Year three of our search for tree damage caused by the Asian Longhorned Beetle or Emerald Ash Borer was conducted today. We assembled at Church Street for breakfast items at 8:30 AM and got down to business at 9:00 AM. Attendees included Joe King, Jodie Kane, Jim Kane, Wajid Abrar, Ahmad Wajid, Jon Roe, Joe Morrissey Ken Beare and me. We were lead by our three tree/beetle experts: Rose Hiskes, Carol Grasis and Abbie Cadman. The 12 total participants broke into three groups, one lead by each expert, and covered just under 5 miles of the 9.1 mile Rail Trail. Carol’s and Rose’s groups had no potential sightings while Abbie ran into a couple of situations that she wanted Rose to sign off on. Special thanks to Wajid who forwarded pictures he took of today’s outing. After the initial group picture I went vacant and totally forgot to take any.

We plan on having this outing once a year every year. Even if we don’t find anything as they continually move ever closer to us it establishes a base line. If we ever do get invaded we will know that they have only recently arrived and haven’t had time to fully infest the area for three, four or more years which makes them much more difficult to deal with. Not only those of us who use the trails but property owners should be concerned as you can imagine what would happen to property values with a full blown mature infestation.