Mike Hillstrom became the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Invasive Forest Pest Coordinator on Sept. 9, 2024. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

By Art Kabelowsky, DNR Outreach and Communications
Arthur.Kabelowsky@wisconsin.gov or 608-335-0167

Mike Hillstrom and Bill McNee, members of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ Forest Health team, made notable radio appearances during November.

Hillstrom, the DNR’s invasive forest pest coordinator, appeared on Wisconsin Public Radio to discuss the invasive pest hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA). The insect has not yet established a presence in Wisconsin.

Still, the DNR and the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) have been making plans for the possible appearance of HWA – a small, aphid-like insect identified by the woolly egg sacs on the underside of hemlock branches.

Hillstrom was joined by DATCP forest pest unit supervisor Michael Falk and University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension entomologist PJ Liesch as guests on the broadcast.

Wisconsin is utilizing a survey method that uses 3D printing to manufacture environmental DNA traps. Hillstrom said each trap holds four microscope slides coated with petroleum jelly meant to catch HWA insects or fluff from their egg sacs. Lab analysis of the material would identify their environmental DNA.

“We’re going to be looking at about 30 sites … for this insect to make sure it’s not out on the landscape somewhere where we don’t know about it,” Hillstrom said during the broadcast. The traps will be deployed in the spring.

HWA poses such a serious threat to hemlock trees that DNR and DATCP have been working on additional plans, in advance of the possibility of the insect’s appearance in Wisconsin.

“I don’t want to say it’s inevitable, but it’s highly likely it’s going to show up at some point,” Hillstrom said.

McNee Talks About Aeronautics

Wisconsin DNR Forest Health specialist Bill McNee staffs a display table during the Wisconsin Arborist Association’s annual conference in 2023. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

McNee, the DNR Forest Health specialist for the Southeast zone, was interviewed by WTMJ radio for a piece on the DNR’s aeronautics program. Reporter Jessica Gatzow also interviewed Aeronautics program section chief Paul Christensen and Division of Forestry pilot Niki Gaskins.

McNee, who regularly works with Aeronautics to conduct aerial surveys for Forest Health, said the flights are huge time-savers.

“From the ground, you cannot evaluate or examine that sheer number of trees with the speed that you can from an airplane,” McNee said. “For example, for $500 or $1,000 I can do an extensive survey of insects and disease damage in Southeast Wisconsin.”