Imported Fire Ant Survey

Survey Work Plan Cooperator: University of Kentucky Research Foundation State: Kentucky Project: Imported Fire Ant Survey This Work Plan reflects a cooperative relationship between the University of Kentucky Research Foundation and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ). It outlines the mission-related goals, objectives, and anticipated accomplishments as well as the approach for conducting an Imported Fire Ant Survey in Kentucky and the related roles and responsibilities of the parties [e.g., mutual roles, APHIS role(s), Cooperator role(s)] as negotiated. I) OBJECTIVES AND NEED FOR ASSISTANCE Fire ant mounds are periodically detected in western Kentucky. There have been several detection and eradication events in Calloway County in and around the city of Murray and, more recently, in a national recreation area and in state parks in western Kentucky. All infestations found to date have been eradicated. The most recent finds are described below: In November 2012, suspect fire ant mounds were detected by a homeowner in Calloway County, Kentucky in the town of New Concord. The homeowner contacted the county agent who contacted our office. We took samples and the suspects were identified as Solenopsis invicta Buren (red fire ant) by a USDA identifier on December 3, 2012. We treated the mounds, surveyed the area for several years following the treatment, and the infestation was declared eradicated. In July 2013, federal personnel from Land Between the Lakes (LBL) National Recreation Area (Trigg County) informed an extension entomologist in our department, Dr. Ric Bessin, that fire ant mounds had been detected. Dr. Bessin took a sample which we submitted for USDA identification. The suspects were identified as Solenopsis richteri Forel (black fire ant) by a USDA identifier on September 6, 2013. The mound was treated and declared eradicated after subsequent surveys of the area. On a scouting trip from October 22 – 24, 2014, Office of the State Entomologist personnel found a fire ant mound in Lake Barkley State Park in Trigg County. Samples were sent to Mississippi Entomological Museum for identification and we received a positive identification that they were fire ants, although they couldn’t determine whether they were black imported fire ants or the hybrid. We treated the mound and eradicated fire ants from the area based on subsequent surveys. We treated 2 mounds found by LBL personnel in 2015. On May 13, 2015, we received an email from LBL personnel that they had located an active mound on the same off ramp where IFA had been found in 2013 (but not the exact same location). We treated the mound on May 19 and 20, 2015. We also collected ants and sent them to Mississippi State University for identification. Based on the condition of the sample and the continuum of hybridness in IFA, the identifier could not be positive, but strongly suspected S. richteri. On July 28, 2015, LBL informed us that they had found another positive IFA mound. An extension entomologist in our department had already planned a trip to LBL, so he treated the mound on August 1 and 2, 2015. He also took a sample which the SSC prepared according to protocol so that Mississippi State University personnel could perform cuticular hydrocarbon analysis for a definitive identification. The ants were identified as S. richteri. The mounds have been eradicated, although we continue to survey the area as part of this project. Personnel at Kenlake State Park in western Kentucky contacted us in September 2017 with a report of fire ants. Two Office of the State Entomologist (OSE) personnel went to survey the site and found 79 mounds at that location. The state park purchased chemicals and treated the area. The two OSE personnel went back to the site in mid-October and found 20-30 active mounds, so the treatments were working well. The state park personnel treated the area again. During the September survey, OSE personnel collected ants and sent them to Mississippi State for identification. They were determined to be S. invicta. These western Kentucky sites are approximately a 500-mile round trip away from our office (the Office of the State Entomologist at the University of Kentucky) in Lexington, Kentucky and many more miles are needed to travel extensively for scouting; therefore, we need funding to cover personnel costs and travel to these far western sites in order to conduct thorough surveys. II) RESULTS OR BENEFITS EXPECTED Regulatory personnel from the University of Kentucky’s Office of the State Entomologist need to continually survey for fire ants using visual surveys and/or baited canisters (baited with peanut oil) to determine the extent of the problem. Past detections in western Kentucky have resulted in successful eradications. These surveys will allow us to detect mounds early and treat them (using funds from other sources for the treatments). III) APPROACH What is the plan of action or approach to the work? Nursery inspectors, the state survey coordinator, and/or extension specialists will conduct visual surveys and/or a trapping survey using baited canisters, as necessary, to determine locations of fire ant mounds around the detection sites at Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, Lake Barkley State Park, and Kenlake State Park. In addition to these known locations, recreational and lakefront sites throughout western Kentucky, nurseries, and other possible infestation sites should be surveyed to verify that no other mounds exist and become established. A. The Cooperator will: 1. By function, what work is to be accomplished? a. We will conduct fire ant surveys in western Kentucky. 2. What is the quantitative projects of accomplishments to be achieved? a. By activity or function, what are the anticipated accomplishments by month, quarter, or other specified interval? i. 1st Quarter (Sept – Nov 2022): plan trips and/or take survey trips to western Kentucky ii. 2nd Quarter (Dec 2022 - Feb 2023): plan trips and/or take survey trips to western Kentucky iii. 3rd Quarter (March - May 2023): plan trips and/or take survey trips to western Kentucky; data management and accomplishment reports iv. 4th Quarter (June - Aug 2023): plan trips and/or take survey trips to western Kentucky; data management and accomplishment reports b. What criteria will be used to evaluate the project? What are the anticipated results and successes? i. Survey results will be presented in the accomplishment reports and data will be uploaded into NAPIS. ii. At the termination of the survey we will demonstrate presence/absence of imported fire ants in sites surveyed. 3. What numbers and types of personnel will be needed and what will they be doing? a. The following University of Kentucky personnel will conduct the survey: i. Joe Collins, Senior Nursery Inspector ii. Dr. Janet Lensing, State Survey Coordinator iii. Jennie Condra, Nursery Inspector b. The SSC, Dr. Janet Lensing, will also be responsible for data management and the preparation of accomplishment reports. 4.What equipment will be needed to perform the work? a. No equipment will be needed to complete the Fire Ant Survey. 5. Identify information technology equipment, e.g., computers, and their ancillary components. a. Office equipment for the use of Cooperator personnel for entering survey data into NAPIS and creating accomplishment reports will be provided by the Cooperator. These items include a desktop computer, laptop computer, internet access, and printer. b. Technology equipment needed to complete the survey including GPS units and navigational equipment will be provided by the Cooperator. 6. What supplies will be needed to perform the work? a. No supplies will be needed for this project. 7. What procurements will be made in support of the funded project and what is the method of procurement (e.g., lease, purchase)? Procurements will be in accordance with Uniform Guidance. 8. What are the travel needs for the project? a. Is there any local travel to daily work sites? 1. There will not be local, daily travel to work sites. b. What extended or overnight travel will be performed (number of trips, their purpose, and approximate dates). Who is the approving official? 1. 2-3 trips, each lasting 2- 3 days, will be taken to conduct the fire ant survey in western Kentucky. Ideally we will take 1 trip in fall 2022, 1 in spring 2023, and 1 in summer 2023. Dr. Reddy Palli, SPRO-KY, is the approving official. Employees will be reimbursed for lodging and per diem. c. What is the method of payment? Indicate rates and total cost in the Financial Plan. 1. Vehicles will be rented from Enterprise for these trips or will be reimbursed for mileage if using personal vehicles. Enterprise vehicle rentals will either be paid by corporate credit card or employees will be reimbursed for using personal credit cards. Employees will pay for food and lodging with personal funds and will be reimbursed once travel documentation is submitted and approved. 9. Reports: All Reports will be completed in ezFedGrants. Reports include: 1. Narrative accomplishment reports in the frequency and time frame specified on the Agreement Award Face Sheet. 2. Federal Financial Reports, SF-425, in the frequency and time frame specified on the Agreement Award Face Sheet. 10. Are there any other contributing parties who will be working on the project? University of Kentucky ? Personnel who will conduct the survey are listed in Section 3a. USDA APHIS PPQ ? Harold Hempfling (SPHD-KY) and Rachel Braud (PSS-KY) will provide informational support and federal guidance. Forest Service ? Personnel at Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area may provide maps and assistance as needed. Kentucky State Parks ? Personnel may assist with location of mounds. Mississippi Entomological Museum ? Personnel will identify ants as needed. B. APHIS Will: 1. Outline the Agency''s (USDA APHIS PPQ) substantial involvement. a. Include any significant Agency collaboration and participation i. Input and oversight in the development and execution of the survey. ii. Work with the Cooperator to maximize all applicable protocols and provide technical assistance. iii. Assist with data management as needed.