Trees sought for EAB biocontrol efforts

Posted on by margueriterapp

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Biological Control Facility is seeking donations of living green ash trees from Wisconsin landowners. Infested live trees are needed to rear the parasitic wasps that prey upon emerald ash borer (EAB) eggs and larvae. 

USDA staff in Brighton, MI rear stingless, parasitic wasps for release in EAB-infested states. Currently, the biological control facility rears four species of wasp, three of which attack EAB larvae and one that attacks eggs. Finding and harvesting living green ash infested with EAB is a vital part of the biocontrol program, allowing staff to breed EAB colonies from adult beetles. These colonies then support the rearing of almost a million parasitic wasps each year. To learn more about the USDA’s EAB Program, read the EAB Story Map.

The stingless wasp Spathius agrili lays up to 20 eggs on its host. Eggs hatch and the larvae feed and eventually kill the EAB larva.

The stingless wasp Spathius agrili lays up to 20 eggs on its host. Eggs hatch and the larvae feed and eventually kill the EAB larva.

Another wasp, Tetrastichus planipennisi, lays its eggs inside EAB larvae where they feed and develop into red-eyed pupae before completing their lifecycle.

Another wasp, Tetrastichus planipennisi, lays its eggs inside EAB larvae where they feed and develop into red-eyed pupae before completing their life cycle.

The facility is looking for donations from properties that meet the following criteria:

  • Live green ash between 8-20 inches diameter
  • 25 or more suitable ash trees
  • Trees may show signs of decline but must be alive
  • Located in southeastern and eastern Wisconsin north up to Green Bay

USDA staff will conduct landowner site visits after leaves have budded in spring. If a site meets most of the criteria, staff will return in late summer to peel back bark of trees one by one. This is the EAB larval evaluation method used to determine infestation levels. Trees are then selected for harvest based on that methodology.

USDA staff evaluate ash trees for harvest by cutting a ‘bark window’ to estimate the degree of infestation from the live EAB larvae they see.

USDA staff evaluate ash trees for harvest by cutting a ‘bark window’ to estimate the degree of infestation from the live EAB larvae they see.

Harvests will occur weekdays from September to May. The USDA will arrange the harvests, including selecting subcontractors and paying for the work. Sites are remediated to pre-harvest conditions to the best of the contractor’s ability.

Lands enrolled in Wisconsin’s Managed Forest Law (MFL) or Forest Crop Law must file a MFL Cutting Notice (Form 2450-132) 30 days prior to cutting. Contact your local Tax Law Forestry Specialist for assistance.

All private landowners must submit a county cutting notice prior to harvest. This cutting notice is separate from the MFL cutting notice and should be filed with the county clerk. Learn more about cutting notices at this DNR webpage.

For more information about the USDA program and if you are interested in participating, contact Paul Nelson at paul.m.nelson@aphis.usda.gov or 734-732-0025.

Revised EAB insecticide guide now available

Posted on by margueriterapp

By Bill McNee, forest health specialist, Oshkosh, Bill.McNee@wisconsin.gov, 920-360-0942

Title page of revised insecticide guide.The North Central Integrated Pest Management Center has released the third edition of its widely distributed guide, “Insecticide Options for Protecting Ash Trees from Emerald Ash Borer.” This updated document addresses frequently asked questions and shares new information about insecticide options that are not covered in the guide’s previous edition from 2014. To review the most current recommendations and study results regarding insecticide use for EAB, download the report here.

Salt spray injury on conifers observed in spring

Posted on by margueriterapp

By Paul Cigan, forest health specialist, Hayward, Paul.Cigan@wisconsin.gov, 715-416-4920

A particularly active winter weather season has left white pine and other conifer species along many of Wisconsin’s roadways with salt spray injury this spring. These salt deposits draw water out of the foliage, causing them to dry out and turn brown, often beginning at needle tips and progressing down to the needle base. Browning is most heavily concentrated on branches facing the road, lower portions of tree crowns and foliage that remained above the snowline.

Browning is likely to intensify as the weather continues to warm this spring, and heavily damaged needles may die and prematurely fall off. Successive years of damage can leave branches sparse of foliage and cause branch dieback.

Salt spray from de-icing salts applied to roadways may drift and settle onto vegetation within 150 feet of a roadway. Injury can be prevented or reduced by placing physical barriers such as snow fencing, plastic or burlap around conifers in fall. Salt residues can also be rinsed off with water during periods of warm weather prior to bud break. More information about salt damage to plants can be found in this UW–Madison Division of Extension publication.

Red pine shoot with needle tip browning from salt spray injury.

Red pine shoot with needle tip browning.

White pine tree with salt spray injury concentrated on limbs of the lower crown that are facing the roadway.

White pine tree with salt spray injury.

White pine seedlings with salt spray injury concentrated on tissues above the former snowline.

White pine seedlings with salt spray injury.

 

Deep winter frost may lead to tree and shrub problems in spring

Posted on by margueriterapp

By Todd Lanigan, forest health specialist, Eau Claire, Todd.Lanigan@wisconsin.gov, 715-210-0150

The first part of the winter of 2018-2019 was rainy and icy and remained pretty much snowless until February. These conditions allowed frost to penetrate deep into the exposed ground, likely causing root injury to trees and shrubs that will manifest as temperatures rise this spring.

At the end of January, the frost depth was two to four feet down and was still two to three feet down in mid-March. Frost at those depths is likely to have caused some root injury to trees and shrubs over the winter.

If there is any root injury, the severity of the damage will influence how the tree or shrub responds in the spring. If there is very little or no damage, the plant should look normal. As the damage increases, you may notice more dead twigs or branches than you would normally see in a healthy plant. These could either be scattered throughout the plant or more heavily concentrated in one part. The plant could also produce less foliage, making it look thinner and more transparent than you would expect. In some cases, the plant may produce very little foliage but have high seed or fruit production. The worst-case scenario for root damage is the tree or shrub will send out new foliage that quickly dies or there is no new growth at all in spring.

Whether or not to remove the injured tree or shrub is up to you. If you know the plant is dead, then removal is a good choice, especially for hazard trees. A hazard tree is a tree that is likely to hit some target (e.g. house, car, shed, picnic table, swing set, etc.) if either the branches or tree were to come down. If you are not dealing with a hazard tree, you may want to let the tree or shrub grow for the summer and re-evaluate after the growing season.

Seedlings still available for spring 2019 planting

Posted on by Kirsten Held

DNR employees at the Wilson Nursery have been busy harvesting, grading and packaging our native trees and shrubs for distribution across the state. For landowners interested in creating wildlife habitat, starting a plantation for future wood production, stabilizing an erodible bank or field or adding to the aesthetic beauty of the landscape, the Wisconsin DNR reforestation program may be able to help.

We still have white pine, red pine, silver maple, black cherry, aspen and American plum seedlings available for sale. All are well suited for the soils of Wisconsin. Contact our nursery hotline at (715) 424-3700 for up-to-date information on seedling availability and to place an order.

To determine how many seedlings we have available to sell, we sample a portion of our rows, place that data into some formulas and then estimate inventories. Sometimes we underestimate and sometimes we overestimate. Most of the time we are close. We don’t know how accurate we were until the seedlings are lifted out of the fields, graded and counted. This year, we have some species that had much healthier volumes than we anticipated.

Seedlings sold by the Wisconsin State nurseries can only be used for reforestation, wildlife habitat and windbreak and erosion control purposes and must be planted in Wisconsin. Answers to the most common questions are available on our “Frequently Asked Questions” page.

Written by Jeremiah Auer, Regeneration Specialist,  Jeremiah.Auer@wisconsin.gov, (715) 459-1999

Increased fire danger on April 26th

Posted on by laurahayes

Increased fire danger

Expect to see strong, gusty winds today (Friday, April 26) ahead of a storm front as fire danger ranges from High to Very High statewide. There are burning permit suspensions in 27 counties. Check burning permit restrictions at dnr.wi.gov, keyword “fire.” Sparks from campfires, hot equipment, woodstove ashes also a concern today, until the rain or snow arrives and winds are calm.  Fire crews will be on high alert and shifting ground resources in areas of elevated risk.   In addition, three contract single-engine air tankers are on stand-by for quick initial attack, stationed in Necedah and Siren. Report fires early by dialing 911.  Check fire restrictions here.

Prevent a wildfire

Wildfire Prevention Week

Posted on by laurahayes
Embers can remain hot for days and start a wildfire.

Never leave your fire unattended and make sure it’s completely out before you leave.

It’s Wildfire Prevention Week!
One way you can help us celebrate, is to get a free DNR burn permit before burning.  It takes less than two minutes and we can email you the burn permit right away.  Or, call our hotline 1-888-WIS-BURN (947-2876) and customer service can issue you one over the phone. Then, on the day of the burn, call or check online for the fire danger and burn restrictions in your county after 11 am.  Never leave your fire unattended and make sure it’s completely out before you leave. Got questions or not in an area where the DNR regulates?  Local fire officials are always willing to help.  Following these simple steps can greatly decrease your chances of starting a wildfire.  Visit this page to get your free DNR burn permit.

 

Wildfire Report for April 25, 2019

Posted on by laurahayes
Debris burning caused half of Wisconsin's wildfires last week. Burn barrels use is one form of debris burning.

Half the fires last week were caused by debris burning.

Last week 72 wildfires burned 177 acres in DNR Protection Areas;. Half of the fires were caused by debris burning (brush and leaf piles, burn barrel use, burning household trash and broadcast burning).  Other minor causes included campfires, equipment, power line and improper ash disposal. Forty buildings were threatened by wildfires but saved by fire suppression actions; four were destroyed.

The DNR wants to remind everyone to be careful with anything that can start a wildfire when you’re out fishing, hunting, camping, doing yard work, or looking for mushrooms. Fire danger can vary greatly from one day to the next this time of the year, depending on weather and dryness of the vegetation. Check this site for current statewide fire danger and burning permit restrictions: dnr.wi.gov (search ‘fire danger’).

Firewise Tip: Wondering if your home is in an area at risk for wildfire? Go through our checklist and find out.

Wildfire Report for April 18, 2019

Posted on by laurahayes

Last week 14 wildfires burned 39 acres in DNR Protection Areas; nine of the fires were caused by debris burning. Five buildings were threatened by wildfires, but saved by fire suppression actions; one was destroyed. Snow is quickly melting in parts of the state that still have partial snow cover. This time of year there is still a great deal of dead vegetation that dries out quickly and is available fuel for a wildfire. Low relative humidity, warm temps, and gusty winds quickly drive up the fire danger. Stay aware of fire danger and burning restrictions by calling 1-888-WIS-BURN (947-2876) or check online at dnr.wi.gov, keyword “fire”. Curious about where wildfires are actively burning? Check out our fire activity webpage at dnr.wi.gov, keyword “fire” and click on “View current wildfire activity.”

A campfire can quickly become a wildfire on a windy day.

A warming or cooking fire on a windy day can quickly become an out of control wildfire.

Firewise Tip: Turkey hunters are reminded to be extra cautious with anything that can start a wildfire when you’re outdoors. Be especially mindful of the weather. A warming or cooking fire on a windy day can quickly become an out of control wildfire.

Annual work plans available for state forests

Posted on by Kirsten Held

Annual Property Implementation Plans now offer the ability to see planned management actions on state forests and other state-owned properties. The plans, including a searchable tool, can be found on the DNR website (dnr.wi.gov – keyword “APIP”).

State forests are governed by property master plans, which are developed with significant input from the public, but these plans cover long periods of time (up to 15 years) and do not describe annual activities.

Annual plans, developed by the forester, wildlife biologist, property manager, ecologist and others, identify the major work during the next year to implement the master plan for that property. These activities encompass a variety of forest and habitat management work, including timber sales, tree plantings, prescribed burns and invasive species control. In addition, plans are shared for recreation and infrastructure improvements, including trails, campgrounds, buildings, boat landings, roads or expanded parking. APIPs do not include routine maintenance or minor actions including mowing, building maintenance, inventory or field surveys.

If you are interested in planned work on one of our northern state forests (Black River, Peshtigo River, Governor Knowles, Northern Highland-American Legion, Flambeau River or Brule River State Forest), visit the Annual Property Implementation Plan webpage. Direct questions or comments to the state forest property managers listed in the plan.