Releasing adult Spathius galinae for EAB biocontrol.
EAB biocontrol releases in Wisconsin will continue in 2017. Wisconsin first released parasitoids to help control emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) in 2011. Our first releases in northeastern Wisconsin occurred in 2016 when we released the two larval parasitoids Tetrastichus planipennisi and Spathius galinae, as well as the egg parasitoid Oobius agrili. These parasitoids are incredibly small, but they find EAB larvae and eggs just fine, helping to reduce the population of EAB. These parasitoids will not stop EAB, but they are an additional tool we can use to slow the population growth.
Locations in Wisconsin where EAB parasitoids have been released 2011-2016. Map created by Bill McNee.
Written by: Linda Williams, forest health specialist, Green Bay (Linda.Williams@Wisconsin.gov), 920-662-5172.
Recently, the DNR Urban Forestry Program and the Wisconsin Arborist Association (WAA) recently held the annual Wisconsin Urban Forestry Conference in Green Bay, Wisconsin. With the theme “Healthy Benefits to Enriching Your Arboriculture and Urban Forestry Knowledge,” the conference was three full days of exhibits, presentations from experts across the world, and networking events and opportunities. There was record attendance this year, beating out last year’s record of 750. This year, the WAA offered a new Utility Track of presentations that allowed members to learn more about technologies in community forestry and other topics to help those who attended.
Gravel beds, a way of holding bare root trees and extending the bare root planting season, have been growing in popularity, especially in the Midwest. Several municipalities and other organizations throughout Wisconsin have been utilizing gravel beds to plant more trees on tight budgets, diversify plantings, decrease labor and ensure sound, healthy root systems. Hudson and Racine are wonderful examples of the success of gravel beds. 
“Plant a tree to thrive, not to simply survive.” Dan Traas, Ranger Service, echoes the sentiment of most arborists and urban foresters’. There are numerous crucial steps in the tree planting process, location, soil type and temperature must all be considered. However, the species of tree chosen may be the utmost central consideration.