Volunteers needed to help monitor for invasive pests

The state of Minnesota is looking for volunteers to serve as “first detectors” to keep an eye out for invasive pests, such as the gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar dispar. It is hoped that having people watching for these and other damaging insects will help slow their spread.

Minnesota is looking for volunteers to join the “first detector” early warning system to help keep an eye out for new infestations of invasive pests. These volunteer “first detectors” make it more likely that infestations of emerald ash borer and other invasive tree pests will be found in early stages when they are easier to control.

Registration is now open for Forest Pest First Detector workshops to be held through March. The six one-day workshops will be conducted by experts with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA), University of Minnesota Extension and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The sessions will provide in-depth information on identification of invasive tree pests. After completing the training, participants are qualified to serve as volunteers in the state’s First Detector Program. The role of these first detectors is to serve as public contacts for information about these pests and to help investigate reports of potential infestations.

“One key to slowing the spread of invasive pests is to find new infestations quickly,” said MDA Plant Protection Director Geir Friisoe. “Many of the new infestations in Minnesota have been discovered by these first detectors — informed citizens who know what to look for and who to call when they find something. The more help we have, the better our chances to contain these destructive pests.”

Participants who complete the oneday sessions will become part of an award-winning program. The Minnesota Forest Pest First Detector Program has been recognized by the National Plant Diagnostic Network for its outstanding training of volunteers. The NPDN is an internationally respected consortium of plant diagnostic laboratories from across the United States.

More details can be found online at www.myminnesotawoods.umn.edu/forest-pest-first-detector/.