KY FY22 Spotted Lanternfly Survey 1S.0410.01

Spotted Lanternfly Survey Abstract (202 words) Spotted lanternfly is a threat to Kentucky''s agriculture and forest industry. This insect feeds on over 70 different plant species and shows a preference for economically important plants such as grapevines, maple trees, black walnut, willow, and other trees. According to wineamerica.org, Kentucky wineries have a $1.1B economic impact on the state and this industry could be devastated by spotted lanternfly. This insect would also have an impact on Kentucky''s forests. According to the Kentucky Division of Forestry, Kentucky has one of the most diverse hardwood species mixes in the nation, second only to Florida. Kentucky’s forest sector contributes billions of dollars to the state each year. For this survey, five members of our office will each identify 2 high-risk sites for spotted lanternfly introduction. We will target industrial properties, ports, and properties near rail lines in this survey. We will visit the sites every 2 weeks to conduct a visual survey. If circle traps are available, we may also deploy some of these at our sites. The survey will start in spring 2022 and end in fall 2022. Accomplishment reports will be completed and submitted in the timeframe specified in the agreement and data will be uploaded to the NAPIS database. Prior Experience 2022 would be the first year for Kentucky to have a dedicated Spotted Lanternfly Survey. We include this pest in our Grape and Orchard Commodity Surveys, but this survey would allow us to expand our scouting to sites that are at a high-risk of SLF introduction such as industrial and commercial sites, ports, and rail lines. The personnel conducting this survey have had extensive training related to scouting for and identifying spotted lanternfly and, as mentioned, are already scouting for this pest while conducting commodity surveys. The surveyors are located statewide which will ensure that there is good geographic coverage across Kentucky. The State Survey Coordinator will enter results into NAPIS as well as generate midyear and final accomplishment reports.