Lookouts needed for invasive pests

Minnesota is looking for volunteers to join the hundreds of citizens who already have stepped up to help keep an eye out for new infestations of emerald ash borer and other destructive invasive pests.

These volunteer “first detectors” form part of the state’s early warning system for invasive tree pests, making it more likely that infestations 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 in late February and early March

The six one-day workshops – which include an Alexandria location – 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.

Participants who complete the one-day 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 (NPDN) for its outstanding training of volunteers. The NPDN is an internationally respected consortium of plant diagnostic laboratories from across the U.S.

The Alexandria workshop is scheduled for March 14 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Alexandria Technical and Community College, Room 211.

More details can be found online at http://www.myminnesotawoods.umn.

edu/forest-pest-first-detector/.

Tags: local news, invasive species, news, workshop