[MAIPC] spotted lanternfly

[Marc Imlay]

The solution may still be EDRR , Early Detection, Rapid Response. The barrier is NIMBY; it is Not In My Back Yard. People take action when they can feel it. As Kerrie said, what good is early detection without rapid response, with WLBG a decade ago.  This barrier has been met before but only with a strong enough effort. 

 

Marc

 

 

From: MAIPC [mailto:maipc-bounces at lists.maipc.org] On Behalf Of Richard Gardner
Sent: Saturday, January 20, 2018 6:02 PM
To: MAIPC Listserve <maipc at lists.maipc.org>
Subject: [MAIPC] spotted lanternfly

 

Thoughts on this article? My two questions are if there are Eastern  North American relatives to this insect and what is the specific location where it was introduced?

 

Editorial: A strong argument for help fighting lanternfly

Monday January 15, 2018 12:01 AM Reading Eagle, Reading, Berks County, PA

Berks County Commissioner Christian Y. Leinbach must have taken a panel of U.S. and state lawmakers aback with his strongly worded warning about the need for swift action to eradicate the spotted lanternfly. The chairman of the commissioners delivered his plea for federal funding in appropriately stark terms during an appearance before a legislative forum at the Pennsylvania Farm Show.

"We need an immediate response. If we don't get these resources to us before the spring hatch in two months, it may be too late," Leinbach said. "The spotted lanternfly will wipe out the grape industry, could wipe out hardwood, and is impacting orchards."

"This is apocalyptic from an economic and environmental standpoint," he added. "We have heard from grape growers and orchard owners: One more year of this, and they are out of business."

Those of us who have witnessed the rapid spread of the pest over the past few years know that the commissioner is hardly exaggerating. For a while it was largely limited to a relatively small, rural section of eastern Berks County. But in 2017 the pest was spotted in large numbers in much of the region.

The spotted lanternfly is native to Asia but came to North America in a shipment to Berks County, where it was first spotted in 2014. The pest, which destroys grape vineyards and hardwoods and has been seen in apple orchards, has spread to 13 southeast Pennsylvania counties.

Leinbach needed to make a strong case because of the uphill climb he's facing. He is requesting $40 million in federal funding. Getting any money from Washington or Harrisburg is difficult right now. Getting it in a matter of weeks is even more challenging.

If he accomplished nothing more than putting this issue on state and national lawmakers' radar, it will have been worth the trip to Harrisburg, though we do urge officials to find funding right away to combat the pest and research ways to eradicate it.

Right now the problem is largely unknown outside this region. Leinbach is making a persuasive argument that it won't be long before it spreads to other states unless something is done swiftly. Each year the number of lanternflies grows, more eggs are laid, and the numbers keep multiplying. Leinbach said the number of lanternflies is approaching 1 trillion.

"If we are not successful," the commissioner argued, "not only will Pennsylvania face quarantines, the United States could face quarantines because Canada, South America, Mexico and Europe are watching it."

Leinbach told the panel the plan is to prepare 40,000 trap trees in the spring. A notch would be cut around certain trees to seep sap and attract the insects. The trap trees would be treated with pesticide. Money is needed to execute this plan.

But we should not be leaving the response to this problem to government alone. Landowners need to destroy the ailanthus tree, also known as the tree of heaven. The spotted lanternfly feeds on it before reproducing. And people in areas that haven't seen the pest in the past should report lanternfly sightings to state agriculture officials.

This is the year to get a handle on this program. That means a strong effort by all levels of government in cooperation with residents in affected areas. Leinbach's appearance in Harrisburg should push things in that direction.

 



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