[MAIPC] How pervasive is spotted lanternfly

Mon Oct 30 13:39:07 PDT 2017

I wouldn’t ever discourage anyone from managing the impacts of an invasive pest, and after all, that’s why we are all here. But there are occasionally some invasives that are so widespread on our lands as to be not worth managing, and sometimes we divide our preserves into zones where the same plant might be worth managing in one place (uphill or upstream, for example, for some species), and others where it is not worth our time and limited resources.

Our experience with spotted lanternfly has been so much more overwhelming than any invasive plant with which we have dealt. There was no opportunity for Early Detection—Rapid Response. Our surveys went from negative adults, negative larvae, negative egg masses—to being completely overwhelmed by adults and now egg masses. The preserve I manage no longer has any ailanthus on it, so using ailanthus “trap trees” to manage the insects is not an option for us here.

So far Natural Lands is tracking the insect’s presence on our preserves (we manage 43 preserves mostly in eastern Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey). Where ailanthus is still present we are killing it as we would be anyway but at the rate we can get that done the insect will have long been established here by the time we put a dent in ailanthus, and there will still always be ailanthus nearby, along roadsides and unmanaged properties.

As of the beginning of October we have found lanternfly on 5 preserves, two of which are located outside of quarantined municipalities on PDA’s 9/22/17 map. We have three other preserves within quarantined municipalities where they have not been observed (but by now are probably present). One of the preserves is on the Bucks/Northamton County line within sight of New Jersey.

We are also providing information to the public and mainly that involves the posters and referring visitors to the PDA website.

We offered the kids in our nature clubs marshmallows as a reward for collecting lanternflies and it went over very well. But our Educator, tongue in cheek, is worried about local stores selling out of marshmallows. One adult lanternfly = one mini marshmallow, an egg mass = one large one. The kids had planned to take a long hike last week but found so many lanternflies in one spot they never made it beyond there. Kids' reflexes are faster than mine because almost half the lanternflies I try to swat jump away and I miss.

And how many millions of trees are in Penn’s Woods? Many of the lanternflies and egg masses I have seen are out of reach, high on forest trees.

I think Kathleen and Marian are correct, that the quarantine and trapping efforts may buy enough time for a biocontrol to be released or other predators to adapt to it. I guess the most frustrating thing is that the response needs to be at a much larger scale than anything I can do on the property I manage.

I wrote a couple entries on the “Field Notes” weblog at the Natural Lands website. There’s nothing new about controlling lanternflies there, for that you need to look at the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture website (cited before: http://www.agriculture.pa.gov/Protect/PlantIndustry/spotted_lanternfly/Pages/default.aspx <http://www.agriculture.pa.gov/Protect/PlantIndustry/spotted_lanternfly/Pages/default.aspx>). But I had no trouble finding subjects for the photos and the blog talks a bit more about our experience:

https://natlands.org/crows-nest-enter-spotted-lanternfly/ <https://natlands.org/crows-nest-enter-spotted-lanternfly/>

https://natlands.org/crows-nest-marshmallows-lanternflies/ <https://natlands.org/crows-nest-marshmallows-lanternflies/>

Dan

---------
Daniel Barringer
Preserve Manager/Invasives Management Coordinator
Crow's Nest Preserve
(office) 610-286-7955
(cell) 484-368-9950

www.natlands.org

> On Oct 27, 2017, at 7:42 PM, Kathleen Seiler <kdseiler at comcast.net> wrote:
> 
> I agree, Marian!!!  A finger in the dike is always worth the effort!!!
> 	I didn’t mean to be like Eeyore (sp?)… in my message, just sending along what I’ve learned the past few weeks.
> K
> "I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order."  John Burroughs
> 
> 
> 
>> On Oct 27, 2017, at 9:38 AM, Marian Orlousky <morlousky at appalachiantrail.org <mailto:morlousky at appalachiantrail.org>> wrote:
>> 
>> The horse may have already left the barn, but our actions can help dictate how quickly that horse moves through the pasture. Quarantine and education efforts are not going to stop any invasive pest in its tracks, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't try. The process for bio-controls is slow and rigorous, but if we can buy our critical resources some extra time, we should do everything in our power to do just that.  
>> 
>> All is not yet lost, but it most certainly will be if we give up now.
>> 
>> Marian Orlousky
>> Northern Resource Management Coordinator
>> Appalachian Trail Conservancy
>> 4 East First Street
>> Boiling Springs, PA 17007
>> Direct Line: 717-260-3217
>> MARO Office: 717-258-5771 ex: 208
>> Fax: 717.258.1442
>> morlousky at appalachiantrail.org <mailto:morlousky at appalachiantrail.org>
>> www.appalachiantrail.org <http://www.appalachiantrail.org/>
>>  
>> 
>> 
>> The Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s mission is to preserve and manage the Appalachian Trail – ensuring that its vast natural beauty and priceless cultural heritage can be shared and enjoyed today, tomorrow, and for centuries to come. To become a member, volunteer, or learn more, visit www.appalachiantrail.org <http://www.appalachiantrail.org/>.
>> 
>> On Thu, Oct 26, 2017 at 9:48 PM, Kathleen Seiler <kdseiler at comcast.net <mailto:kdseiler at comcast.net>> wrote:
>> Hey, everyone,
>> 	Just adding to this discussion… am taking Forest Ecosystem Protection class currently, at Penn State Mont Alto w/ Dr. Beth Brantley.  For our first class, she brought in two former students now working w/ DCNR, focused on the Spotted Lanternfly situation in SE PA.  This is not a good situation.
>> 	These true bugs have been found feeding on nearly EVERYTHING indiscrimately (oak, hickory, black walnut, hops[completing life cycle on these]) while they progress through their 4 instar stages, as well as Ailanthus (as adults).  Other thin bark trees (black birch, red maple, black cherry) as well as stone fruit and grapes are targets.
>> 	Egg masses (30-100 ova in each) overwinter on tree bark or other surfaces - not easy to spot (dk. grayish) and that’s most likely how they arrived on a shipment of stones.
>> 	Eggs can be laid on vehicles, boats, RV’s, trailers, etc. so transport to other areas is a valid concern.  Think of athletic venues and populations of fans traveling, vacationers, etc.  so education and vigilance are a big push in the quarantine area and its environs.
>> 	First instar hatches in mid-May.  This year SLF was found in a state park (not sure which one).
>> 	DCNR is looking for natural predators to possibly raise and release (currently one possible wasp).  Wheel bugs and preying mantis have been observed eating them.  Cross fingers :*) but Dan may be correct that this could be an inexorable spread over time….
>> 	They can be killed w/ the trap trees protocol, other sprays, and scraping/destroying egg masses.
>> 
>> Most detailed up-to-date info at:
>> 
>> www.agriculture.pa.gov/Protect/Plantindustry/spotted_lanternfly <http://www.agriculture.pa.gov/Protect/Plantindustry/spotted_lanternfly>
>> 
>> Kathy Seiler
>> PATC North Chapter
>> ATC (Greater Waynesboro PA Appalachian Trail Community)
>> Renfrew Institute faculty member
>> PA Master Naturalist trainee
>> M.S. Geo-environmental Studies
>> 
>> (taking Forestry classes for “fun" via the GO60 program so my brain doesn’t seep out of my ears now that I’m nearing 62! ha!!  Keeps you young….)
>> 
>> "I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order."  John Burroughs
>> 
>> 
>> 
>>> On Oct 26, 2017, at 7:42 PM, D. Clark <historictimekeepers at gmail.com <mailto:historictimekeepers at gmail.com>> wrote:
>>> 
>>> Just found this on PA Extension Site (Art Grover,s home)
>>> 
>>> https://extension.psu.edu/what-to-do-if-you-find-spotted-lanternfly <https://extension.psu.edu/what-to-do-if-you-find-spotted-lanternfly>  
>>> 
>>> Not very comforting.
>>> 
>>> 
>>> On Thu, Oct 26, 2017 at 7:37 PM, D. Clark <historictimekeepers at gmail.com <mailto:historictimekeepers at gmail.com>> wrote:
>>> I just googled this bug.  Host plant is alianthus.  A VERY good reason to eradicate this plant!  APHIS?  USDA?  Has major impacts on fruit, grapes and cash timber!
>>> 
>>> Here is the contact info: Hope Sara does not get mad at me.
>>> 
>>> Good Morning,
>>> 
>>>  
>>> 
>>> We received a stack of 11"x14.25" CHECK YOUR GEAR posters this morning from the PA Bureau of Forestry about the Spotted Lanternfly <http://www.agriculture.pa.gov/Protect/PlantIndustry/spotted_lanternfly/Pages/Spotted-Lanternfly-Alert.aspx>. If you have room in your kiosk/other appropriate places, or think you can squeeze it in, I will send you as many copies as you need.
>>> 
>>>  
>>> 
>>> We also received hard plastic cards with information for identification and removing egg masses. Pest Alert pages (8.5"x11") with specimen submission instructions on the back are also available. If you want some of either for any upcoming programs or meetings, etc, let me know.
>>> 
>>>  
>>> 
>>> Please reply with how many posters you need with a DCNR logo on the bottom and how many with a Game Commission logo on the bottom. 
>>> 
>>>  
>>> 
>>> Finally, if I should send them somewhere other than your home address, let me know. 
>>> 
>>>  
>>> 
>>> Thank you in advance for your assistance. This is a very pretty invasive that is now capable of surviving Pennsylvania's winters. 
>>> 
>>>  
>>> 
>>> Thanks everyone,
>>> 
>>> Sara
>>> 
>>>  
>>> 
>>> --
>>> 
>>> Sara Haxby
>>> 
>>> Senior Office Manager
>>> 
>>> Appalachian Trail Conservancy
>>> 
>>> 4 East First Street <https://maps.google.com/?q=4+East+First+Street+Boiling+Springs,+PA+17007&entry=gmail&source=g>
>>> Boiling Springs, PA 17007 <https://maps.google.com/?q=4+East+First+Street+Boiling+Springs,+PA+17007&entry=gmail&source=g>
>>> Phone: 717.258.5771 x201 <tel:(717)%20258-5771>
>>> Mobile: 413.427.4067 <tel:(413)%20427-4067>
>>> Fax: 717.258.1442 <tel:(717)%20258-1442>
>>> Skype: Sara HaxbyATC
>>> 
>>> shaxby at appalachiantrail.org <mailto:shaxby at appalachiantrail.org>
>>> www.facebook.com/ATHike <http://www.facebook.com/ATHike>
>>> www.appalachiantrail.org <http://www.appalachiantrail.org/>
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> On Thu, Oct 26, 2017 at 7:31 PM, Kathy Daniel <kdaniel20816 at gmail.com <mailto:kdaniel20816 at gmail.com>> wrote:
>>> I would be happy to post information on the C&O Canal towpath in Maryland. If you think that’s a good idea, please let me know how to get the posters. 
>>> 
>>> Kathy Daniel 
>>> 
>>> On Oct 27, 2017, at 6:41 AM, Daniel Barringer <dbarringer at natlands.org <mailto:dbarringer at natlands.org>> wrote:
>>> 
>>>> I think the horse has left the barn. Adult spotted lanternflies have been found in Bucks and Northamton Counties within sight of New Jersey. Here in Chester County, within a day of hanging the posters in our public restroom, visitors came to us to show us where they found egg masses (in a fold of exfoliating river birch bark, on ironwood, ash and oak trees). We had seen our first adults only a couple weeks before, and never saw any juveniles (and we don’t have any ailanthus on the square-mile preserve). Some of the egg masses are out of reach. For every adult we see, how many do we not see? Coming to a landscape near you.
>>>> 
>>>> Dan
>>>> 
>>>>> On Oct 26, 2017, at 2:22 PM, Marian Orlousky <morlousky at appalachiantrail.org <mailto:morlousky at appalachiantrail.org>> wrote:
>>>>> 
>>>>> Good question Dewey,
>>>>> 
>>>>> I would not suggest it is too late for this one. Last I heard the pest is still limited to the state of PA and is contained within a small number of counties.  It is currently under quarantine and investigation as to its current range. I believe it was discovered around 2014, and so its spread is still relatively "slow", yet certainly concerning.  It may not have yet reached that critical mass, and it would be excellent if the efforts of the commonwealth were successful in containing it. The State is putting considerable efforts into this program, partially (I would imagine) because it has the potential to disrupt a major economic driver in PA (fruit and wine industries).   
>>>>> 
>>>>> We have put up posters here at the ATC Mid-Atlantic Office in Boiling Springs. It's probably the AT clubs in central and eastern PA that should be highlighting the pest at their trail head kiosks. 
>>>>> 
>>>>> Marian Orlousky
>>>>> Northern Resource Management Coordinator
>>>>> Appalachian Trail Conservancy
>>>>> 4 East First Street
>>>>> Boiling Springs, PA 17007
>>>>> Direct Line: 717-260-3217 <tel:(717)%20260-3217>
>>>>> MARO Office: 717-258-5771 <tel:(717)%20258-5771> ex: 208
>>>>> Fax: 717.258.1442 <tel:(717)%20258-1442>
>>>>> morlousky at appalachiantrail.org <mailto:morlousky at appalachiantrail.org>
>>>>> www.appalachiantrail.org <http://www.appalachiantrail.org/>
>>>>>  
>>>>> 
>>>>> 
>>>>> The Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s mission is to preserve and manage the Appalachian Trail – ensuring that its vast natural beauty and priceless cultural heritage can be shared and enjoyed today, tomorrow, and for centuries to come. To become a member, volunteer, or learn more, visit www.appalachiantrail.org <http://www.appalachiantrail.org/>.
>>>>> 
>>>>> On Thu, Oct 26, 2017 at 2:06 PM, HTI Gmail <historictimekeepers at gmail.com <mailto:historictimekeepers at gmail.com>> wrote:
>>>>> I just got an offer of alert posters for spotted lanternfly. Basically telling hikers to check their gear.  Is the genie already out of the bottle on this?
>>>>> 
>>>>> Is it an issue that alerting hikers can make a difference?
>>>>> 
>>>>> Thanks!
>>>>> -- 
>>>>> Regards,
>>>>>  Dewey Clark,
>>>>> http://www.historictimekeepers.com <http://www.historictimekeepers.com/>
>>>>> Omega Recognized Service Provider
>>>>> WOSTEP (Neuchatel)  Certified After Sales Service of Current Watches
>>>>> WOSTEP (Neuchatel) Certified Micromechanics
>>>>> Restoration of Vintage Timepieces
>>>>> Precision Timing Specialist
>>>>> Micromachining
>>>>> 
>>>>> Regards,
>>>>> 
>>>>> Dewey Clark
>>>>> Club Naturalist
>>>>> Co-District Manager (PA)
>>>>> Potomac Appalachian Trail Club
>>>>> Maryland Master Naturalist
>>>>> _______________________________________________
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>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> -- 
>>> Regards,
>>> 
>>> Dewey Clark
>>> Club Naturalist
>>> Co District Manager (PA)
>>> Potomac Appalachian Trail Club
>>> Maryland MAster NAturlaist
>>> 
>>> Regards,
>>>  
>>> Dewey Clark, 
>>> http://www.historictimekeepers.com <http://www.historictimekeepers.com/>
>>> Omega Recognized Service Provider
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>>> Restoration of Vintage Timepieces
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>>> 
>>> 
>>> -- 
>>> Regards,
>>> 
>>> Dewey Clark
>>> Club Naturalist
>>> Co District Manager (PA)
>>> Potomac Appalachian Trail Club
>>> Maryland MAster NAturlaist
>>> 
>>> Regards,
>>>  
>>> Dewey Clark, 
>>> http://www.historictimekeepers.com <http://www.historictimekeepers.com/>
>>> Omega Recognized Service Provider
>>> WOSTEP Certified After Sales Service of Current Watches
>>> WOSTEP Certified Micromechanics
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>> 
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