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The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) marks a decade of efforts to safeguard ash trees from a destructive pest threatening their existence. The conservation program, initiated in 2013, has treated nearly 1,400 ash trees to protect them from the emerald ash borer, a beetle that has devastated millions of ash trees across the United States.
Since its initial detection in Michigan in 2002, the emerald ash borer has spread to 38 states, causing significant damage to white ash trees, especially in North Carolina. This beetle undermines trees by boring into their bark, a threat exacerbated by climate change, which enables the pest to endure milder winters.
Ash trees play a critical role in the Blue Ridge forest ecosystems, supporting various wildlife. Matt Drury, the lead scientist at the ATC, emphasizes their importance, noting that several animal species rely on ash trees for sustenance. The potential extinction of these trees could trigger a domino effect, impacting the entire ecosystem.
Besides ash trees, other native species in the Appalachian region face similar threats, including the Eastern hemlock and the American beech. The ATC’s strategy involves treating individual trees with insecticide, a labor-intensive but necessary approach to preserve these essential species.
Drury’s efforts have shown success, particularly in areas affected by severe tree blowdowns. “We actually kept these ash trees alive to throw seed into these areas of canopy loss,” Drury stated, highlighting the potential for a new generation of forests to emerge.
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy collaborates with organizations such as MountainTrue and the Forest Service to extend its conservation efforts from Georgia to Vermont. Locally, Asheville-based Appalachian Arborists provide expertise in tree treatment, both in rural and urban settings.
Will Blozan, president of Appalachian Arborists, notes the high cost of current treatment methods, which average $150 per tree. While effective, Blozan expresses the need for more sustainable solutions, such as biological controls or breeding beetle-resistant trees. “We have the tools to keep a population alive and in weight and holding for a better solution to come that’s not chemical based,” he explained.
