DCR Acknowledges Fifth Anniversary of Asian Longhorned Beetle Awareness

The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), in partnership with the United States Department of Agriculture-Animal and Plant Inspection Services (USDA-APHIS), Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) and municipal partners acknowledged on Monday, Aug. 5, the fifth anniversary of Asian Longhorned Beetle (ALB) awareness program.

“This event highlights the Patrick Administration’s and the DCR’s dedication to supporting forestry efforts across the Commonwealth,” said DCR commissioner Jack Murray in a press release, “We are pleased with the work that has been done to contain the species and to raise awareness.”

The ALB attacks and infests hardwood trees, including the maple, birch and elm. Widespread infestation of the ALB would negatively impact maple sugaring, plant nurseries, tourism and other vital sectors of the Commonwealth’s forest product industries, said the release.

Since 2008, the program surveyed more than 3.5 million trees in Worcester and removed 33,466 infested trees from Worcester County. The program has also regulated 110 square miles across the communities of Worcester, West Boylston, Shrewsbury, Boylston and parts of Holden and Auburn preventing the movement of firewood outside the regulated area. The program was able to assign 101 federal and state employees across Massachusetts to aid in the eradication process and 1,832 companies have completed compliance training.

To date, the federal government has committed more than $116 million to aid in the eradication of ALB. As the lead agency, DCR values the partnerships between federal, state and local officials whose contributions continue to make the eradication program a success.

Working to eradicate the ALB is an extension of DCR’s goal to protect, preserve and promote our common natural, cultural, residential and recreational resources.