Working Toward Restoration of Critically Imperiled Forest Tree Species

Purpose: Invasive pests are decimating native forest trees in the eastern U.S. and there is potential for complete functional elimination of ash from the landscape due to the emerald ash borer (EAB). All ash species are impacted and Kentucky is rapidly losing ash resources over much of the state. State and federal agencies, universities and NGOs are treating trees and releasing biocontrols to protect trees until long term strategies are developed to sustainably protect and restore genetically diverse trees to forests. Forest Health is one of five listed priority issues in the Kentucky Statewide Assessment of Forest Resources and Strategy, June 2010. EAB is listed as a direct threat within this priority issue and by finding surviving ash trees and collecting seed for restoration of potential resistant trees, we are adding to the already well-practiced management strategies of chemical and biological control. Scope of Work: Survivor ash trees will be located/identified with the help of field staffs, partners and citizen scientists using the TreeSnap app. Kentucky plans to locate/collect seed from green, white and blue ash in the 20 county northern Bluegrass Region. Seed from survivor ash will be planted and grown at the Kentucky Division of Forestry (KDF) nursery and then planted on public sites by year 3 for monitoring. Funds will also be sent to the University of Kentucky Forest Health Center to lead efforts to encourage public identification and reporting of potential survivor ash using TreeSnap.