By Bill McNee, DNR Forest Health Specialist, Oshkosh, bill.mcnee@wisconsin.gov
Recent lab examination has confirmed bur oak blight in Fond du Lac County. The disease affects only bur oaks and is caused by the fungus, Tubakia iowensis.
Map of counties where bur oak blight has been confirmed. Map credit: Wisconsin DNR.
Continue reading “Bur Oak Blight Confirmed In Fond du Lac County”
By Kyoko Scanlon, DNR Forest Pathologist, Fitchburg, kyoko.scanlon@wisconsin.gov
This summer, the Forest Health Lab received sugar maple seedlings with brownish yellow leaves, which were sent by a Waukesha County landowner who observed many understory sugar maple seedlings and saplings quickly turning brown throughout the summer. This mortality continued until the end of September. The landowner wanted to know why these plants were dead and dying.
Affected seedlings exhibit yellow and brown leaves. Photo: Wisconsin DNR
Continue reading “Ambrosia Beetles Attack Sugar Maple Regeneration”
By Jaqi Christopher, DNR Forest Invasive Plant Specialist, Rhinelander, Jacquelyn.christopher@wisconsin.gov
When cleaning up your garden this fall, be sure to dispose of yard waste properly. Not only is dumping on public lands illegal, but it is harmful to the environment.
This garden waste was dumped along an ATV trail in a state forest and can be a pathway for invasive plants and diseases that affect our public lands. Photo: Wisconsin DNR
By Jaqi Christopher, DNR Forest Invasive Plant Specialist, Rhinelander, Jacquelyn.christopher@wisconsin.gov
With the dropping temperatures and changing leaves, it’s beginning to feel like fall hunting season.
While you travel across the state to check hunting spots or tend to food plots, look for unwanted hitchhikers on your clothing and equipment. Seeds from invasive plants like garlic mustard, tansy and spotted knapweed can travel far distances in the mud on your vehicle, trailer, ATV, shoes and clothing.
Inspecting and cleaning vehicles, equipment, gear and pets before and after recreating can help slow the spread of invasive species. Photo credit: Wisconsin DNR
Continue reading “Attention Hunters: Help Slow The Spread Of Invasive Species!”
By Paul Cigan, DNR Forest Health Specialist, Hayward, Paul.Cigan@wisconsin.gov or 715-416-4920
Twolined chestnut borer (TLCB) attacks on oak trees have increased in numerous Wisconsin counties, with decline and associated mortality in the last two growing seasons, most noticeably since August.
Symptoms of infestation by this native beetle are initially seen in mid-July on the outer portions of branches in the upper crown. Leaves begin to fade from green to yellow to red. Within a matter of weeks, they turn brown and remain on the branches for weeks to months. Their foliage may also appear sparse or completely bare (Fig. 1).
Figure 1. Northern red oaks with symptoms of twolined chestnut borer, ranging from crown thinning and leaf chlorosis like the tree on the left (early stage) to dead top branches like the tree on the right (intermediate stage). Photo: Wisconsin DNR
Continue reading “Twolined Chestnut Borer Attacks On The Rise”
Don’t Move Firewood, The Nature Conservancy
October is Firewood Month! Help prevent the spread of invasive insects and diseases by buying firewood where you burn it.
Firewood Scout can help you find local firewood for sale.
See the DNR website for more information on invasive species and forest health. Continue reading “Moving Firewood Can Spread Invasive Species”
Bernie Williams was the Forest Health Team’s worm specialist.
By Becky Gray, DNR Forest Health Team Leader, Fitchburg, Rebecca.Gray@wisconsin.gov or 608-220-3022
While Bernie Williams might yet become a famous artist or comedian, her work with the DNR Forest Health Program was retired on Aug. 29, 2022. Bernie reached minor celebrity status through her presentations on invasive plants and worms across Wisconsin and the country. She was awarded for Outstanding Contribution to Accomplishing the Division of Forestry’s Purpose in 2018 because of her role with the Best Management Practices (BMPs) for Invasive Species, NR40 and her dedication to outreach and education. We are really going to miss Bernie’s humor and crazy stories and wish her all the best as she takes her garden, bees and travels to the next level!
By Bill McNee, DNR Forest Health Specialist, bill.mcnee@wisconsin.gov or 920-360-0942
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) cautions hunters to avoid placing deer stands in or near ash trees this deer season as they start scouting properties.
It is important to place and maintain tree stands carefully as you prepare for this upcoming hunting season. Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
By Michael Hillstrom, DNR Forest Health Specialist, Fitchburg, michael.hillstrom@wisconsin.gov
Considered one of the most destructive diseases of conifers in the northern hemisphere, Heterobasidion root disease (HRD) is very difficult to control once established in a forest. Infestation of a conifer stand may significantly impact stand management, making early detection essential.
A Heterobasidion root disease (HRD) fruit body with new white growth observed in the fall. Photo: Wisconsin DNR
Continue reading “Check Conifer Trees For Severe Root Disease”
By: Bill McNee, DNR Forest Health Specialist, Oshkosh
bill.mcnee@wisconsin.gov or 920-360-0942
Three spongy moth egg masses on a branch in Walworth County. Photo Credit: Bill McNee, Wisconsin DNR
Now that spongy moth* (formerly known as gypsy moth) egg laying is complete for 2022, it’s a good time to look for and dispose of egg masses produced by adult moths over the past two months.
Spongy moth egg masses are tan-colored lumps about the size of a nickel or quarter, and are found on trees, buildings and other outdoor objects. They may also be found in protected places such as firewood piles and birdhouses. Newly produced egg masses will feel firm and appear darker in color than older egg masses, which appear faded, feel spongy and do not contain viable eggs. The current-year egg masses will not hatch until next spring.
In 2022, Wisconsin’s spongy moth population grew for a third consecutive summer due to favorable weather conditions and limited caterpillar mortality from diseases. The outbreak was most dramatic in opposite ends of the state. In southern and southeast Wisconsin, several thousand oak-dominated acres were heavily defoliated and very large numbers of property owner reports were received by DNR staff. In Bayfield County, about 80,000 acres of rural defoliation was reported from aspen-dominated forests. Smaller patches of defoliation were also reported from several other counties. Continue reading “Look For Spongy Moth Egg Masses – Larger Outbreak Possible in 2023”
