Michigan State Extension Begins Push Against Forest Invasives

Asian long-horned beetle. (Credit: Kyletramirez/CC BY 3.0)

With support from the Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program, the Michigan State University Extension has launched a new effort to educate state citizens about the risks and impacts of forest invasives, according to a release. The new initiative is called “Eyes on the Forest: Invasive Forest Pest Risk Assessment, Communication and Outreach.”

The push for awareness will focus on three major invasive species in the state, including Asian Longhorned Beetle, Hemlock Woolly Adelgid and Thousand Cankers Disease of walnut. All of those species have established themselves in other states and eastern Canada. Extension agents are concerned that they could devastate trees if they make it into Michigan.

The project is only now in its beginning stages. Land managers at the Extension are hopeful that they can get it up and running later in 2015.

Top image: Asian long-horned beetle. (Credit: Kyletramirez/CC BY 3.0)