRAZIANO moose; it’s also the likely reason why Since their introduction to Alaska in the 1950s, chokecherry trees are now the Anchorage students found less evi- common in backyards, urban parks, and native areas. They can grow either dence of browse on chokecherry. as a shrub or small tree, and produce fruits that are eaten by birds. Having seen that cyanide can lead to

4 WESTERN FORESTER ◆ APRIL/MAY/JUNE 2020 the death of moose, an iconic species of Alaska, the people in Anchorage took notice of the extent that chokecherry had invaded the sur- rounding forests and increased sup- port for management. Developing a management strategy Management of chokecherry in Anchorage and elsewhere in Alaska has challenges. The trees, when cut down, vigorously sprout from exposed trunk and underground roots, which makes herbicide applications neces- sary for complete removal. Alaska resi- dents, however, are generally opposed to using herbicides on public lands. Invasive species managers initially tar- geted smaller trees using weed wrenches, a specially made device that can “wrench” small trees from the ground. In Anchorage, the annual PHOTO COURTESY OF GINO GRAZIANO At the annual Weed Smackdown event, nearly 100 volunteers turn out to Weed Smackdown event draws in any- remove chokecherry trees from Anchorage’s forests and parks. where from 50-100 volunteers to wrench chokecherry trees out of removing large seed-bearing trees and Private Forestry is piloting a forests and parks. Thick infestations, from yards and parks to slow the remove and replace program in select however, are often a network of shoots spread, while continuing efforts to communities. connected to larger trees and make it address smaller trees before they What we’ve also learned from impossible to not leave some root frag- mature. Dense infestations will require Anchorage is that we must be vigilant ments behind. Those root fragments continual monitoring to remove any in surveying beyond community green lead to quick regeneration, and the regeneration. spaces since additional infestations public realized that herbicides were Other communities are also noticing are found along rivers and trails. We needed to manage infestations. their own infestations of chokecherry. have found chokecherry trees in the Although the need for herbicides to Seeing what happened in Anchorage, Chugach State Park and Chugach manage chokecherry infestations was these communities, beginning in Mountains around Anchorage. There is apparent, the community didn’t sup- Hope, Alaska, have jumped on also a high potential that chokecherry port broadcast herbicides throughout removal. Residents are removing old is already moving up and down rivers the parks, and neither did the invasive mother trees, and events are held to because of birds and bears. However, species and land managers. Direct wrench out or treat feral trees with because the public and industry is treatments were used, such as apply- herbicide. Other communities, such as supportive of eradicating chokeberry ing herbicide on the cut surface of a Talkeetna, Homer, Soldotna, and from Alaska’s forests, we are hopeful stump or squirting small amounts into Juneau are beginning these eradica- that the spread will be controlled. ◆ a cut in the cambium layer. These tion efforts too. These smaller commu- methods are still used today but have nities have an opportunity to eradicate Gino Graziano is an invasive plant spe- proven inefficient for larger infesta- infestations before they are as difficult cialist with the University of Alaska tions. In these instances, invasive to manage as those in Anchorage. In Fairbanks, Cooperative Extension species managers are using injection response to community efforts, the Service. He can be reached at 503-504- guns, and basal bark treatments that Alaska Division of Forestry with sup- 5143 or [email protected]. apply specially formulated herbicides port of the US Forest Service, State to the bark on the base of a tree. The University’s Cooperative Extension Service is presently studying basal bark Certifiably Proud treatments to understand efficacy, of the Washington impacts to native vegetation, and her- Tree Farm Program bicide fate in the environment. All these combined efforts have signifi- cantly advanced removal of chokecherry from Anchorage forests. www.greencrow.com In Anchorage, efforts are focused on

WESTERN FORESTER ◆ APRIL/MAY/JUNE 2020 5 The Cooperative Agriculture Pest Survey: Collaborative Nationwide Monitoring

BY YOLANDA INGUANZO

imilar to human diseases, plant Sdiseases throughout history have caused epidemics and pan- demics. New insect pest infestations can also be devastating. These pests and diseases can be par- ticularly impactful when they spread from their endemic area of origin to a new area where the host plants are not adapted to defend against these novel pests or diseases and where their nat- ural enemies do not exist. Exotic plant pest introductions have had serious consequences and have led to the for- mation of state and federal agriculture regulatory agencies. PHOTO COURTESY OF YOLANDA INGUANZO One invasive pest are nematodes, which are microscopic organisms that At ports of entry, US Department of consume a plant’s roots. Soil samples are collected and analyzed to Homeland Security Customs and determine if the area is infested. Border Protection officers inspect arti- cles such as cargo that have the poten- toms can be hard to detect. The next introductions of significant plant tial to spread plant pests to the US, but line of defense is a robust surveillance pests, and it became clear that early they can only inspect a small percent- program to find pests that have been detection can prevent pests from get- age of incoming articles, passengers introduced into our states and commu- ting established—the earlier a pest is and conveyances, and many plant nities but may not yet be established. detected, the better and less costly the pests are very cryptic. Signs and symp- In the 1980s, there were many new outcome. In 1982, the Cooperative Agriculture Pest Survey (CAPS) pro- gram was created. CAPS is comprised of representatives from USDA Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) and Seedling Nursery Since 1974 the state departments of agriculture. In 1999, officials of the USDA PPQ We bring experience with owners that care about their product and customers. and their state counterparts at the National Plant Board formed the Approximately 10 million seedlings in annual production Safeguarding Review Study and draft- 1 container site (plugs), 2 bareroot/transplant sites (p+1, 1+1) ed the Safeguarding Review Report, Contract growing and spec seedlings for forestry and Christmas tree production which contained a number of recom- mendations to address the increasing problem of new plant pests. A critical LET US GROW YOUR SEEDLINGS area of need that was identified was strengthening the pest detection infra- David Gerdes Mike Gerdes structure and developing an effective [email protected] system for prioritizing and funding pest detection activities. FORESTERS • NURSERYMAN • SEEDSMAN A systematic survey program The formation of CAPS established a uniform nationwide survey program, SILP.O. BoxVASEED 118 • Roy,WA 98580 COMP • (253) 843-2246ANY and it has continued to evolve as new “Serving Many of the Reforestation Needs of the World From This Location Since 1889” pests are discovered and new survey

6 WESTERN FORESTER ◆ APRIL/MAY/JUNE 2020 methods are developed. Because sur- impact the state’s forest resources, as vey funding is always limited, the well as affect other industries that CAPS program identifies the pests depend on healthy forests, such as real through a prioritization process to estate and tourism. To supplement determine those that are most worthy CAPS funding, states often use the of that limited funding. Each state also Plant Protection Act (PPA) Section 7721. has a state CAPS committee that The CAPS program facilitates the pest decides how best to use survey funds detection projects funded through PPA and identify the most pressing pest Section 7721 by providing infrastruc- risks for their state. In some states this ture for the states to run survey pro- committee can include university grams and providing the information extension and other agencies with a on survey methods, traps and lures, stake in plant health. and a data repository. In Washington States are given a proportional State, PPA Section 7721 is used to fund share of CAPS funding to conduct sur- surveys for Asian Gypsy moth and veys for pests and incoming pest risks other exotic defoliating moths, as well deemed a priority by the state, as well as a grape pest survey, stone fruit pest as to survey for pests that can impact survey, defoliating moth survey, exotic the nation. Because states are con- snails and slugs survey, and other proj- nected by geography but also by rail ects promoting plant health in lines, air travel and interstate high- Washington. ways, if a pest becomes established in Engaging the public has been crucial one state, all other states are at risk. PHOTO COURTESY OF YOLANDA INGUANZO to the success of keeping exotic plant USDA PPQ encourages states to The traps found attached to trees pests out of the Pacific Northwest. For alongside roadways and in forests maximize survey efficiency by survey- are examples of ongoing surveys more information about the CAPS pro- ing for more than one pest at a time efforts by state agencies. In Alaska, gram or to find out how you can get that may be found in the same loca- this trap is for the Siberian silk involved, visit the Hungry Pests website tions for each survey project. In moth. (bit.ly/2BtnudF). ◆ Washington State, the Department of ing exports of plant products to for- Agriculture (DOA) maximizes efficien- Yolanda Inguanzo is the Pest Survey eign countries that require absence of cy by surveying for several insect pests Specialist for Washington and Alaska particular pests. Through the years, as at each survey location and hangs a with the USDA-Animal Plant Health new pests have become known and set of traps with different lures at each Inspection Service Plant Protection and new methods have been developed, survey site while also visually survey- Quarantine. She can be reached at 360- the pest lists and methods have ing the host plants/trees for signs of 753-9430 or yolanda.i.inguanzo@ evolved to meet changing risks. pest damage. usda.gov. The CAPS Resource and Most pest surveys are accomplished Collaboration website http://caps. through a cooperative agreement ceris.purdue.edu/ contains informa- between the USDA and the state or tion for pest surveys and pest data local agency or organization that car- sheets that are organized for easy refer- ries out the survey. CAPS cooperative ence. The website is open to the public Restore our agreements facilitate collaboration and can be a useful reference for any- between the state and the local USDA one working in pest monitoring or federal forests State Plant Health Director’s office and detection, or anyone seeking informa- provide accountability to ensure funds to restore our tion on exotic plant pests. Pest are used as intended. Cooperative datasheets are formatted uniformly rural communities agreements for CAPS surveys stipulate with taxonomic information, descrip- that the resulting survey data will be tions of life stages, biology and ecology, reported in a national database. pictures showing signs of damage and Survey methods infestations, known hosts, known dis- One important function of the tribution, survey methods, and identi- CAPS program is developing standard- fication methods. There is also a list of ized survey methods. This results in references for further researching. the most effective use of funds by not In one of the longest running CAPS funding unproven and ineffective surveys in Washington State, DOA methods. The use of standardized receives CAPS funding to survey for effective methods also allows negative more than 30 wood boring insects, Join us @ data to be recorded (the absence of a such as Asian long horned beetle and pest), which may be useful in certify- other plant pests that could severely HealthyForests.Org

WESTERN FORESTER ◆ APRIL/MAY/JUNE 2020 7 A Proactive Approach to Manage False Brome an streamside habitats. It successfully BY JENNIFER LIPPERT AND competes for soil moisture with tree GLENN MILLER seedlings in plantations. Additionally, false brome thatch creates a perfect he Willamette cover for voles that readily girdle National Forest young trees. Palatability for wildlife is Tstarted tracking low since it has a toxic substance that the grass species, browsers avoid. It may also alter fire false brome regimes especially where it has a (Brachypodium dense growth of thatch. sylvaticum) in the The Willamette National Forest and 1990s when popula- Oregon Department of Agriculture tions started expo- Jennifer Lippert (ODA) have collaborated on weed nentially expanding inventory and control of false brome in the forest under- for over 30 years. ODA and FS staff story. This grass of noticed false brome was dispersing Eurasian origin was along road corridors and spreading initially introduced into recently harvested stands in sev- PHOTO COURTESY OF GLENN MILLER to Oregon as an eral areas on the forest, especially the False brome is a perennial grass accidental escapee Fall Creek corridor on Middle Fork with lime-green leaves that turn to from agronomic white in the winter. Since it is shade Glenn Miller District and the Foley Ridge corridor research plots near and drought tolerant, this invasive on McKenzie River District. Treatment Oregon State University in the early plant can grow in a variety of land- of these stands is difficult and expen- scapes, especially forests. False 1900s. There is anecdotal evidence sive, because it requires crews wearing brome is currently found that it was intentionally seeded on the backpack sprayers to walk in parallel primarily in Oregon and is listed as Willamette National Forest as a com- across the unit to find all the plants. a B rated weed by the Oregon ponent of a wildlife forage mix for skid Department of Agriculture; small In 2012, ODA staff member Glenn roads in the 1970s. infestations have been found in Miller suggested that we switch from False brome and its effects on the California and Washington. our post-harvest method of treatment, environment are dramatic, which is which used funds generated from the with false brome two years prior to why managers are concerned about its timber sale, to an aggressive pre-treat- harvest. This would prevent seed pro- spread. It can severely reduce under- ment of road shoulders. This approach duction, so there was a lower probabil- story plant and animal diversity in was aimed at reducing false brome ity that false brome seed would be habitats ranging from prairies in full along travel corridors by treating areas transported into the unit by equip- sun to shaded conifer forests to ripari- ment, people, or wildlife. Following treatment, we would seed skid roads and landings with native grasses to further inhibit movement of weeds

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8 WESTERN FORESTER ◆ APRIL/MAY/JUNE 2020 high-priority invasive plant species. It is much more economical because it greatly reduces our need to treat post- harvest and allows the understory to recover much more rapidly so that it can function as habitat for the native plant and animal species. ◆

Jennifer Lippert is a botanist for the Willamette National Forest. She can be reached at 541-225-6440 or Jennifer. [email protected]. Glenn Miller is the NW Oregon IWM Coordinator for the PHOTO COURTESY OF GLENN MILLER Oregon Department of Agriculture. He Although birds and small mammals move seeds, logging activities also can be reached at 541-954-8293 or contribute to the movement of false brome. [email protected]

PHOTO COURTESY OF GLENN MILLER False brome can be treated with herbicides, but hand pulling is also an effective way to remove the plant. Some volunteer work parties, such as these REI volunteers, clear hiking trails of false brome. onto disturbed areas. This method has shown great suc- cess in keeping infestations confined to road shoulders and out of recently harvested units. We are now using Stewardship and Good Neighbor Authority funding to conduct pre- treatment of road shoulders for all Norm Michaels Forestry LLC Anyone can see the beauty. Our pecialty is helping preserve your legacy. Forest management to meet your goals • Management Plans • Reforestation Land Management | Real Estate Services | Wildlife Management • Timber inventory • Timber cruising Recreational Leases | Technical and Data Services Over 40 years managing forests in Oregon and Washington Chehalis 360.740.3757 • Kirkland 425.820.3420 541-822-3528 [email protected] americanforestmanagement.com

WESTERN FORESTER ◆ APRIL/MAY/JUNE 2020 9 Thwarting Invasives in the Pacific Northwest: Success Stories from the Field ith the negative impacts that Management (BLM). The program was invasive species have upon the based at the USFS’s Dorena Genetic Wlandscapes in the Pacific Northwest Resource Center (DGRC) in Cottage and the threats that new invasives Grove, Oregon; the Dorena Genetic pose, it’s easy to forget there are suc- Resource Center is an internationally cess stories. Native species can reclaim recognized world leader in developing a landscape once invasive plants are resistant tree populations. removed. Volunteers are willing to With the assistance of many USFS spend weekends clearing out and BLM employees and other coop- knotweed or English ivy. Individual erators, more than 14,000 parent trees trees have resistance to foreign have been selected and tested for pathogens. The surveying measures at resistance at OSU. Two types of resist- our ports do prevent invasives from ance have been characterized: entering the United States and the (1) qualitative (controlled by a single field surveys identify early infestations major gene) and (2) quantitative that can be eradicated. (putatively polygenic). Here are two success stories. Unique, containerized seed PHOTO COURTESY OF RICHARD SNIEZKO Pollinations of these Port-Orford- orchards for each of the 13 breeding Posed for a Comeback: cedar orchard trees will be used to zones in the Pacific Northwest are increase resistance in the next being established. The goal is to pro- Port-Orford-Cedar generation. vide resistant seed for deployment while retaining genetic diversity and BY RICHARD SNIEZKO was once a multi-million-dollar prod- adaptability. Results from the field tri- uct for the horticulture industry was no als are encouraging, but ongoing mon- Port-Orford-cedar (Chamaecyparis longer profitable. More recently, the itoring is needed to confirm the dura- lawsoniana, Lawson’s cypress) is a disease has also appeared in Europe. bility and stability of the resistance. long-lived conifer native to northwest- Genetic resistance is an organism’s While most trees in natural stands are ern California and southwestern primary line of defense, but it was ini- highly susceptible, early data indicates Oregon. It used to be widely planted in tially unknown if Port-Orford-cedar that 50 percent or more of the urban landscapes, particularly in North had any. Testing at Oregon State seedlings produced from orchard seed America and Europe until the acciden- University (OSU) confirmed there was are resistant, and breeding is under- tal introduction nearly 100 years ago of some resistance. Because resistance way to increase resistance further. a non-native pathogen, Phytophthora breeding is a vital tool to save our Resistant orchard seed is now avail- lateralis. The pathogen causes Port- native tree species affected by non- able for several breeding zones and is Orford-cedar root disease, which can native pathogens and insects, in 1997, being used in reforestation and kill large old-growth trees, as well as a large-scale inter-agency, inter- restoration. The discovery of resistance young seedlings. It led to a decline of regional applied resistance program may even provide an avenue to once the cedar in its native range and in was led by the US Forest Service again use this native tree species in North American urban forests. What (USFS) and Bureau of Land urban plantings. Because of this suc- cess, the Port-Orford-cedar Resistance Program may be one of the fastest moving and successful resistance pro- grams for forest trees in the world. ◆

Richard Sniezko, an SAF member, is a geneticist at the U.S. Forest Service Dorena Genetic Resource Center in Cottage Grove, Oregon. Sniezko can be reached at 541-767-5716 or [email protected].

Interested in Port-Orford-cedar seed? Contact Don Kaczmarek, Oregon Department of Forestry, don.kacz- [email protected].

10 WESTERN FORESTER ◆ APRIL/MAY/JUNE 2020 Oregon Forest Pest The discovery and report of previ- ble to new, establishing invasive ously undocumented exotic wood- species. ◆ Detector program borer is proof-of-concept for target- ing education of Oregon’s forest pro- Wyatt Williams is an invasive species BY WYATT WILLIAMS fessionals through the Pest Detector specialist with the Oregon Department program and demonstrates the effec- of Forestry.Williams can be reached at Since 2013, many Oregon’s natural tiveness of a statewide Invasive 503-945-7472 or Wyatt.Williams@ resource agencies, such as the Oregon Species Hotline. However, given the oregon.gov. For more information on Department of Forestry (ODF) and uncertainty in funding and outlook the Oregon Forest Pest Detectors and Oregon Department of Agriculture for government programs, the OFPD current class schedule, visit the OFPD (ODA), and local governments have is at a tenuous crossroads. Short-term website: http://pestdetector.forestry. teamed up on the Oregon Forest Pest funding will expire in coming oregonstate.edu/ or extension.oregon- Detector (OFPD) program to protect months. After that, the state’s forests state.edu/ofpd. the state’s forests and agriculture and agriculture will be more vulnera- from damaging invasive species. The USDA-funded program, coordinated and led by Oregon State University Extension Forestry, aims to train arborists, landscapers, park workers, and other professionals on the early FAIRWEATHER signs and symptoms of priority inva- sive forest insects. BIOMETRICS, LLC Using a combination of online pre- sentations, face-to-face seminars and field training courses, over 500 pro- fessionals have been trained as “First Detectors” of emerald ash borer, Asian long-horned beetles, and other Consulting services in exotic forest insects, which have yet to be detected in Oregon but whose forest biometrics arrival is imminent. The OFPD uses and applied statistics the online reporting system, Oregon Invasives Online Hotline, which is a product of Oregon Invasive Species Stephen E. Fairweather, PH.D.,ACF Council and Portland State University. While in the field using any smart device. First Detectors can take a pic- [email protected] ture, record a GPS point, and log a report of possible invasive species. The overall goal is to detect key forest invaders early in their invasion when eradication is still feasible. In the summer of 2019, two gradu- ates of the OFPD independently sub- mitted reports to the state’s invasive species hotline of suspicious exotic insect damage to native twinberry plants (Lonicera involucrata) in the Portland metro region. ODF Forest Health staff, alongside partners with the ODA, responded to the reports and identified an exotic woodborer, Agrilus cyanescens, previously unknown to the Pacific Northwest. This Eurasian insect has been present in the northeastern US since at least 1921 and feeds on native honeysuck- les (Lonicera sp.). ODF is assisting ODA and other partners in monitor- ing and outreach of this discovery.

WESTERN FORESTER ◆ APRIL/MAY/JUNE 2020 11 Herbicides are Part of the Forest Manager’s Toolkit their pets, livestock, and garden. In department of agriculture. Aerial appli- BY HEATHER HANSEN reality, a helicopter pilot has a great cators are also licensed and regulated deal of control over where the herbi- by the Federal Aviation Administration. t is not news to cide lands. The application is guided by The Washington Conservation most foresters GPS and the herbicide is laid down Voters just released their 2020-2024 Ithat the use of her- within approved boundaries. Allowing political campaign, which includes a bicides in forestry the herbicide to drift out of the intend- goal of phasing out the “use of the has come under ed application site is a violation of the most dangerous pesticides in forest attack by the public law. land management.” This goal is based in recent years. Yet, Another factor contributing to on emotion and myth, not science. herbicide use increased apprehension is that many Pesticides used in forestland manage- remains the most effective way to con- members of the public no longer trust ment are almost all herbicides. Most trol invasive plants and protect newly the Environmental Protection Agency herbicides are non-toxic to humans, planted trees from competition so (EPA). They are unaware that there are other mammals, fish, and insects. It is they are free to grow. career scientists who have worked on unclear what criteria they may use to In Washington and Oregon, the level pesticide research through multiple determine something is dangerous. It of fear and community unrest over the administrations. The pesticide regis- is even less clear how they would pro- aerial application of herbicides over pose to control noxious weeds, which timberland has increased in recent can destroy habitat, or how they would years. Media coverage of glyphosate create an environment conducive to and related lawsuits has increased the tree growth. The fact is that without anxiety level considerably. For those herbicides, it is very difficult to who get their scientific knowledge reestablish trees or control invasive from TV, which is most people, Round- plant species. up sounds like a very scary product. Many people believe any exposure to it Communicate, communicate, is likely to cause cancer. They also do communicate not understand how a helicopter could The second most important part of possibly control where a herbicide application is communi- spray droplets land cating with neighbors. The most when they hit the important part of the application will earth. If you do not always be to follow the label and understand how it TRUCK PHOTO COURTESY OF ensure there is no drift. works, it seems logical GLENN MILLER Herbicides are applied Meeting with neighbors takes time, that what comes out of via several methods, but it’s time well spent. It can mini- the nozzles could such as helicopter, mize complaints and develop friends. spread widely and backpack sprayer, or The more information people have land almost anywhere. by a pickup truck. about an application, the more likely I have listened to citi- SPRAYER PHOTO COURTESY OF they are to remain calm. People want zens describe this fear. ANDY PERLEBERG to be listened to. They want to know Many sincerely believe tration process is set in you care about them and their con- that an application, law and has not been cerns. Most people are reasonable miles from their home, changed by the current when their questions are answered. could affect them, administration. They do Many timber companies contact not know that the EPA has one of the neighbors prior to beginning a harvest most comprehensive pesticide regis- operation. When it comes time to HOPKINS FORESTRY spray, someone in the company prob- Forest Managers performing herbicide tration systems in the world. Over 120 application, young stand management, tests are required to ensure products ably already knows which neighbors harvest management, contract compliance, will not harm people or the environ- are likely to be concerned. inventories, and forestry/natural ment. Every time a concern is raised, It is also important to reach out to resources education more testing can be required, and county commissioners or council more restrictions added to the label. members. They will hear from con- RESTR 4ESTM The public is also unaware that the cerned citizens. It is important for FO GR decision to use herbicides is not made them to also know that you care about Dick & Paula Hopkins lightly by landowners. Purchasing her- the land you manage and are protect- 360-492-5441 bicides is expensive. Applicators must ing habitat by controlling invasive [email protected] pass a test and be licensed by the state plants. Helping them understand state

12 WESTERN FORESTER ◆ APRIL/MAY/JUNE 2020 and federal regulations for herbicide use will also help. Establishing and maintaining open lines of communi- Oregon 2020 Annual Meeting is Now Virtual cation will help keep herbicides as an The Capitol Chapter of OSAF invites you to join us for the virtual Oregon available tool. SAF Annual Meeting from October 7-8, 2020. These two days will feature edu- Concern about herbicide use has cational sessions, video tours, poster presentations, an awards ceremony, and also increased with state legislators. sponsor interaction. Most legislators are unaware that The annual meeting’s theme, Forestry: The Sustainable Solution, takes every aspect of pesticide use is regulat- center stage during the plenary session on Thursday morning. SAF President ed by either the state or federal gov- Dr. Tamara Cushing will share thought-provoking ideas about sustainable ernment. Reaching out early and forestry. The general sessions will continue the discussions of how forestry is explaining what you do, why you do it, a sustainable solution now and into the future, and a panel will discuss the and how it is regulated will reduce current issues affecting the sector. Numerous speakers will speak on the latest their level of concern. research findings and current policy topics regarding sustainability, and the In 2019, Washington Senate Bill final session will highlight water research and actively managing forested 5597 created a work group on aerial watersheds. Time will be given to live question-and-answer sessions. pesticide applications in forestlands. Even in a virtual setting, we are offering a technical tour that will be The work group developed recom- brought to you via video and followed by a live panel of land managers, biolo- mendations for improving the best gists, and researchers. management practices for aerial appli- An awards ceremony will honor our members and colleagues. We will also cation of pesticides on state and pri- feature a poster session open to students and professionals to participate in. vate forestlands. In 2020, Senate Bill The Oregon SAF Executive Committee will meet on Friday, October 9, via 6488 was introduced by the same sen- Zoom. ator to implement the work group The registration fees, form, and agenda can be found at: report. SB 6488 failed to pass, but the https://tinyurl.com/OSAF2020. work group report remains in place. The Capitol Chapter is based in Oregon’s capital city, which is a diverse Much of the report focused on landscape that stretches from the scenic Cascades foothills through the rivers and valleys to the highly productive Coast Range. (CONTINUED ON PAGE 23) REGISTER FOR VIRTUAL CONFERENCE! • Virtual field tours

S • Awards Reception T G

N • OSAF Member business meeting I H T • Student session E G E • Poster session I M • Exhibitor presentations L L

A • Plenary session U H

N • General session G N I A • Research updates

H • Live Question and Answer sessions

2020 ANNUAL VIRTUAL MEETING OREGON SOCIETY OF AMERICAN FORESTERS Forestry: The Sustainable Solution October 7-8, 2020 Online Registration: https://tinyurl.com/OSAF2020

WESTERN FORESTER ◆ APRIL/MAY/JUNE 2020 13 The Latest News on Invasives in the Pacific Northwest e could devote another issue of the Western Forester to cover the Wlatest research on invasives in the Pacific Northwest. Instead here’s a snapshot to get you up to date.

White Pines and White Pine Blister Rust Resistance BY RICHARD SNIEZKO

There are nine white pine species native to the United States: the western white, sugar, whitebark, limber, foxtail, southwestern white, Rocky Mountain bristlecone, Great Basin bristlecone, PHOTO COURTESY OF RICHARD SNIEZKO and eastern white pine. Eight of these Crater Lake National Park is the site of a whitebark pine field trial that is accessible by the public. are found in the western United States; eastern white pine is the lone white (even those with resistance) will Tribes of Warm Springs, Quinault pine native to the eastern United include some susceptible seedlings. Indian Nation, Washington Department States. All nine are highly susceptible to For long-lived tree species like the of Natural Resources, and privately held white pine blister rust, which is caused white pines, resistance also needs to lands, with a number of these now pro- by the non-native, invasive fungal be durable against changes in the ducing resistant seed. Based on pathogen Cronartium ribicola. pathogen, stable across different envi- seedling screening, the BLM’s Horning Whitebark pine has been proposed ronments, and occur frequently orchard currently has the highest level for listing under the Endangered enough in an orchard seedlot to be of of resistance documented for an Species Act, partially due to its high use to land managers. orchard lot. susceptibility to white pine blister rust. Genetic resistance to white pine Since 1996, a network of field trials In some areas, this rust has killed more blister rust is determined by inocula- has been established in Oregon, than 95 percent of the trees. The con- tion of seedling progeny with rust Washington, California, and British sensus of scientists and foresters is spores and evaluating their susceptibil- Columbia and will serve to monitor that development of genetic resistance ity vs. resistance over a five-year peri- the level and durability of resistance, to this rust is needed to successfully od. The goal is to discern the various as well as growth and adaptability of maintain or restore these species in types of resistance that are present. western white pine in response to a the most affected areas. Since the program began, progeny changing climate. Researchers demonstrated that of more than 4,500 western white pine Work on whitebark pine began resistance existed at a low frequency in parent trees from natural stands have more recently. In the beginning, western white pine and eastern white been evaluated for resistance, and the researchers believed whitebark pine pine in the 1950s. Soon after, several most resistant parent trees or their might prove the most susceptible of Forest Service regions started applied progeny were put into seed orchards. the white pine species. In fact, relative- programs to develop resistance. In the In the last two decades, these new ly high levels of resistance are being Pacific Northwest, the USDA Forest selections have become reproductively found to occur at a modest frequency Service’s Dorena Genetic Resource mature, and breeding has increased in this species. Center (DGRC) breeding programs ini- the level of resistance further. Since 2002, progeny from more tially focused on two species of eco- Some of the families from the than 1,500 whitebark pine parent trees nomic importance, western white pine breeding program showed 50 to 80 per- from public and tribal lands in Oregon and sugar pine. Resistance breeding of cent more resistance relative to the and Washington have been planted to those species continues to this day. susceptible control subjects, and selec- evaluate resistance. Parent trees are Since 2002, the center began evaluat- tions from those resistant families will rated A to F for resistance, ‘A’ being the ing the other six western species of be placed into future seed orchards. most resistant and ‘F’ being highly sus- white pines for resistance. Currently there are western white ceptible, and these ratings are sent to It’s important to know that resist- pine seed orchards on USFS, Bureau of land managers so efforts can be ance is not immunity; most seedlots Land Management, Confederated focused on resistant individuals.

14 WESTERN FORESTER ◆ APRIL/MAY/JUNE 2020 Additional cone collections from the to the lower slopes of highly rated trees are made, and the Mount Shasta. It is also seed is used for restoration and graft- intermittently distrib- ing of the most resistant parent, estab- uted along the west lish seed orchards, and for genetic slope of the Sierra conservation. Nevada Mountains as far Field trials have been established by as Mariposa County. It is USFS, National Park Service, and highly valued by Native Washington Department of National American communities, Resources, and these will provide mainly for its acorns, information on field resistance and and has formed the adaptation under a changing climate. basis of their California One such planting, at Crater Lake acorn economy for National Park’s Rim Village, is readily thousands of years; accessible by the public and presents acorns are still a highly PHOTO COURTESY OF BLAKEY LOCKMAN an opportunity for conservation edu- valued food item among Tanoak that are infected with Phytophthora cation on invasive species and white- tribes throughout the ramorum have bleeding cankers on their trunks and branches, and leaves become a pale green and bark pine, genetic resistance, and for- range of tanoak. Tanoaks eventually turn brown. est health. also provide nesting, Beyond the Forest Service, efforts roosting, and foraging value for a variety radius of 300-600 feet. In California, are now underway to find funds for of wildlife species and have been found SOD was well established before the sequencing the whitebark pine to support a high diversity of ectomyc- identity of the causal agent was deter- genome and using genomic resources orrhizae. mined. Management in California for restoration guidance. SOD infection begins in aerial parts incorporates a variety of techniques, With the finding of resistance, suc- of hosts where it produces spores that including host removal, thinning to cessful restoration of this threatened spread by rain splash and through air favor non-host trees, altering environ- species is now within reach for the dispersal. New introductions occur mental conditions in the stand, fuels western white pine, sugar pine and through human-assisted movement of mitigation, and restoration activities to whitebark pine, and this work is fur- infected plant material, such as rhodo- restore ecosystem function and/or pre- ther paving the way for potential dendrons and azaleas. The pathogen vent undesirable changes. recovery of other white pine species. has been recovered in streams and soil Getting a handle on Sudden from areas of infestation, but the role Oak Death in Oregon Richard Sniezko, an SAF member, is a of these inoculum sources in the forest In July 2001, SOD was discovered in geneticist at the U.S. Forest Service setting is not fully known. coastal southwest Oregon forests. In Dorena Genetic Resource Center in There are four known lineages of the subsequent years, an interagency team Cottage Grove, Oregon. Sniezko can be pathogen, three of which are found in eradicated and slowed the spread of reached at 541-767-5716 or North America: NA1, NA2 and EU1. disease through a program of early [email protected]. The NA1 lineage is primarily in forest detection, survey and monitoring, and settings, while all three lineages have destruction of infected and nearby been detected in nurseries. EU1 was What We Know About host plants. Eradication treatments, isolated from a forest setting for the totaling approximately 7,340, eliminat- Sudden Oak Death first time in 2015 in southwestern ed disease from most infested sites, but Oregon and appears to be more BY BLAKEY LOCKMAN AND the disease continued to spread slowly, aggressive than NA1 in a forest setting. SARAH NAVARRO mostly in a northward direction. Management of SOD in the forest Recent developments of the SOD varies by state, due to the status of the Sudden Oak Death (SOD) is caused Program include the formation of the disease and the varied presence of sus- by the invasive pathogen Phytophthora Oregon SOD Task Force, an updated ceptible hosts. The Oregon SOD pro- ramorum. Mortality of infected oaks economic impact assessment, and a gram has focused on eradication and and tanoaks was first noted in new citizen science program. “slow the spread.” With the discovery of California forests in the mid-1990s, but In 2017, a SOD Task Force, com- EU1 and its known aggressive behavior not diagnosed in Oregon until 2001. prised of local, state and federal gov- on conifers in Europe, local eradication The susceptible host list is extensive, ernment agencies, tribes, industry, and of this lineage was initially attempted. including many horticulturally impor- local residents, and environmental Since 2019, Oregon’s SOD Program tant species, but the most susceptible groups, was charged with developing a position is to contain the spread of forest tree in Oregon by SOD is tanoak. collaborative-based strategic action EU1, while also continuing to slow the Tanoak (Notholithocarpus densi- plan. This plan would include secure- spread of NA1. Treatments to reduce florus) is an evergreen hardwood that ment of additional resources to contain the spread involve killing (chemically), ranges from southwestern Oregon into the NA1 lineage of P.ramorum and dropping and burning host material the coastal ranges of California and east surrounding infected trees within a (CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE)

WESTERN FORESTER ◆ APRIL/MAY/JUNE 2020 15 eradicate the EU1 lineage in Curry these forests have an inherent exis- insects that feed on true fir trees (Abies) County, Oregon, using the best avail- tence value and may contribute and can kill a tree within a few years. able science. ecosystem-level or biodiversity values This insect was introduced from unrecognized prior to extirpation. Europe to the northeastern United Economic impact States around 1900, the West Coast in Following adoption of the strategic Mobilizing citizen science the late 1920s, and the southeastern action plan, Oregon Department of In September 2018, ODF and United States in the mid-1950s. By the Forestry (ODF) commissioned an eco- Oregon State University (OSU) 1970s it was established along the nomic impact assessment of SOD. Extension collaborated to develop a Cascade and Coast Ranges of Oregon, Among the assessment’s findings were SOD citizen science pilot project and Washington, and British Columbia. that the disease has not had a signifi- outreach education program. It was a Alaska, however, long remained with- cant impact on the economy of Curry well-attended community workshop in out any known instances of BWA. That County, and there has been no decline Pistol River followed by citizen science all changed in June 2019 when BWA in timber harvest, export or log prices, trainings in Gold Beach. The citizen sci- was confirmed causing notable dam- or on recreation or tourism revenue. entist volunteers learned standard sam- age on dozens of ornamental sub- However, it appears certain private pling protocol to set monitoring bait alpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa) trees in properties where tanoaks have died stations, collect, record, and send sam- Dimond Park in Juneau, Alaska. This is may have lost real estate value. ples to the OSU Forest Pathology lab for the first known detection of BWA in The assessment reported that cur- disease screening every two weeks for a Alaska. rent efforts are keeping the infestation’s three-month period. Citizen scientists Alaska is home to only two native spread to between half a mile and 4.5 deployed 20 bucket baits on five sites at species of fir—subalpine fir and Pacific miles a year. With continued treatment, the leading edge of the disease and silver fir (Abies amabilis)— both of SOD’s spread north of the Rogue River baited four stream reaches in the first which have limited ranges in the state could be delayed until about 2028. year of the project. The second year of and neither of which occur naturally in Without any treatment, the disease the project is currently underway. the Juneau area. Genetic analysis con- would most likely arrive north of the Workshop success was measured ducted by Dr. Nathan Havill, a USDA Rogue just four years from now and with pre- and post- workshop evalua- Forest Service Research Entomologist enter Coos County by 2028. Other tions. Before the workshop 34 percent specializing in adelgids, revealed the impacts from discontinuing treatment of participants indicated they under- BWA population in Juneau is genetical- that could happen as early as 2028 stood disease concepts “very much” ly identical to those in Oregon and include: increasing to 72 percent after the work- Washington. However, because of the • sanctions on southwest Oregon shop. First-year citizen science project discontinuous host availability within timber exports by China, Japan, and/or results indicate that citizen scientist southeast Alaska, it is unlikely the Korea; volunteers are motivated to help with introduction in Juneau was due to • loss of 1,200 jobs related to timber early detection strategies by following range expansion. Infested nursery export; $57.9 million in annual wages; sampling protocols and spreading stock is the presumed source of the • reduction of timber harvest by awareness in the community. These introduction, and all the BWA-impact- 15 percent, with proportional loss of efforts will greatly aid in identifying ed trees found to date are ornamental forest products harvest tax revenue, sites for eradication before the disease plantings. The majority of BWA affect- and forest sector jobs and wages; becomes established. ed subalpine firs in Juneau were plant- • collapse of rural residential prop- ed during two distinct timeframes: erty value; loss of real estate transac- Blakey Lockman is the regional plant around 2007 and in 2012. The trees tion revenues; and pathologist with the USFS Pacific came from nurseries based in Oregon • decline in recreation and tourism Northwest Region in Portland, Oregon; and Washington and were classified as income out of proportion to the extent she can be reached (503) 808-2997 or “wild-harvest” seedlings, collected of SOD infestation if an unfavorable [email protected]. Sarah through a permit from National public perception of the region takes Navarro is the regional SOD pathologist Forests. BWA is notoriously difficult to hold. for the USFS Pacific Northwest Region identify at low levels and likely came in What the assessment did not cap- in Portland, Oregon. She can be reached on these wild-harvested trees, taking ture were the potential impacts that at [email protected]. many years to build into noticeable elude economic quantification, partic- population levels. BWA was also con- ularly tribal cultural values and the Balsam Woolly Adelgid firmed on a small number of addition- existence merits of tanoak-dominated Now in Alaska al ornamental fir trees. It is not known forests. Cultural practices with great at this time if these trees are associated historic and traditional meaning— BY ELIZABETH E. GRAHAM AND with the wild-harvested fir plantings. acorn gathering, materials for basket JASON E. MOAN With the find of BWA in Juneau, a weaving, hunting—are already com- Balsam Woolly Adelgid Working Group promised by SOD. In addition, SOD Balsam woolly adelgids (BWA) was developed with staff from USDA may be an existential threat to tanoak (Adelges picae) are small sap-sucking Forest Service Forest Health Protection, and associated obligate species, and the Alaska Division of Forestry,

16 WESTERN FORESTER ◆ APRIL/MAY/JUNE 2020 University of Alaska Fairbanks Balsam Woolly Adelgid’s The group includes USFS, APHIS Cooperative Extension Service, and the (Animal Plant Health Inspection Alaska Division of Agriculture. The Expansion into the Service), Utah State University exten- goal of the working group is develop- Intermountain West sion, Utah Department of Agriculture ing a cooperative strategy for BWA sur- and Food (UDAF), Utah Department of vey, control, and outreach. BY LAURA LOWREY, DANIELLE Forestry, Fire and State Lands, and local In late 2019, members of the work- MALESKY, AND IRAL RAGENOVICH ski areas and resorts. The goals of the ing group met in Juneau to conduct a partnership are developing a common BWA delimiting survey. Since true firs BWA was well established in the communication message; creating edu- don’t occur naturally in Juneau, the Cascades by the late 1960s, and more cation materials; and developing a list of goal of the delimiting survey was two- recently, it is expanding eastward current needs to share with research fold: survey for symptomatic fir trees through the true fir forests of Idaho, (phenology, monitoring, data collection, and assess the density and location of Montana, and Utah. Aerial survey data and management recommendations). ornamental firs in Juneau. In surveying estimated nearly 200,000 acres with While the full ecological impacts of BWA the entirety of the road system in the dead subalpine fir (SAF) across south- remain to be seen in the Intermountain Juneau area, 76 true firs were docu- ern Idaho and Nevada in 2019. West, these collaborative efforts will mented, of which 49 were sympto- In the drier extent of the SAF range, undoubtedly continue to offer outreach matic and confirmed to have BWA; it is SAF is the only species that grows and and mitigation guidance. Eradicating possible other fir trees may exist in represents in some cases >80 percent BWA from western ecosystems is not Juneau or that other known firs are of overstory species composition. SAF possible. Understanding the infested. A majority of the known is an important component of the insect/ecology can inform science- symptomatic trees have already been Engelmann spruce/subalpine fir type. based mitigation. Researchers are removed (41 total) and efforts to reach In addition, in many places throughout studying the relationship of BWA dam- additional landowners with fir trees are the Intermountain West, the spruce age and drought on SAF forest decline. underway. The Alaska Division of component has been removed or killed BWA damage trend data across Idaho Forestry is developing a cost-share pro- by spruce beetle. The ability of BWA to confirms more damage found within gram to assist landowners with BWA infest all size classes and affect cone more mild portions of the SAF range. mitigation; funding for this program and seed reproduction exacerbates the The Rocky Mountain Research Station is was provided by the USDA Forest ongoing challenge to the ecological studying the relationship of BWA phe- Service. In addition to these efforts, a sustainability of SAF. nology and damages in northern Utah. BWA fact sheet was developed and an Climatic models predict warmer Other research will describe the fuels initial public workshop was held in winters and drier summers across and potential fire behavior across January 2020. southern Idaho, Wyoming, Utah and southern Idaho, Montana, and Utah; an Southeast Alaska is comprised of Nevada. Warmer winters allow BWA to image-based management guide will many small communities scattered survive and reproduce in historically describe potential fire behavior associ- around the mainland and numerous colder high elevation forests. Drier ated with BWA-caused fuel loads. This wooded islands. It is unknown at pres- summers exacerbate the physiological will augment recent findings that BWA ent if BWA may exist in other commu- water stress caused by BWA feeding. infestations at low, moderate, and heavy nities or within the natural stands of fir Engelmann spruce/subalpine fir forests levels cause foliar moisture loss similar in Southeast Alaska. Surveys and out- are the greatest water yielding areas to dead trees. Finally, stand-marking reach efforts will continue across the across southern Idaho and Utah. guidelines that focus on keeping the region as we attempt to determine how Impacts to wildlife, aquatic and fish- most resistant trees on the landscape wide ranging this pest may be in the eries habitats, and municipal water- and remote sensing tools that may state and prevent further spread of sheds could occur as riparian areas are enhance detection success are being BWA from known infestations. affected. BWA is changing fuel loading developed. ◆ and fire behavior within SAF-dominant Elizabeth Graham, PhD is a forest landscapes. True fir species are known Laura Lowrey is an entomologist with entomologist with the US Forest Service for their capacity to retain dead green the SW Oregon Service Center, Forest Forest Health Protection in Juneau, and dry needles over long periods of Health Protection in Medford, Oregon; Alaska. Graham can be reached at time, which will likely influence fire she can be reached at 208-373-4226 or 907-586-8883 or elizabeth.e.graham@ severity and behavior. Economic values [email protected]. Danielle usda.gov. Jason Moan is the forest of this forest type are also threatened; Malesky is an entomologist with the health program manager for the recreational tourism in southern Idaho Northern Region in Coeur d’Alene, Alaska Division of Forestry. Moan and Utah mountain ranges attracts mil- Idaho; she can be reached at 801-476- can be reached at 907-269-8460 or lions of visitors each year and totals 9720 or [email protected]. [email protected]. several billion dollars for the ski and Iral Ragenovich is a regional entomolo- outdoor recreation industries. gist with the Pacific Northwest Region A Utah BWA partnership was devel- in Portland, Oregon; she can be reached oped in September 2017 to collaborate at 503-808-2915 or iral.ragenovich@ on BWA education and management. usda.gov.

WESTERN FORESTER ◆ APRIL/MAY/JUNE 2020 17 Cruising workshops annually at Oregon State, even after retirement, and gave out- side courses on four continents. In total, there were almost 100 of these courses, and they still continue at OSU. We Remember Ronald C. Thompson We lost a number of long-time SAF members over the past six months. Due to space limitations, we not only had to abridge their obituaries, but we couldn’t fit everyone in 1942-2020 this issue. In the fall issue, we will include those members who passed recently. Ronald C. “Ron” Thompson, 77, a long- time resident of the Forest Grove commu- John Bell They were married for 69 years. nity, died, February 12, 2020, at his home. John was an infantry officer in 1945-6, He was born November 1, 1942, in 1949-2019 serving in the 10th Mountain Division, the Ardmore, Oklahoma, the son of the late Dr. John F. Bell passed away on famous ski troops of WWII. He completed Jack David Thompson and Lucy (Hall) November 16, 2019, at the age of 95.8; a his BS at OSU in 1949, and his first profes- Thompson. Ron was a Veteran of the passing grade almost anywhere. Death sional forestry job was cruising timber. He Vietnam era, having joined the United was due simply to his advanced age. He worked for the Oregon State Forestry States Army on March 30, 1966, in had been a professional forester for 68 Department for ten years and was a pio- Shreveport, Louisiana, Ron served for one years. His membership in SAF began in neer in the introduction of Variable Plot year and nine months, until receiving his 1949 and continued through his lifetime. Sampling. honorable discharge on November 16, In SAF, he was active for many years in a His academic contributions to the field 1967, at the rank of SP5. number of responsible positions. He was began with his first publication, Ron was united in marriage to Donna a Fellow, a Certified Forester, and among “Application of the Variable Plot Method Rae Curtis on April 2, 1983, in the Central the many awards he received was a of Sampling Forest Stands,” which he Baptist Church in Forest Grove, Oregon. Lifetime Achievement Award from Oregon wrote with Lucien Alexander in 1959. His They celebrated their 36th wedding SAF. association with Alexander also led to the anniversary this past April. Following their His wonderfully supportive family long-running OSU Variability Short marriage, they made their home in the included numerous grandchildren, four Course, now in its 6th decade at OSU. He Forest Grove community. children and his surviving wife Myrna. continued to teach Variable-Plot and 3P He had worked as a policy and pro- gram analyst for the United States Forestry Service for 30 years until retiring in the mid-90s. Following his retirement, Ron served as the City Planner for the cities of Yachats and Waldport, Oregon for eight years. The family suggests that remem- brances may be contributions to the fol- lowing organizations: The Gideons International, PO Box 140800, Nashville, TN 37214 and The Crossing Fellowship, 1950 Mountain View Lane, Forest Grove, Oregon 97116, in his memory.

William C. “Bill” Wagner 1926-2020 William (Bill) Wagner passed away peacefully on April 10, 2020, in Portland, Oregon. He was born November 8, 1926, in Green Bay, Wisconsin to Joseph A. Wagner and Elizabeth (Hanna) Wagner where he grew up with three brothers. In 1954, he married Jean A. Plotecher, and they raised a family of four children in Eugene, Oregon. They spent 58 won- derful years together until Jean passed away in 2012. They were active members of St. Jude’s Catholic Church since its establishment in 1969. He was a member of SAF from 1952- 2020, and an active member of Eugene Southtowne Rotary Club well into his retirement years. Bill was loved by many—he was always

18 WESTERN FORESTER ◆ APRIL/MAY/JUNE 2020 ready to have a good time, share a laugh, An avid sailor, fisherman, mountain and had many, many stories to share. He climber, clam digger, wood turner, bee Calendar of Events was an avid proponent of education, and keeper, and friend to many, Bob will be his positive encouragement of his chil- missed. dren and grandchildren, along with his A memorial to celebrate Bob’s life will CESCL: Erosion and Sediment can-do attitude, will forever be remem- be held at a later date to ensure everyone’s Control Lead Training, July 29-30, bered and cherished by those who knew safety. If you would like to be notified Live remote attendance for OR and WA. and loved him. directly as to when this will take place, Contact: NWETC. If you wish to commemorate Bill, leave your memories and contact info at please consider a contribution to a charity Bob’s private tribute wall at www.gaffney- Conflict Resolution Skills for of your choice: Meals on Wheels, Lane funeralhome.com. Memorial donations in Environmental Professionals, County—www.mowlaneor.org; or memory of Bob can be made to the August 4, Live remote attendance. Providence Hospice, Attention: Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation Contact: NWETC. Bereavement William Wagner, 6410 NE at www.themmrf.org Halsey Street, Suite 300, Portland, OR Oregon Small Woodlands 97213. Elbridge “Gock” Carl Association 2020 Annual Meeting, A Memorial Mass and Celebration of August 20-22, Springfield, OR. Contact: Life will be held at a later date. Gockerell Oregon Small Woodlands Association, 1924-2020 www.oswa.org. Robert “Bob” Nelson Witter Former Forks resident Elbridge “Gock” 1932-2020 Carl Gockerell was born May 20, 1924, in Who Will Own the Forest: The Duvall, Washington. He left our world Feb. Series 2020, Sept. 23 & 30, Oct. 14, 21 Bob passed away peacefully in the 6, 2020. He is survived by his wife of 66 & 28, Virtual meeting. Contact: comfort of his own home with his family years, Gloria Jean Gockerell and his sons www.wwotf.org. on Browns Point, Tacoma, Washington, on Timothy Ryan and Daniel Glenn, along March 17th, 2020, at the age of 87, after a with many grandchildren and great- Oregon SAF annual meeting, long battle with Multiple Myeloma. He is grandchildren. Gock spent his last days in Oct. 7-8, Virtual meeting. Contact: Julie preceded in death by his parents and his home in Sequim, where he raised his Woodward, [email protected], infant daughter Karen Monette. He is sur- sons and twin grandsons. tinyurl.com/OSAF2020. vived by his wife and “first mate” of 65 He lived a long and full life. There years, Janet, daughter Krista (Ulrik), son wasn’t a single person he wasn’t happy to Hagenstein Lectures—Emerging Michael (Lizzie), and grandchildren meet. He told stories of his past and Voices in Forestry, Oct. 25, World Aaron, Sally, and Hana, sisters Katherine brought them to life. Forestry Center, Portland, OR. Contact: Gaustad of Harstine Island, Washington, He served in the US Coast Guard as a www.worldforestry.org/the-hagenstein- and JoAnne (Ken) Utne of Sunnyvale, radioman second class and in the US lectures/. California. Navy Reserve as an aviator. The US Navy Bob joined the US Air Force in 1955, awarded him his wings 67 years later. His 2020 SAF National Convention, where he trained as a F86 fighter pilot. military stint began in 1942 when he Oct. 29-Oct. 31, virtual conference. Contact: Later that same year, he married Janet— enlisted in the Coast Guard. He later was www.eforester.org/SAFConvention. the love of his life, and they started their called into service in March 1943 to shared journey together on Air Force attend boot camp in Oakland, Calif. He bases from Georgia to Texas—before he joined the Navy the following year and was discharged as a Captain. In 1958 they took his first flight in a Kingfisher on Contact Information moved back to Seattle, so Bob could pur- March 7, 1944. He retired from the NWETC: Northwest Environmental sue his forestry career. His first job was as Washington State Department of Natural Training Center, 1445 NW Mall St., Suite a forester/pilot, cruising timber for Resources where he was the area boss for 4, Issaquah, WA 98027, 425-270-3274, Northern Pacific Railroad. In 1970 he the Olympic Peninsula. nwetc.org. joined Weyerhaeuser where he had a var- His life was meaningful to everyone he ied and illustrious career with sabbaticals met, whether that had been many years Send calendar items to the editor at at the Forest Service in Washington, DC in ago or just minutes prior. He placed pur- [email protected]. 1973 and the Advanced Management pose in every encounter. Gock is incredi- Program at Harvard University in 1981. bly missed and this world is a little less Bob retired in 1992 as a Vice President of bright without him in it. ◆ Forest Management. REM Stat IND e elect ER is ion inf Connecting Forest Landowners with due to ormati North on west O Seedlings, Services and Contractors by Aug ffice ust 17. Co ntact: Melin DISCOVER Our Interactive Website da Ols melind on a@fore www.forestseedlingnetwork.com stry.org BUY/SELL SEEDLINGS • FIND VENDOR SERVICES & CONTRACTORS • VALUABLE RESOURCES

WESTERN FORESTER ◆ APRIL/MAY/JUNE 2020 19 In 2019, a gypsy moth captured Invasives on the Horizon north of Seattle, in Woodway, Snohomish County, Washington, was lthough the names of current determined to be Lymantria umbrosa, invasives are well known, what informally known as the “Hokkaido” areA invasives that we should be aware gypsy moth. It was the first record of of? We asked the experts what inva- this species being caught in North sives worry them, and here’s what they America. After environmental analysis, shared. and under an emergency order of the Governor, the Washington State Hokkaido Gypsy Moth Department of Agriculture responded in May 2020 by spraying 672 acres BY KAREN RIPLEY across the moth capture site with three aerial applications of the microbial The triangular red, green or brown insecticide Bacillus thuringiensis traps you see from June to September, kurstaki. The area will be monitored fastened on roadside tree trunks with a dense array of pheromone traps across the United States, are usually for at least three years to confirm gypsy moth detection traps. States out- whether the treatment was effective side the currently infested area, espe- and that Hokkaido gypsy moth, for PHOTO COURTESY OF JOHN GHENT, BUGWOOD.ORG cially those with commercial ties to Many species and subspecies of now, won’t be making North America Asia, are continuously attentive to pos- gypsy moth are visually indistin- its new home. sible introductions of gypsy moth, guishable, so regulatory agencies Lymantria dispar and use pheromone- use genetic tools to identify the Contact: Karen Ripley karen.ripley@ baited traps to locate new populations. species, and enable inferences usda.gov about behaviors to devise effective There are several subspecies of L. dis- response strategies. This moth is a par: a “European” variety that was female Asian gypsy moth (Lymantria Annual Grasses— introduced to Massachusetts in the dispar asiatica). 1860s and which feeds on an extensive Ventenata and number of broadleaved trees and monacha, L. postalba and L. umbrosa) Medusahead plants, and has spread widely across are considered an extreme threat to the the eastern United States and Canada; western US because these caterpillars BY SHAWNA BAUTISTA and “Asian” varieties that are regularly feed on conifer foliage and female carried in on ships and equipment flight behavior makes them able to Most invasive plants are not from China, Japan, South Korea, and spread quickly and potentially elude thought to be direct threats to forest Russia and which feeds on foliage of control efforts. Fortunately, many of ecosystems, but recent research indi- conifer trees in addition to dozens of the Lymantria species respond to simi- cates that invasive annual grasses may other trees and plants and not current- lar sex attractant pheromones, so every be more of a threat than commonly ly established in North America. gypsy moth caught in annual detection recognized. Two species, Ventenata The Asian varieties of gypsy moths trapping programs (implemented by (Ventenata dubia) and Medusahead (subspecies L. dispar asiatica and L. state departments of agriculture or (Taeniatherum caput-medusae), are dispar japonica and closely related forestry) is submitted for genetic analy- gaining attention in the western species L. albescens, L. mathura, L. sis to inform response actions. United States as significant threats to arid shrublands, as well as dry forest ecosystems. Both species are native to Mediterranean regions and are spread- ing rapidly, particularly in the north- west. Recent fires in Oregon have demonstrated that areas adjacent to and within dry forests that are invaded by ventenata can carry fire to and through forested areas. Rapid post-fire colonization may impede reforestation and lead to the same kind of grass-fire cycle we have seen with cheatgrass in the Great Basin. Thinning and juniper removal activities can also uninten- tionally spread invasion by these species, increasing fire spread, inci- dence and frequency. Resulting inva-

20 WESTERN FORESTER ◆ APRIL/MAY/JUNE 2020 sion and potential fire spread are Exotic Wood-boring counter-productive to the purpose of our projects, so close attention to pre- Insects venting introduction, pre-project treatments, and post-project treat- BY JIM LaBONTE ments is warranted. Introduction of exotic wood-boring insects is a global phenomenon. Many Contact: Shawna L. Bautista, such species have become established [email protected] PHOTO COURTESY OF WASHINGTON STATE in the Pacific Northwest and new exot- DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE ic wood-borers are found here every Asian giant hornets are extremely Asian Giant Hornet aka: large yellow-jacket-type insects year. Several have already caused Murder Hornet that are capable of decimating major damage in the region, such as honeybee colonies and hives. walnut twig beetle, Pityophthorus jug- BY KAREN RIPLEY landis. There are many other damag- observations by alert beekeepers ing exotic wood-borers not yet known should provide clues to locate and The Asian giant hornet (AGH, Vespa from the Pacific Northwest, such as destroy nearby colonies. In late sum- mandarinia; known in popular culture Asian longhorned beetle, Anoplophora mer, when groups of AGH workers as the “murder hornet”) is an extreme- glabripennis, and emerald ash borer, seeking protein aggressively attack ly large yellow-jacket-type insect that Agrilus planipennis. These pests beehives, rapid reports from beekeep- was first observed in British Columbia threaten native and urban forests, ers will be even more critical to inter- and Washington in late 2019. This ornamental and indigenous shrubs, cepting workers in order to locate and invasive species is a highly evolved orchards, and timber production. destroy all AGH colonies before the predator of honeybees. It can deci- The cause of this problem is no next generation of queens emerges in mate a colony/hive, killing workers mystery—it is the global economy. the fall. and stealing the larvae and pupae While exotic wood-borers infest Interacting with AGH is dangerous. within a few hours. Like other hornets, imported commodities, such as wood Approaching and eradicating active AGH also have potent venom in their in the form of art objects and lumber, colonies requires trained employees sting, the ability to sting many times, and woody nursery stock, probably the equipped with protective gear and and aggressive behavior when they greatest source of these pests is solid- pesticides. feel threatened, especially when their wood-packing material. Once in North The WSDA website https://agr.wa. ground nests or the beehives they are America, exotic wood-borers are fur- gov/hornets is the best source of attacking are approached. ther spread by domestic products, immediate, up-to-date AGH informa- Based on reported sightings of such as firewood and nursery plants. 1 tion. large, conspicuous insects (AGH are 1 ⁄2 Although many exotic wood-borers, to 2 inches long with orange heads), such as emerald ash borer and walnut specimens collected, and evidence of Contact: Karen Ripley karen.ripley@ usda.gov bee kills (destroyed hives; with hun- (CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE) dreds of decapitated workers), the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) developed a 2020 TTERBURY CONSULTANTS, INC. Beaverton, Oregon response strategy intending to eradi- A “Professional State-of-the-Art Forestry“ cate AGH. The focus area is northern www.atterbury.com • 503-646-5393 Whatcom County. Since we don’t know how AGH reached North America, Appraisals & Consulting Cruising & Inventory their warnings, fact sheets and strate- • Harvest Level Projections • Foresters are Highly Trained with Current gies are being widely publicized. • Due Diligence Technology • Timberland Sales WSDA’s tactics target the seasonal • Tract, Stand, & Log Volume, Stocking, & • Loan Analysis & Monitoring Statistics Analysis lifecycle and behaviors of AGH, which • Wood Supply Studies • Reforestation are like the familiar annual cycle of • Software Support • Database Development other yellow jackets. GIS Mapping & Analyses Seminars & Training In early spring new queens emerge • Mill, Public, & Large Landowner Locations • Continuing Education Credit from overwintering sites and are • Custom Maps & GIS Data • ArcPad in 1 day attracted to feed on tree sap. WSDA • Overlay process, View & Watershed Analysis • Professional Timber Cruising designed adhesive “sap traps” around • 3D Mapping • SuperACE • Individual or Group Training Available deliberately wounded trees to catch queens. As young AGH workers begin Software & Products to forage in early summer, seeking car- • Timber Cruising–SuperACE & Pocket SuperEASY bohydrate and protein, “bottle traps” • ESRI & MapSmart • Forestry Tools, Rangefinders, BAF Devices, Data Collectors & GPS Units baited with orange juice solutions and

WESTERN FORESTER ◆ APRIL/MAY/JUNE 2020 21 twig beetle, attack only a few hosts, wood-boring insects will continue to tion and egg laying site for SLF is the some species, such as the Asian long- enter the Pacific Northwest and pose “Tree of Heaven” (ToH) Ailanthus horned beetle, attack many broad- major risks to our environment and altissima, a large deciduous tree origi- leaved trees. Still other species, like economy. nally from China that has been widely some ambrosia beetles, can attack planted as an ornamental and street hundreds of both broad-leaved and Contact: Jim LaBonte jlabonte@ tree throughout the United States. ToH coniferous hosts. While stressed hosts oda.state.or.us is also invasive and can be spread suffering from drought and disease are short distances by underground root often most vulnerable to insect Spotted Lantern Fly suckers, medium distances by winged attacks, pests like Asian longhorned seeds (like maple samaras), and long beetle, emerald ash borer, and walnut BY KAREN RIPLEY distances when people move and cul- twig beetle can attack healthy trees. tivate it. The spotted lantern fly (SLF, SLF is not known to be present on Lycorma delicatula) is a large plant- the West Coast. It could easily be trans- hopper insect that is native to eastern ported here if adults or eggs hitchhike Asia (China, India, and Vietnam). Most on infested crops, equipment, fire- life stages have conspicuous white, wood, or objects from the East Coast black, and red coloration and piercing or Asia. In addition to inspecting crops mouthparts used for sucking juice and and goods that could harbor SLF, mon- sap from fruit and plant tissues. Adults itoring ToH will be a key part of early are about one inch long and have con- detection. Efforts are getting started to spicuous red hindwings. inventory ToH, encourage removal of SLF were first observed in the eastern ToH, and maintain/monitor a few United States in 2014 and have become individual male ToH in high risk areas. significant pests in Pennsylvania, New Such trees could serve as sentinels by Jersey, Delaware, Virginia, and being inspected regularly to facilitate Maryland. High numbers of SLF are a promptly detecting SLF when/if it repulsive annoyance to homeowners. arrives. Feeding wounds reduce the quality If you see a SLF, capture and report it and shelf life of fruit and threaten through an Invasive Species Reporting associated industries with quarantines site such as https://www.oregoninva- Asian longhorned beetle intended to prevent additional spread. sivespeciescouncil.org/report-an- Crops that are favored by SLF include invader. Improve your awareness of apples, grapes, hops, and cherries. In ToH identification (https://extension. forests, SLF can be found on maple psu.edu/tree-of-heaven) and local and birch trees. SLF lay eggs on hard occurrences; look for SLF nearby. ◆ surfaces like rocks, trees, outdoor equipment and houses. Contact: Karen Ripley karen.ripley@

PHOTOS COURTESY OF JIM LaBONTE The most highly favored aggrega- usda.gov Walnut twig beetle

Effective response to these pests is challenging. The best approach is to prevent introduction through strong international regulations, but enforce- ment resources are too few and importers often flout regulations. Early detection, the second-best tactic, is hampered by this country’s limited insect identification resources and detection technologies are inadequate. Funding for the constant surveys needed is not sufficient. Eradication and control are very difficult because of poor detection technologies and few effective pesticides. Unless there are dramatic improvements in regula- PHOTO COURTESY OF RICHARD GARDNER, BUGWOOD.ORG tions and enforcement, detection, and Spotted lantern fly is a significant pest in a number of East Coast states eradication and control options, exotic and its preferred host tree is Tree of Heaven, a widely planted street and ornamental tree original from China.

22 WESTERN FORESTER ◆ APRIL/MAY/JUNE 2020 Herbicides are Part of the Forest Manager’s Toolkit (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13) improved communication with Policy Scoreboard neighbors in a broad sense includ- Editor’s Note: To keep SAF members informed of state society policy activities, Policy ing clarifying existing buffers, com- Scoreboard is a regular feature in the Western Forester. The intent is to provide a brief municating best management explanation of the policy activity. You are encouraged to follow up with the listed contact practices and improving signage. person for detailed information. In addition to outreach efforts to allay the public’s concerns, land OSAF ExCom Approves Thinning Assistance. The OSAF Policy managers may wish to consider Position Statement Revision. On Committee will update two Position March 23, 2020, the OSAF Executive Statements in CY 2020: “Managing other application methods. In areas Committee approved the revised Mature and Old Growth Forests” and where citizen concern has been “Thinning on Public Lands in Oregon” “Managing Riparian Forests”. If you are especially vocal, some companies Position Statement. The core position interested in participating in either of have increased the use of backpack states: We support the use of thinning as a these updates, contact OSAF Policy spraying rather than aerial applica- management tool on public lands in Committee Co-Chairs Mark Buckbee tion. This can be a good strategy for forests of all ages because it can effectively: [email protected] or Ed Shepard small units near roads and homes. reduce tree stress, increase forest health [email protected]. However, backpack spraying is and vigor, reduce hazardous fuels, create much more expensive and less unique forest structures that enhance bio- National Board of Directors effective. There is also the potential diversity and wildlife and fish habitat, and Approves 3 Updated Position for workers to be injured when provide useful products and public rev- Statements and Development of 2 walking on uneven terrain. enues. Research and management experi- New Statements. On its April 27, What does the future hold ence do not support the use of inflexible, 2020 conference call, the national regarding the public’s acceptance of arbitrarily prescriptive restrictions on thin- Board of Directors approved revisions herbicide use? Citizen concern is ning, such as fixed age or diameter limits. of the following national Position unlikely to diminish. The economic With a strong foundation of ecosystem sci- Statements “Regulation of Genetically crisis state budgets will face because ence and ongoing observations of tree Modified Trees”, “Forest Management, of COVID-19 may result in less competition and other changing condi- Carbon and Climate Change” and action related to pesticides as legis- tions, professional foresters and other spe- “Parcelization, Fragmentation and the lators struggle to keep schools open cialists can prescribe thinning strategies Loss of Private Forestland In The U.S.” and social networks in place. that best achieve diverse, long-term objec- These Position Statements are available However, the budget crisis will not tives. The Position Statement is available at: https://bit.ly/2NILX1c. The Board at : www.oregon.forestry.org/oregon/poli- stop the true believers who want to also approved the development of two cy/general. Contact: OSAF Policy new Position Statements on: stop pesticide use. The best way to Committee Co-Chairs Mark Buckbee “Sustainability of American Forests” stop anti-pesticide proposals from [email protected] or Ed Shepard and “Recreation”. Contact: Dr. John gaining traction is to speak to neigh- [email protected]. Bailey, a member of the National bors, elected officials, and commu- Committee on Forest Policy at john.bai- nity leaders now. Make sure they OSAF Policy Committee Soliciting [email protected]. ◆ understand how pesticides are regu- lated. Make sure they know your goal is to help trees grow and reduce the destruction that invasive plants can cause if left unchecked. More than anything, make sure your audience knows you are listening. As one of my favorite foresters says, “Once they know you, it’s harder for them to hate you.” ◆

Heather Hansen is the executive director of the Washington Friends of Farms & Forests in Olympia, Washington. She can be reached at 360-705-2040 or Heather@ wafriends.org.

WESTERN FORESTER ◆ APRIL/MAY/JUNE 2020 23 WesternSOCIETY OF AMERICANForester FORESTERS Non-Profit Org. U.S. POSTAGE PO Box 82836 PAID Portland, Oregon 97282 PORTLAND, OR PERMIT NO. 16

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