GOLDSPOTTED OAK BORER STRATEGIC PLAN

September 2009

Table of Contents

Executive Summary 3

Purpose 4

Primary Mission, Goals 4

Program Components 5

Pest Information 5

Geographic Distribution 7

Range of host species affected in California 9

Impacts 11

References 13

Goldspotted Oak Borer Program:

Management 14

Survey and Detection 16

Regulatory and Best Management Practices 18

Research and Technology Development 20

Restoration and Sustainability 22

Outreach, Education and Technology Transfer 22

Participants of Interagency meetings 27

Prepared by: Sheri Smith, Regional Entomologist, Forest Health Protection, USDA Forest Service, Vallejo, CA.

Cover Illustration: Tom Coleman, Entomologist, Forest Health Protection, USDA Forest Service, San Bernardino, CA.

2 Executive Summary

Extensive mortality of coast live oak and California black oak has been detected via aerial survey on the Cleveland National Forest since 2002. Over 17,000 trees have been killed across 28,000 acres, primarily on the Descanso Ranger District, Cleveland National Forest and private lands, however lands of other ownerships have been affected including Native American tribal, and local and state park lands. Only recently has this mortality been attributed to the goldspotted oak borer (GSOB), Agrilus coxalis. The existence of the goldspotted oak borer in southern California is most likely from an introduction in or on oak firewood from Arizona or Mexico. Recent experience with other wood-infesting pests indicates that immediate local-level action while the GSOB infestation encompasses only a portion San Diego County can have numerous benefits and long-term cost savings compared to delaying immediate action, with the likelihood of continued spread throughout the host ranges in California and Oregon.

Goldspotted oak borer in California is considered invasive as it meets the criteria of being nonnative to the ecosystem under consideration and that its introduction is causing economic and environmental harm and harm to human health (Executive Order 13112, Federal Register: Feb. 8, 1999. Volume 64, Number 25). This extremely destructive beetle poses an enormous threat to many oaks in California and potentially oaks in other states as well. Control options for GSOB have not been developed and natural enemies that occur in Arizona, where the insect is native, have not been observed in California.

Lack of effective survey and control technologies make containment efforts challenging; however, if GSOB is not contained or its effects mitigated, it may continue to infest and kill oak species in San Diego County and spread to other areas in the state and beyond. As of October 2008 the estimated range of GSOB was 30 square miles, all in San Diego County in southern California. In August 2009 an additional mortality center was detected, also in San Diego County, about 20 miles west of the previously known infestation area. In addition to more localized spread by emerging adult beetles, the movement of GSOB-infested firewood presents a significant pathway for introductions into non-infested areas. The level of oak mortality caused by GSOB annually is expected to remain the same or increase in the coming years as the infestation intensifies and expands. Preliminary surveys indicate that as much as 65% of oaks in the infested area have been attacked by GSOB. Trees of high ecological, cultural and aesthetic value located in campgrounds, on administrative sites, and on tribal lands have been greatly affected and are being removed at high costs. The existing and future oak mortality will impact ecosystems for years to come in addition to the large increase in hazardous trees that threaten life and property.

Multiple agencies, Native American tribes, and the public are greatly concerned and have a vested interest in the goldspotted oak borer, its current and future impacts, and its potential to spread to other areas of California and beyond. Despite the January 22, 2009 NPAG report that recommended APHIS-PPQ designate Agrilus coxalis as non-reportable/non-actionable for the United States because it is native to Arizona and established in southern California, an interagency group is moving forward to establish an action plan to deal with this new invasive pest. This document contains information to guide a management program for the goldspotted oak borer. It is intended to assist a multi-agency effort to manage current known infestations and

3 reduce the likelihood of GSOB spread to other locations. This strategy also addresses hazard tree mitigation and restoration of areas affected by GSOB and subsequent loss of oak habitat. It lays the foundation for prioritizing on-the-ground work, research, and funding needs. The overall goal is to harmonize GSOB-related activities, and strategically plan and implement a program incorporating integrated pest management and habitat restoration. The effectiveness of the program will depend upon adequate funding levels, and good coordination and communication among cooperators and stakeholders.

Purpose:

This document contains information to guide a management program for the goldspotted oak borer (GSOB), Agrilus coxalis (Waterhouse), (Coleoptera: Buprestidae), and a restoration program for affected oak ecosystems. It is intended to assist in a multi-agency effort to manage current known infestations and reduce the likelihood of spreading GSOB to other locations. It also addresses hazard tree mitigation and restoration of areas affected by GSOB and subsequent loss of oak habitat. It lays the foundation for prioritizing on-the-ground work, research, and funding needs. Implementation of specific activities within the strategy is flexible and will be based on the best information available at the time.

Themes common to all strategy elements include partnerships, collaboration, communication and education. Success will be dependent on the ability to improve capacity, streamline procedural activities, and ensure funding flexibility and long-term commitment. Management decisions will be science-based and where information is lacking, appropriate research activities will be conducted to develop technology and/or scientific information.

As information about GSOB is limited to date, this document is not intended to be complete and exhaustive, but rather a foundation based on current information available on GSOB and also from ongoing work to control the emerald ash borer, A. planipennis, a related exotic species. As new information becomes available, the strategies and activities may change to reflect the best management practices for GSOB and oak habitat restoration.

Primary Mission:

The primary mission of the program is to mitigate the impacts of the goldspotted oak borer in the known infested area and protect the health and value of the oak resources in California by defending against goldspotted oak borer spread and establishment into non-infested areas.

Goals:

• Develop and implement a hazard tree abatement program to protect life and property in GSOB affected areas.

• Delimit the extent of the goldspotted oak borer infestation in California.

• Develop and implement a science-based integrated pest management and oak restoration and sustainability program within the known infested area.

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• Enhance detection and response capabilities to facilitate efficient and environmentally sound decision making.

• Reduce the potential for spread to un-infested areas in California and beyond.

• Develop outreach and educational materials to keep the public informed and foster partnerships and involvement.

• Determine other factors that may contribute to mortality after GSOB attack and whether these other factors can be controlled or used to predict GSOB outcomes and responses.

Program Components:

• Management • Survey and Detection • Regulatory and Best Management Practices • Research and Technology Development • Restoration and Sustainability • Outreach, Education and Technology Transfer

Pest Information:

Phylum: Arthropoda Class: Insecta, Order: Coleoptera, Family: Buprestidae, Genus: Agrilus, Species: coxalis, Entomological Author: Waterhouse Approved Name: Agrilus coxalis (Waterhouse) Common Names: Goldspotted oak borer (proposed to the Entomological Society of America)

Extensive mortality of coast live oak, Quercus agrifolia and California black oak, Q. kelloggi, has been detected via aerial survey on the Cleveland National Forest since 2002 (USFS FHP aerial detection program). Over 17,000 trees have been killed across 28,000 acres, primarily on the Descanso Ranger District, Cleveland National Forest, however lands of all local ownerships have been affected including Native American tribal, and state and private lands. Only recently (Coleman and Seybold 2008a) has this mortality been attributed to the goldspotted oak borer (GSOB), Agrilus coxalis. Multiple adults were collected in 2008 and tentatively identified as A. coxalis Waterhouse, 1889 by Coleman and Seybold (2008b) using species descriptions (Fisher 1928, Hespenheide 1979), distributional records (Westcott 2005), and through consultation with R.L. Westcott (Oregon Department of Agriculture). The identification was verified by C.L. Bellamy (Plant Pest Diagnostic Laboratory, California Department of Food and Agriculture) and H.A. Hespenheide (University of California, Los Angeles).

The goldspotted oak borer was first collected in California (San Diego County) in 2004 in funnel traps as part of a statewide exotic Scolytid and woodboring beetle survey program conducted by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (Wescott 2005). Two adult beetles were collected in 2004, both in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, and a third beetle was collected in 2006 in Julian. All collections were adjacent to the Cleveland National Forest and all three beetles

5 were collected between June and August in funnel traps baited with the exotic ips lure. Previous collections of GSOB outside of California range from southeastern Arizona to Guatemala (Coleman and Seybold 2008b).

Coleman and Seybold (2010) hypothesize that GSOB arrived in southern California during the last 10-15 yrs as a consequence of an introduction on oak firewood. Firewood has been imported into southern San Diego Co. from Mexico for the last 20 years (Coleman and Seybold 2008) and the oak forests of southeastern Arizona are a relatively short auto trip from the southern California zone of mortality. Agrilus coxalis adults were recovered from cut pieces of coast live oak, Q. agrifolia, and California black oak, Q. kelloggii, that had been recently killed (<1 yr) (Seybold and Coleman 2010), supporting its movement in firewood. Hespenheide and Bellamy (2009) state morphological differences can distinguish the two distinct A. coxalis populations native to southeastern Arizona and southern Mexico/Guatemala. The A. coxalis population in California morphologically resembles the Arizona population, thus is considered to originate from this area.

Oak mortality was initially detected on the Descanso Ranger District, Cleveland National Forest, and at Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. The initial GSOB infestation is believed to have originated in these two areas. In 2003, the majority of oak mortality was primarily surrounding the communities of Descano and Guatay. In the following years (2004-2008), oak mortality has expanded outward from these communities. Mortality is currently not present at the U.S. and Mexican border (e.g., the town of Campo), and GSOB infestation rates are currently very low, suggesting a nascent infestation in this area that is spreading from the north. Increased levels of oak mortality have not been aerially mapped further south at the Mexican and U.S. border, but the spatial pattern of the infestation on the U.S. side does not support a range expansion from Mexico. Furthermore, California is geographically isolated from previous A. coxalis collection sites in Arizona and Mexico to the south and east by the Sonora desert, which does not support susceptible oak hosts. The hypothesis that A. coxalis expanded its range to California (Westcott 2005) from Arizona or Mexico is unlikely based on the above information.

Several potentially pathogenic fungi have been isolated from tissues of declining oaks. Species of Botryosphaeria have been recovered from branch cankers on coast live oak (Akif Eskalen, University of California, Riverside, unpublished data). Botryosphaeria corticola in particular has been recovered from core samples taken from bleeding trunk cankers of coast live oak. Other fungi isolated from coast live oak include Biscogniauxia mediterranea from carbonaceous bark, and Togninia fraxinopennsylvanica, from necrotic phloem of the bole. The role of these fungi with A. coxalis, in oak decline, or oak mortality in California is unknown.

This extremely destructive beetle poses an enormous threat to many oaks in California and potentially oaks in other states as well. Similar to emerald ash borer, GSOB appears to kill both healthy and stressed trees over a period of years. Control options for GSOB have not been developed and natural enemies that occur in Arizona (pers. com. Tom Coleman) have not been observed in California. Lack of effective survey and control technology will make containment efforts challenging, however, if GSOB is not contained nor its effects mitigated, it may continue to infest and kill oak species in San Diego County and spread to other areas in the state and beyond. In addition to additional local spread by emerging adult beetles, the movement of

6 firewood infested with GSOB presents a significant pathway for introductions into non-infested areas.

Biological information on GSOB is scarce. Coleman and Seybold (2008a and 2008b) provide the best information on life history observations. A. coxalis adults are dull, dark metallic green in color with six prominent spots of golden yellow pubescence on the wings (Figure 1, A & B). They are bullet shaped and about 10 mm long and 2 mm wide. The documented beetle flight period in southern California is between June and November. Mature larvae are about 18 mm long and 3 mm wide (Figure 2). They are legless, white, have a long slender appearance, and possess two pincher-like spines at the tip of the abdomen. Feeding occurs primarily on the surface of the sapwood; larval galleries are extensive, black in color and tightly packed with frass (Figure 3). Mature larvae were observed beneath the bark beginning in May and as late as October. Pupae are found in the outer bark and resemble adults, but are commonly white in color. Eggs have not been observed. Most of the GSOB populations in southern California are presumed to complete one generation per year.

Figure 1. GSOB adult. Figure 2. GSOB larvae. Figure 3. GSOB galleries. Photo credits: Tom Coleman

Geographic Distribution:

(Source of geographic distribution information: Coleman and Seybold 2008b). Locality data were derived from the literature (see text) and from surveys of the following insect collections (AMNH, BMNH, CAS, CIDA, CLBC, CMNC, CNCI, CSCA, EMEC, FSCA, LACM, MCZ, RHTC, RLWE, SBNM, SDMC, TAMU, UAIC, UCDC, UCR, and USNM). Collection codes follow the list ‘‘Insect and Spider Collections of the World’’ maintained by the Bishop Museum (www.bishopmuseum.org/bishop/ento/codens-r-us.html) and underlined codes indicate collections with specimens of GSOB. Personal correspondence with H.A. Hespenheide and R.L. Westcott facilitated Coleman and Seybold’s knowledge of museum holdings outside of California. Specimens at the CAS (AZ: Chiricahua Mts., VIII-10-1908, Van Dyke Collection); UAIC (AZ: Santa Catalina Mts., VII-241965); and USNM (Mexico: Tamaulipas, 10 m E Tula, 1189 m elev., V-10-1994) had not been recorded before in the literature or by the specialists.

7 Previous collections of GSOB outside of California ranged from southeastern Arizona to Guatemala (Figure 4), including Arizona: Chiricahua, Huachuca, Santa Catalina, and Santa Rita Mountains (Schaeffer 1905, Fisher 1928, H.A. Hespenheide personal communication in litt., CAS, and UAIC (see Figure 4 Legend)); Mexico: La Laguna, Sa. Victoria, Sierra de La Laguna (Baja California Sur) (Westcott 2005), Juquila (Oaxaca) (Hespenheide 1979), Tula (Tamaulipas) (see Figure 4 Legend), Mitla (Oaxaca), (R.L. Westcott personal communication in litt.), Comita´n, Lagos de Montebello National Park, Ocosingo, San Cristo´bal de las Casas, Teopisca (all Chiapas), and Cordova and Jalapa (Veracruz) (Waterhouse 1889, H.A. Hespenheide personal communication in litt.); and Guatemala: Capetillo (Sacatepe´quez), Chilasco, and San Jero´nimo (both Verapaz) (Waterhouse 1889, Hespenheide 1979, H.A. Hespenheide personal communication in litt.). The collection in 1977 from Baja California Sur (collected by beating branches of Quercus spp.) is considered a range expansion (Westcott 2005).

Figure 4. Known distribution of the goldspotted oak borer, Agrilus coxalis, and associated oaks, Quercus sp., in North and Central America. Previous collection sites are noted in yellow; the lectotype and paralectotypes are designated in red and green, respectively. Source: Coleman and Seybold 2008b.

The known distribution of GSOB in 2008 in California spanned about 30 square miles (Figure 5), all in the south to southeast part of San Diego County. In August 2009 an additional mortality center was detected, also in San Diego County, about 20 miles west of the previously known infestation area Approximately 28,000 acres are affected, primarily on National Forest (54%) and private lands (44%).

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Figure 5. Confirmed locations of goldspotted oak borer in San Diego County, 2008.

Range of host species affected in California:

Information source: Fire Effects Information System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory (Producer). http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/ [2009, July 9].

Coast live oak, Q. agrifolia, occurs in California and northern Mexico. It is distributed along the Coast, Transverse, Peninsular, and Sierra de Juarez ranges from Mendocino County, California, south to Canada El Piquillo, Baja California. Limited inland populations occur along watercourses in the Central Valley. Coast live oak is also found on the Channel Islands of Santa Rosa and Santa Cruz. Coast live oak is found on nearly 14 million acres in California (Figure 6).

California black oak, Q. kelloggii, is native to Oregon and California. It is the most widely distributed of the western oaks. It grows in the foothills and lower mountains of southern Oregon and California, with a north-south range of about 780 miles (1,260 km). It is contiguously distributed from the North Coast Ranges in Lane County, west-central Oregon, south through the Coast and Cascade ranges, the Sierra Nevada, and the Transverse and Peninsular ranges to just north of the Mexican border in the Agua Tibia Mountains of San Diego County, California. One California black oak population extends into the Great Basin in Lassen County, California. An isolated population occurs in the Sierra de San Pedro Mártir of northern Baja California. California black oak is found on over 18 million acres in California (Figure 6).

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Canyon live oak, Q. chrysolepis, is native to Oregon, California, Nevada, Arizona, and Mexico. It is distributed from southwestern Oregon south through California and into northern Baja California, Mexico. It is the most widely distributed oak in California, occurring in the Klamath Mountains, the Coast Ranges, the west slope of the Sierra Nevada, and the Transverse and Peninsular ranges. It is scattered in canyons on the east slope of the central and southern Sierra Nevada and in the mountains of western Nevada, western and central Arizona, and northern Mexico. Canyon live oak is found on over 24 million acres in California (Figure 6).

Figure 6. Range of Quercus agrifolia, Q. chrysolepis and Q. kelloggii.

10 Impacts:

Of the 17,000 oak trees killed to date, most are on either on the Cleveland National Forest (41%) or private lands (42%) (Figure 7), comprising the vast majority of land ownership in the affected area. Park lands, and to a much lesser degree Tribal and B.L.M. lands, have also been affected. Many more trees are presumed to be currently infested and will die in the coming years.

The continued spread of this pest threatens oak resources and may permanently alter landscape ecosystems of California. Just the three currently-known susceptible host species cover over 39 million acres in California, and it is possible, if not likely, that other oaks overlapping the ranges of these species, may be affected.

Figure 7. Number of dead oaks detected via aerial survey and their percent distribution by ownership, 2002- 2008. Source: USFS, FHP Aerial survey detection program.

In plots established by Coleman and Seybold (2008b) in three areas of the Descanso Ranger District, Cleveland National Forest, Quercus species represented 69% of the total stand basal area and 78% of the stand density (number of trees/acre). Sixty-seven percent of oaks on the plots had evidence of GSOB attack. Trees greater than 5” diameter at breast height were most commonly attacked with no evidence of trees smaller than this having signs and/or symptoms of infestation.

11 Ecological Importance of Oak species

Oaks (Quercus spp.) may be the single most important genus used by wildlife for food and cover in California forests and rangelands. California black oak occupies more total area in California than any other oak species and its acorns are heavily consumed by livestock, mule deer, feral pig, rodents, mountain quail, wild turkey, jays, and woodpeckers. In addition, oak woodlands are also important habitat for several rare and threatened wildlife species. Wildlife use California oak species heavily for cover. They provide valuable shade for livestock and wildlife during the hot summer months and cavities provide den or nest sites for owls, woodpeckers, tree squirrels, and other wildlife species.

Native oak species are also valuable ornamentals. The deep shade and aesthetic appeal of California black oak make it a highly desirable landscaping tree.

Cultural Importance to Native American Tribes

Native Americans in Southern California have collected acorns for centuries. At one time, California black oak acorns were a tribal food staple. Many Native American villages were located near California black oak groves, and acorns―particularly California black oak acorns―were a primary source of tribal wealth. In addition, acorns, prepared into a dish termed shawii, were a staple in the diet of several tribes. There is rich tradition in the practice of collecting acorns, to the intricate process of making the shawaii; passing along such traditions are how Native American retain there heritage. Loss of a significant part of the oak resource would greatly impact Southern California tribes, financially, in terms of hazard tree removal and restoration, and culturally in the inability to collect acorns and carry forward rich traditions to current and future generations.

Hazard Trees

Many of the oaks killed by GSOB present a tree failure threat to life and property in campgrounds, administrative sites, and along evacuation corridors. Cost of tree removal and loss in revenue from closed campsites has greatly impacted some sites. Green Valley Campground, located in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, was closed in November 2007 because of tree hazards to visitors. A tree contract in the amount of $175,000 was awarded to remove 117 large oaks in January 2008. From January 2008 to March 2009 another $42,600 was spent along with 1050 person hours removing hazardous trees. To date 33 out of the 81 campsites, in Green Valley Campground, remain closed because of the remaining tree hazards issues. It is estimated between November 2007 and July 2009 over $200,000 in camping revenue and $175, 000 in day use fees have been lost while Green Valley was closed. On the Cleveland National Forest over $60,000+ has been spent on tree removal this year at campgrounds, picnic areas, fire stations, and along the Sunrise Highway. Costs for individual hazard tree removal average about range from $700 - $3000 per tree.

12 References

Christman, V. 2008. Cultural embrace, the acorn: a Kumeyaay tradition. Excerpts in: The Kumeyaay Way, Winter 2008, an online publication produced by the Viejas Band of the Kumeyaay Indians, Winter 2008, 14-16.

Coleman, T. W. & S. J. Seybold. 2008a. New pest in California: The goldspotted oak borer, Agrilus coxalis Waterhouse. USDA Forest Service, Pest Alert, R5-RP-022, October 28, 2008, 4 pp.

Coleman, T. W. & S. J. Seybold. 2008b. Previously unrecorded damage to oak, Quercus spp., in southern California by the goldspotted oak borer, Agrilus coxalis Waterhouse (Coleoptera: Buprestidae). The Pan-Pacific Entomologist 84(4): 288-300.

Coleman, T.W. and Seybold, S.J. 2010. Striking gold in southern California: Discovery of the goldspotted oak borer and its central role in oak mortality. pp. xx-xx, in K. McManus and K. W. Gottschalk (eds.). Proceedings, 20th U.S. Department of Agriculture Interagency Research Forum on Gypsy Moth and Other Invasive Species 2009; Gen. Tech. Rep. NRS-P-xx. Newtown Square, Pennsylvania: USDA, Forest Service, Northern Research Station, January 2010.

Fire Effects Information System, USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory (Producer). http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/ [2009, July 9].

Fisher, W. S. 1928. A revision of the North American species of buprestid beetles belonging to the genus Agrilus. Smithsonian Institution, United States National Museum, Bulletin 145, 347 pp.

Hespenheide, H. A. 1979. Nomenclature notes on the Agrilinae (Buprestidae). IV. The Coleopterists Bulletin 33:105–120.

Hespenheide, H.A. and C.L. Bellamy. 2009. New species, taxonomic notes, and records for Agrilus Curtis (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) of México and the United States. Zootaxa 2084: 50–68.

Seybold, S.J. and Coleman, T.W. 2010. Burn it, chip it, or tarp it, but just don’t move it: Managing oak firewood infested with the goldspotted oak borer, Agrilus coxalis. Poster Presentation. Fourth Annual Sudden Oak Death Symposium. June 15-18, 2009. Santa Cruz, CA.

Waterhouse, C. O. 1889. Insecta. Coleoptera. Serricornia. 62. Agrilus coxalis. Biologia Centrali-Americana, Vol. III, Pt. 1, April 1889, 89.

Westcott, R. L. 2005. A new species of Chrysobothris Eschscholtz from Oregon and Washington, with notes on other Buprestidae (Coleoptera) occurring the United States and Canada. Zootaxa 1044:1–15.

13 GOLDSPOTTED OAK BORER PROGRAM

MANAGEMENT

Goals Addressed

• Develop and implement a science-based integrated pest management.

• Develop methods to predict outcomes of GSOB attack for communities and forests based on stand characteristics (mix of susceptible and resistant species, ages, dbh, recruitment), and history of presence of GSOB and other pests and pathogens.

• Develop oak restoration and sustainability program within the known infested area.

• Develop and implement a hazard tree abatement program to protect life and property in GSOB affected areas.

Effective and cost efficient control technologies are not currently available to apply area-wide to effect pest eradication. Chemical control on a large scale is not recommended. However, depending on beetle population densities, recent research on emerald ash borer suggests individual trees may be effectively treated (Cappaert et al. 2006; Herms et al 2009). In the future additional tools may become available to suppress GSOB dispersal (please see the section on Research and Technology Development, pg. 19).

Current actions

Trees of high ecological, cultural and aesthetic value located in campgrounds, on administrative sites, and on tribal lands have been greatly affected and are being removed at high costs. In conjunction with CAL FIRE, the San Diego Forest Area Safety Taskforce (FAST) is removing dead oak trees in and around evacuation corridors in GSOB-infested areas of San Diego County. Formed as a collaborative effort, FAST is made up of various government agencies, tribal groups, as well as local, state and federal elected officials, community organizations and private citizens. Dead oaks on lands of other ownership are also being removed to abate hazards. Management, storage and disposal of infested wood and associated costs are presenting additional challenges. Initially Viejas tribe is implementing a 3-phase approach to management GSOB on their lands. This approach includes hazard tree removal, pesticide applications and fertilizing (need to check with Viejas for accuracy of this information. Currently, $90,000 or tribal funds have been allocated towards GSOB. Short-term actions

• Determine immediate and future needs for hazard tree abatement including funding requirements, potential funding sources and mechanisms for infested wood storage, grinding and disposal.

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o Discuss potential places to put grinding facilities within the infested area. They generally don’t make good neighbors because of noise, traffic and dust/dirt.

o Determine other opportunities for utilization (Larry Swan).

o Coordination with commercial vendors, arborists (Department of Planning and Land Use; Professional Associations).

• Work with Tribes and BIA to determine needs for suppression/prevention work. Assist Tribes with proposals as needed.

• Determine best approach to manage recreation resource quality now and in the future. • Determine and develop appropriate NEPA documentation to support management activities (consult with appropriate agencies).

• Determine best pesticide options (likely based on work with EAB). o What insecticides from EAB are registered and approved for use in CA.

o Develop a treatment guide similar to that for EAB (Insecticide options for protecting ash trees from emerald ash borer, North Central IPM Center, 2009).

ƒ Threatened and endangered species issues (consultation needs).

ƒ Non-target issues.

ƒ If treatments selected or proposed are not in conformance with current pesticide labels, an emergency exemption can be requested and obtained under Section 18, or 24(c), special local need (SLN), of FIFRA, as amended. ƒ Keep county or university extension agents up-to-date with current information on recommended treatments.

• Determine best management practices for fire management.

o Biomass and fuels assessments o Fire danger and risk assessments o Fire suppression and use strategies o Fire ecology assessments o Fire damage mitigation and rehabilitation • Develop and implement an effective monitoring program to evaluate management efforts, pesticide use, and environmental impacts. The monitoring program also will address any concerns of agencies, cooperators, and the public while providing data for assessment of the management method. Specific tasks should be coordinated for monitoring activities.

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• Look into recent Farm Bill language that discusses low-interest loans up to $5 million – maybe can use for debarking oaks and other activities. Long- term actions

Regulation and outreach are likely the most effective tools to prevent the dispersal of GSOB. In the future, biocontrol agents may be available to reduce and manage GSOB populations. Ongoing and additional research into promising new tools will help to prevent dispersal through development of more effective traps, more attractive lures, and one or more effective pesticides.

SURVEY AND DETECTION

Goals Addressed

• Delimit the extent of the goldspotted oak borer infestation in California.

• Enhance detection and response capabilities to facilitate efficient and environmentally sound decision making.

• Reduce the potential for spread to un-infested areas in California and beyond.

Surveys provide information on the location, distribution, and movement of GSOB. They also function as a delimiting tool to determine scope and extent of current GSOB infestations. Survey information provides the basis for management decisions and provides continuous assessment of the effectiveness of management activities. The current survey method for GSOB is the use of attractant-baited panel traps. Attractant-baited panel traps offer several advantages over other detection methods including lower cost, uniformity of sampling unit, safety, fewer logistical problems, and more precision in sampling. Destructive sampling is also used to recover GSOB life stages in infested trees.

The purpose of a general detection survey is to determine if a pest exists in an area. Positive results indicate that a pest is present. Lack of a positive result is valuable for providing clues to dispersal, temporal, or spatial activity patterns of pests particularly when considered with positive results from similar areas or proximities. Early detection of isolated infestations discovered during general detection surveys may provide additional opportunities to manage the infestation. The size of the infestation cannot be determined, however until a delimiting survey is conducted.

New GSOB infestations may initially be found by the public. As such, a strong outreach program is crucial for surveys to be utilized efficiently.

Current actions

Statewide – Non-GSOB specific surveys:

16 California Department of Food and Agriculture conducts a statewide survey for exotic bark beetle and wood boring beetles. This survey first detected A. coxalis in traps in southern California in 2004 and again in 2006. This survey is ongoing annually with 80 sites surveyed in 2009 using the Exotic Wood Borer and Bark Beetle Survey protocols developed for the Cooperative Agriculture Pest Survey (CAPS).

California Department of Food and Agriculture also conducts a statewide survey specific for emerald ash borer (EAB). Two sites are targeted as trapping sites in 2009. Similar lures and traps are used for EAB and GSOB, so the EAB survey can serve a dual purpose for GSOB surveying as well.

Aerial surveys to detect tree mortality and/or pest-caused injury are conducted annually by USDA Forest Service, Forest Health Protection, on all forested lands in California. Oak mortality was first mapped on the Cleveland National Forest in 2002 via aerial survey; mortality which has now been attributed to GOSB.

• Discuss the need for surveys to be completed more often than annually

USDA Forest Service, Forest Health Protection, Washington Office, provided $20,000 in FY09 for additional GSOB delimitation work in southern California. Trapping sites were established throughout southern California using purple prism traps. At least 40 trapping sites were established to survey for GSOB. Traps sites were focused primarily around the Cleveland National Forest, but extend to the additional national forests in southern California, the south Sierras, and coastal oak woodlands near San Luis Obispo. The purpose of a delimiting survey is to gather population density and dispersal information that will assist in planning a strategy for management. • After detecting adult GSOB(s) in traps or finding an infested tree, conduct a visual survey until infested tress are no longer found. • Determine the age of the infestation by examining the most heavily infested trees in the area. • Rate tree crowns according to protocol by Coleman.

Short-term actions

• Need to follow-up on the ground for additional hardwood mortality detected in So CA outside the known GSOB infestation area.

• Trace back investigations should be conducted to try to determine the source of an infestation and trace forward investigations help determine if further spread occurred due to movement of infested host material or means of conveyance.

o Trace forward investigations should be conducted for previous wood removal known to be infested (e.g. Sullivan logging operation at Heise State Park in 2008).

Determine the need for more survey work and how new detections outside the “known infested” area will be evaluated.

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Activities for conducting general surveys include: • Planning, prioritizing, and procuring equipment and supplies for survey activities • Developing or adapting existing protocols to meet new or unusual site-specific program needs • Following procedures for reporting new infestations and prompt specimen identification • Maintaining survey records and maps • Reporting survey results to management officials in a timely fashion

o An initial visual delimiting survey of infestations accompanied by trees exhibiting obvious signs (D-shaped exit holes, crown dieback, serpentine galleries, bark splits) should be conducted. Initial surveys are intended to provide a preliminary sense of the size and scope of the infestation.

o Compilation of the number of infested trees, larvae, prepupae, and adults and plotting the location where each was found on a map will aid in indicating epicenter and extent of the new infestations. Inspecting in and near high risk facilities such as campgrounds, sawmills, new construction (nursery stock) may aid in determining the origin of the infestation.

Long-term actions

• State-wide survey specifically targeted at outcome of trace back and forwards investigations and other areas of likely firewood movement.

• State-wide mechanism for reporting GSOB-like evidence in dead oaks cut as hazard trees in National, State, and local campgrounds (D-shaped holes, serpentine galleries, “included bark” in stumps). Reconstruct and document history of GSOB movement and onset of mortality when introductions are found using cross-section analysis.

• Continue to conduct aerial surveys to detect tree mortality and/or pest-caused injury (USDA Forest Service, Forest Health Protection), on all forested lands in California.

• All responding agencies should agree upon initial steps to be taken when a new detection is confirmed outside known areas. Early in the identification and confirmation cycle discussions regarding possible management activities should be held in order to coordinate all involved parties.

REGULATORY AND BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

Goals Addressed

• Reduce the potential for spread to uninfested areas in California and beyond.

Current actions

18 Currently there are no State or Federal regulations directed at GSOB and/or the movement of GSOB-infested material.

• California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is in the process of assigning a rating to GSOB (CDFA, Pest rating policy)

• January 22, 2009 NPAG report recommended that PPQ designate Agrilus coxalis as non- reportable/non-actionable for the United States because A. coxalis is native to Arizona and it is established in southern California.

o A formal re-evaluation of the NPAG report is ongoing.

• Movement of oak firewood is restricted from the Descanso and Palomar Ranger Districts, Cleveland National Forest.

• For removal of oak wood through FAST (per Jon Rollins, administrator of tree removal projects, San Diego Co. Dept. of Planning and Land Use) wood leaving the infested area can not go to any destination within 5 miles of oaks.

o Wood destined for biomass facilities is preferably chipped before it is transported. Currently (July 2009) the only contracts that are being let are supplying biomass (which ones?) facilities. o No wood under the FAST contracts is going out as firewood. o Permit a maximum of 1 cord of firewood to remain in private homeowners property. Short-term actions

• Discuss potential places to put grinding facilities within the infested area. They generally don’t make good neighbors because of noise, traffic and dust/dirt.

• Continue discussions on firewood movement with appropriate agencies. Regulatory measures may be desired/necessary to prevent human-assisted spread through the transportation of GSOB in firewood and other wood materials. Quarantine regulations typically prohibit the movement of potentially infested host material out of the infested area or require treatments (e.g. debarking or other mitigating measures).

• Identify people and establishments whose business or personal activities could result in the further dispersal of GSOB.

• Research local and interstate trade movement to determine level of risk associated with firewood movement.

• Discuss positive and negative aspects of declaring an “emergency” (should this be an interagency and Tribes effort, etc.), or a “Zone of Infestation” (CAL FIRE). Develop and implement emergency funding mechanisms to increase capacity for rapid research and management response.

19

Long-term actions

• Establish exterior quarantine on untreated firewood entry into California.

RESEARCH AND TECNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT

Goals Addressed

• Develop and implement a science-based integrated pest management and oak restoration and sustainability program within the known infested area.

• Enhance detection and response capabilities to facilitate efficient and environmentally sound decision making.

• Reduce the potential for spread to un-infested areas in California and beyond.

Since its identification in 2008 as the agent playing a major role in the ongoing oak mortality in southern California cooperative research and technology development efforts have been ongoing. Research to date to support management efforts has focused on obtaining biological and distribution information on the pest, impact and susceptibility assessments on the hosts, improving detection trap design and lures, testing various pesticides for preventing tree mortality and assessing adult emergence from firewood and potential solarization treatments for infested firewood.

Current actions

• Determining the life cycle of GSOB: adult emergence and flight period (FHP and PSW) • The current distribution of GSOB in southern California (FHP and PSW) • Forest stand assessment for infestation levels and current tree mortality (FHP and PSW) • Efficacy of insecticide treatments for preventing tree mortality from GSOB (FHP and SRS) • Adult emergence from firewood and solarization treatments for infested firewood (FHP, PSW, and UC Davis) • Tree health and susceptibility of oaks to GSOB injury (FHP and PSW) • Efficacy of lime green and purple panel traps and various trapping heights and lures for surveying GSOB populations (FHP, PSW, and NRCS) • Comparison of introduced GSOB populations in California to native populations in Arizona (FHP, PSW, and R3-FHP) • Assessing oak volatiles, oak bark reflectance, and color attractant for adult trapping (FHP, PSW, and APHIS) • Pathological interaction: sampling roots, adult beetles, and larval galleries for associated fungi – both those pathogenic to oaks, and those pathogenic to beetles (FHP, CAL FIRE and UC Riverside)

20 • Oak management and restoration: Studies of speed of oak recruitment from historic evidence; speed of oak decline to mortality as affected by GSOB; studies of fecundity of GSOB affected oaks (mast production); partly from the $75K grant. (FHP and UC Riverside)

Short-term actions • Determine and develop appropriate NEPA documentation to support management activities (consult with appropriate agencies). • Further work to examine GSOB biology. • Improve detection methods.

• Determine potential biocontrol agents.

• Determine known host susceptibility, chemical ecology and underlying attributes.

o Sectioning trees to examine infestation cycles. o Identify, quantify and confirm pathogens. o Infestation levels and infection pressure. o Oak genetics o Oak age response o Cultural impacts o Air pollution and microclimate influences • Determine susceptibility of other oak species in California.

• DNA work on GSOB specimens from CA, AZ and Mexico ($50-75,000).

• Encourage and support GSOB detection programs in AZ and Mexico.

• Regional woodland declines o Current oak demography, decline, distribution change: ƒ High resolution remote photogrammetry. ƒ Monitoring, mapping, modeling o Modeling future declines in southern California woodlands - Scott and Coleman o Climate change tree response; future stand composition - Zambino, Daud, Scott o Habitat impacts and wildlife response o Micro- flora and fauna changes Long-term actions

• Acorn selection of survivors for planting in situ.

21 RESTORATION AND SUSTAINABILITY

Goals addressed:

• Develop and implement a science-based integrated pest management and oak restoration and sustainability program within the known infested area.

Areas negatively affected by GSOB can be restored through the concerted efforts of land managers, homeowners and other stakeholders.

Current actions

Short-term actions • Determine best approach to manage recreation resource quality now and in the future. • Provide a cost assessment for restoration/reforestation needs and determine if source is available for native oak species or other native vegetation. • Assess genetic heritage collections • Assess the need to develop establishment methods, species habitat relationships, genetic range and other information for native oaks (some of this may already be available per the UC system).

• Use research and other means to increase information and the knowledge base about native species, plant resistance, role of intact ecosystems, and restoration and disturbance ecology.

• Synthesize monitoring results and assess effectiveness of restoration actions.

• Collaborate with organizations such as native plant societies, exotic pest plant councils, and educational institutions to develop outreach materials with respect to restoration with native species. Long-term actions Get feedback from users on usefulness and modify as appropriate.

OUTREACH, EDUCATION AND TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER

Goals addressed:

• Develop outreach and educational materials to keep the public informed and foster partnerships and involvement.

• Reduce the potential for spread to un-infested areas in California and beyond.

• Develop and implement a science-based integrated pest management and oak restoration and sustainability program within the known infested area.

22

Education and outreach plays a key role in communicating the goals and objectives of the GSOB strategy. Informed and supportive targeted audiences (industry stakeholders, congressional constituents, special interest groups and the public in general) can serve as advocates as well as active participants in our cooperative efforts. The education and outreach process has been ongoing, primarily through the efforts of the Cleveland National Forest, Forest Health Protection and CAL FIRE.

To prevent duplication of efforts and to ensure consistency, should review outreach materials. Furthermore all new communication tools (publications, videos, posters, news releases, etc) where the USDA is mentioned, will be reviewed by appropriate Public Affairs and technical specialists prior to publication.

Current actions - ongoing public awareness (Pest Alert, firewood awareness posters, trifold, public meetings, press releases, etc.). o Public meetings held in 2008. o Three field training sessions held by FHP.

Websites with GSOB info. http://groups.ucanr.org/GSOB/ http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/cleveland/projects/projects/oak-borer/index.shtml http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/spf/fhp/index.shtml

The following are available on the Cleveland NF website -

http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/cleveland/projects/projects/oak-borer/index.shtml

• Pest Alert! 10/28/08

• Mortality to Oak Executive Summary 8-4-2008 - Executive Summary (pdf)

• Field Study - Oak Mortality 8/4/08

• Map - Known Distribution of the Gold-Spotted Oak Borer (jpg)

• Awareness Campaign Flyer - impacts, identification, symptoms

• Awareness Campaign Poster - Page 1 and Page 2

Short-term actions

Coordinate outreach efforts among cooperators to ensure a consistent message. The EAB Program has many generic outreach materials that are available and free of charge that can be adapted for GSOB as needed.

23 Is there a need to create outreach information in languages other than English?

Establish a small, core committee, to manage and direct communication; membership should include local, state, and federal partners, cooperative extension and other partners. Membership could include industry groups such as professional landscapers and arborists, lumber and wood industry, nursery owners, environmental organizers, and other groups. This group will be an invaluable network for the dissemination of messages and information.

Potential participants: Federal – Forest Service, Regional and National Forest Health protection and Monitoring , APHIS, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service

Tribal – Local Tribal Officials, Bureau of Indian Affairs,

State – Calfire, Department of Parks, Department of Food and Agriculture, Department of Fish and Game

County: UC Cooperative Extension Farm and Home Advisors, San Diego County Agricultural Commissioner, San Diego Department of Planning and Land Use

Local and Municipal Agencies: Resource Conservation Districts, Water Districts, SDG&E, Cities.

Semi- and Non-Governmental Organizations : Fire Safe Councils, , Forest Area Safety Task Force, Mountain Area Safety Task Force,

Professional Organizations: Southern California Forest Pest Council, Arborists, Consultants, Pesticide Applicators Professional Association

Universities, Community Colleges, and K-12 educators

• Identify roles and responsibility for individuals and as a whole.

• Identify policies and procedures for releasing information to public and stakeholders.

• Address financial responsibilities.

• Establish a Communications Advisory Committee and identify roles and responsibilities.

Develop outreach materials to meet various program needs and reach various audiences. Outreach personnel will work with GSOB team to identify areas or activities where outreach materials are needed and do not currently exist. Deliver outreach materials through a variety of outlets to ensure widest exposure.

• Identify target audiences and leadership.

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• Identify key messages for all program initiatives; survey, public meetings, tree removal and other control activities, etc.

• Identify key messages: “Don’t move firewood”, examine your trees, know federal and state regulations, etc.

• Create a marketing mix using mainstream/alternative/grassroots media to reach targeted audience. (television, radio, outdoor, newspaper, internet, industry publications, civic groups, newsletters, etc.) • Reach out to specialized target audiences through their industry newsletters, web site links, and association meetings. • Develop “champions” for the program. • Seek out opportunities for communication: country fairs, home and garden shows, regional association meetings, Chamber of Commerce events, etc. • Establish a group of qualified speakers and create canned power point presentations.

Some common activities that might be expected in the outreach portion include:

• Develop and maintain a website to provide access to current information on GSOB, treatment options, etc. Current sites with GSOB info. http://groups.ucanr.org/GSOB/ http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/cleveland/projects/projects/oak-borer/index.shtml http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/spf/fhp/index.shtml

• Maintain a toll-free GSOB hotline?

• Catalogue and review existing informational materials to prevent duplication of effort and ensure consistency.

• Develop public service announcements and arrange for broadcast on radio and/or television. Utilize a spokesperson with name recognition, if possible.

• Keep the media informed regarding activities.

• Keep local officials, local government, and community leaders informed.

• Craft easy to read letters regarding time, date, location, and purpose of public meetings and execute mailing.

• Arrange, moderate, and provide presentations and support at public meetings.

• Periodically meet to discuss feedback, problems, concerns, etc.

25 • Create specialized communication vehicles when needed (magnets, stickers, etc.) to support GSOB awareness.

• Continually refine and develop communication vehicles (brochures, posters, newsletters, etc.) to ensure accuracy and current program information.

• Develop and arrange for publication of news releases for mainstream and alternative media.

• Craft easy-to-read letters regarding invasive program activities (survey, tree marking, eradication, etc.) and execute mailings.

• Train the Trainer Program – Tom Scott (UC with USFS) o UC Master Gardener Program (UC) o Agencies staff (federal, state, local) o “Information Ambassadors” and Contact Points o Conferences and workshops • Educate commercial and professional entities – Jan Gonzales o Continuing education credit for Licensed Professionals (Arborists, Certified Pesticide Applicators, Registered Professional Foresters) o Extension to private sector/businesses • Develop printed information for public – UC CE, USNRCS, SD CO Agri. Comm., CALFIRE. o Pest Alerts and brochures • Collaborate TV and radio media productions – UCCE, SD CO Agri. Comm., Forest Service PAOs. • Coordinate displays, signage, talking points, public notification – CALFIRE and appropriate agencies.

Additional public meetings can be organized as deemed appropriate and include partner agency participation such as:

• Political representatives and community leaders who are familiar with local concerns and recognized by the local community. • State and Federal program representatives who can respond to questions about GSOB, local restrictions, control measures, and its impact. • Qualified personnel who can answer questions about biology of GSOB, its host range, and potential impact in California. • County, city and local cooperators who can respond to questions about their roles.

Long-term actions Technology transfer: Provide scientifically valid management information in quick and easy to read and interpret form to:

• Arborists, Tribes, State Parks, homeowners, land managers, others.

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Goldspotted Oak Borer Interagency Meetings - June 29-30, July 21, July 22, 2009 (list of participants). First Last Name Affiliation Phone Number Email Address Name Maureen Abare County Parks 858.513.4737 [email protected] Martin Aguilera RCD – Fire Safe 619.562.0096 [email protected] Courtney Albrecht CDFA – Pest Exclusion 916.653.1440 [email protected] Maureen Anderson USFS – Descanso RD 619.445.6236 [email protected] Bob Atkins SD County Ag./ W & M 858.694.2741 [email protected] Bill Boggeln S.D. County Parks and Rec. 858.513.4737 [email protected] Frank Brown Viejas – Fire Department 619.884.6437 Kim Camilli CAL FIRE 530.550.8583 [email protected] Danielle Campbell RCD 619.562.0096 [email protected] Tom Coleman USFS – So Cal FHP 909.382.2871 [email protected] Annabele Cornejo USFS – Cleveland NF 858.674.2985 Kathleen Edwards CAL FIRE – San Diego 951.836.1703 [email protected] Susan Frankel USFS – PSW - Albany 510.559.6472 [email protected] Justin Gibbons Country Parks 858.513.4737 [email protected] Jan Gonzales UC Cooperative Extension 858.694.8955 [email protected] Mark Gracyk Viejas Tribal Govt. 619.438.8389 [email protected] Nancy Grulke USFS – PSW – Riverside 951.680.1556 [email protected] Dan Hamond USDA-APHIS-PPQ 916.930.5533 [email protected] Steve Harvey USFS – Cleveland NF 858.674.2973 [email protected] Lisa Haws Viejas Tribal Govt. 619.659.2341 [email protected] Kevin Hoffman CDFA –Pest Detection 916.654.1211 [email protected] Nancy Hoogerland USFS 619.445.6235 [email protected] Anthony Jackson USDA-APHIS-PPQ [email protected] Shannon Johnson CAL FIRE 619.590.3114 [email protected] Stephen Jones CAL FIRE 916.653.9450 [email protected] David Kellum SD County Ag ./W & M 858.694.3016 [email protected] Andi Koonce USFS – So Cal FHP 909.382.2673 [email protected] Carol Kreger USDA-APHIS-PPQ 909.342.4045 [email protected] Russ Lajoie USFS 619.445.6235 [email protected] Marty Leavitt RCD – San Diego County 619.562.0096 [email protected] Ray Lennox Cuyamaca State Park 760.765.3017 [email protected] Don Lutz Viejas – Fire Department 619.659.2376 [email protected] Julie Lydick USFS – Regional Office 707.562.8921 [email protected] Owen Martin USFS – Cleveland NF 619.955.2172 [email protected] Nedra Martinez State Parks 760.765.3019 [email protected] Will Metz USFS – Cleveland NF 858.674.2982 [email protected] Katherine Mitchell SD County Parks and Rec. 858.442.5042 [email protected] Amber Morris CDFA – Pest Exclusion [email protected] Thomas Porter CAL FIRE 951.320.6116 [email protected] Jack Qiu USDA-APHIS-PPQ 916.930.5530 [email protected] Bob Rabaglia USFS – Washington Office 703.605.5338 [email protected] Tom Scott University of California 951.827.5115 [email protected] Gloria Silva USFS – Cleveland NF 858.524.0136 [email protected] Sheri Smith USFS – Regional Office 530.252.6667 [email protected] Tom Smith CAL FIRE 916.599.6882 [email protected] Gilbert Stuart BIA 951.226.6624 [email protected] Darwin Tewanger Viejas – Public Works 619.733.9559 [email protected] Kevin Turner CAL FIRE – Riverside 951.659.3335 [email protected] Lisa Young USFS – Cleveland NF 858.674.2915 [email protected]