For Immediate Release: May 26, 2009

Media Contact: Coe Foss, 605-394-2663

Pierre, S.D. – Crews from the South Dakota Resource Conservation and Forestry Division will survey the condition of 200 tree plots across the state this summer in an effort to better prepare for the introduction of invasive pests.

 

This is the second consecutive year that trees will be evaluated in South Dakota as part of the multi-state Great Plains Tree and Forest Invasives Initiative. The endeavor seeks to assess the region’s tree resources, determine the potential impact of invasive species, create public awareness, and promote species diversity.

 

"A large-scale inventory will give us a better understanding of our rural and urban tree resources," said Coe Foss, administrator of forest health and special programs in the Resource Conservation and Forestry Division. "In the past, this type of information has been lacking, but the Initiative will enable us to get comprehensive information that will help foresters make better management decisions.”

 

Crews will record the number, species, diameter and height of trees within plots. They will also observe tree health, canopy dieback, and functions the trees serve -- such as windbreaks. Once collected, the data will be sent to the U.S. Forest Service for analysis.

 

The initiative, which is funded by a U.S. Forest Service grant and matching state funds, allows South Dakota, North Dakota, Nebraska, and Kansas to develop strategies to protect trees from pests like mountain pine beetle and emerald ash borer.

 

The information is especially important because these invasive pests pose an imminent threat to South Dakota trees, according to the South Dakota Department of Agriculture.

 

"Emerald ash borer was recently detected in St. Paul, Minnesota," Foss said. "The sooner we have an accurate picture of the resources at risk, the better equipped we will be to prepare for arrival of the unwanted insects."

Inventory crews will contact landowners for permission before surveying tree plots on private property.

"Last year, landowners were very receptive to our inventory efforts, so we hope we have the same cooperation this year," he added.

 

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