Several new detections of EAB in Vermont

Several new detections of EAB in Vermont have expanded existing Infested Areas, including into two new counties. The new detections were found in the towns of Hartford (White River Junction), Brookfield, and Belvidere. The Hartford detection is the first in Windsor County, although there were already areas within Windsor County that were within 10-miles of a New Hampshire EAB infestation. The new detection in Belvidere is the first in Lamoille County, although there were already areas within Lamoille County that were within 10-miles of a known EAB infestation.  New detections were discovered by dedicated volunteers from Vermont’s Forest Pest First Detectors program and other partners through observations and end of season inspections of purple and green prism traps, which are tools used to monitor for EAB. 

The Infested Area Map to which “Slow-the-Spread” recommendations apply now extends to include the towns listed below. 

The Hartford discovery extends “Slow-the-Spread” recommendations to: 

·         Pomfret 

·         Sharon 

·         Thetford 

The Brookfield discoveries extends “Slow-the-Spread” recommendations to: 

·         Bethel 

·         Braintree 

·         Chelsea 

·         Randolph 

·         Rochester 

·         Tunbridge 

The Belvidere discovery extends “Slow-the-Spread” recommendations to: 

·         Bakersfield 

·         Belvidere 

·         Berkshire 

·         Cambridge 

·         Eden 

·         Enosburgh 

·         Johnson 

·         Lowell 

·         Montgomery 

·         Richford 

·         Waterville 

·         Westfield 

The new finds also expand the infested area within the following towns: Brookfield, Fairfield, Fletcher, Franklin, Granville, Hartford, Hartland, Northfield, Norwich, Pomfret, Roxbury, Sharon, Sheldon, Warren, Waitsfield, Washington, Williamstown, and Woodstock.  

Forest landowners, homeowners, foresters, logging contractors, municipalities, and utilities in the infested area should evaluate the options available to them to protect ash trees and immediately implement Vermont’s “Slow the Spread” recommendations.  

Below we’ve listed some resources for foresters and landowners in managing ash in the face of EAB. 

·         10 Recommendations For Managing Ash in the Face of EAB & Climate Change 

·         Information for Forest Landowners 

·         Ash Management Guidance for Forest Managers 

·         UVA Policy on Forest Management Plans and Amendments 

·         Webinar: Silvicultural Considerations for Vermont’s Ash within the Context of EAB 

·         Trap Tree Protocol for Forest Landowners  

If you have questions about managing ash in your woodlot or around your home, or need Use Value Appraisal guidance, check out the resources available at VTinvasives.org.