HEMLOCK WOOLY ADELGID SUPPRESSION SCOPING PROJECT AT THE FINGER LAKES NATIONAL FOREST

Comment period through February 17th. Scoping documents available here: FL_HWA CompleteScopingPackage

HEMLOCK WOOLY ADELGID SUPPRESSION PROJECT PUBLIC MEETING

FINGER LAKES NATIONAL FOREST

HECTOR, NY.  (12/30/2014) – In the coming weeks and months, the Finger Lakes National Forest (FLNF) will undertake an environmental analysis on the proposed control of the Hemlock Wooly Adelgid (HWA), an invasive pest that hosts on and kills Eastern Hemlock.  In an effort to gather information to refine the proposal, the Forest Service is asking the public to join them at an open house meeting to be held at the Hector Ranger District office on January 7, 2015 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. The office is located at 5218 State Route 414, Hector, NY located about 8 miles north of Watkins Glen. At the meeting the public can learn more about this project and offer their input on where to prioritize treatment of the HWA on the FLNF.

The HWA infestation was first noted on the FLNF in 2009, at Caywood Point along Seneca Lake with mortality being seen in late 2013. Successful biological and chemical controls were initiated at Caywood Point from 2011 to 2014. The infestation has since spread to other areas on the FLNF with mortality possible within 3 to 5 years.  Hemlock trees serve a critical role to local ecosystems by providing soil retention in ravines, shading and maintaining healthy fisheries, sustaining native and diverse botanical and ecological resources, and providing unique recreational experiences.

The mission of the USDA Forest Service is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the Nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations.  As part of this mission, the Forest Service must address concerns about the future health and sustainability of Eastern Hemlock as a vital component of a healthy ecosystem on the FLNF.  Input received at the open house meeting will be used to finalize how and where the suppression treatments will be proposed which will initiate the environmental analysis process expected in mid-January. Additional public feedback will be solicited at that time. The environmental analysis for this project is expected to result in a decision in April of 2015.

The public may contact Tim Noon at (607) 546-4470 x316 or email at twnoon@fs.fed.us for more information regarding the open house meeting or the project proposal.

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