A NOTICE FROM THE OFFICE OF THE TOWN ADMINISTRATOR
August 21, 2008
PEST ALERT: ASIAN LONGHORNED BEETLE
Dear Resident:
Recently, the Asian Longhorned Beetle (‘ALB’) was found in the Greendale section of the City of Worcester. This invasive insect is extremely destructive and poses a serious and potentially costly threat to certain species of our region’s hardwood trees. It is important to note, however, that the ALB is not a threat to humans or pets and does not attack or carry human disease, but if left unchecked, these insects will have a devastating impact on our community’s urban forest and precious green resources.
Mature Asian Longhorned Beetles are very large insects with bodies ranging from 1 to 1 ½ inches in length and antennae that can be as long as 4 inches. They are shiny and black with white spots and antennae that are banded black and white.
To prevent further spread of the insect, the City of Worcester in partnership with the United States Department of Agriculture and the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation has stepped into action to ensure that trees in and around the Worcester area are not destroyed.
At this time, no infected trees have been discovered outside of Worcester, but sections of West Boylston, Holden and Boylston have been identified as being within the 1 ½ -mile radius of the infested trees. This puts a section of Boylston (see map) within the ALB regulated area. The following restrictions are in effect within the regulated area:
1. The USDA has mandated that all wood products (trees, limbs, branches, etc.) are not to be removed from any regulated area.
2. Any tree and/or branch removal from the regulated area must be taken to a designated drop-off site; as of now, we are allowed to use the City of Worcester drop-off site located at the corner of Clark St. and East Mountain St. Hours of operation are Wednesdays 8:30am – 3:00pm and Saturdays 9:00am – 5:00pm (for tree and branch removal only)
3. Boylston residents are requested to report possible infestations of the ALB by calling the Massachusetts ALB Cooperative Eradication Program Office at 508-799-8330.
4. Trees suspected of ALB infestation should not be removed until inspected by the DCR or USDA.
I thank all Boylston residents for their conscientious response to this alert. For additional information, please check local cable Channel 11, Boylston’s website at www.boylston-ma.gov, or call the USDA-Worcester office at 508-799-8330
Sincerely,
Joseph J. Connelly
Interim Town Administrator
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