The meeting was called to order by Chairperson, Laurie Stepanek.

Attendees:

Dale Anderson (South Dakota Dept. of Ag)	Ronda Koski (Colorado State University)
Jon Appel (Kansas Dept. of Ag)	Les Koch (Wyoming State Forestry Div.)
John Ball (South Dakota State University)	Kelly Mitchell (Iowa Dept. of Ag)
Anastasia Becker (Missouri Dept. of Ag)	Glenn Petersen (Retired US Forest Service)
Eric Berg (Nebraska Forest Service – 4/26)	Melissa Powers (Kansas Forest Service)
Jim Blodgett (USDA-FS, Rapid City)	Glenn Salsbury (Kansas Dept. of Ag)
Kelly Burns (USDA-FS, Lakewood)	Tom Sanders (Kansas Dept. of Ag)
Bob Cain (USDA-FS, Lakewood)	Bill Schaupp (USDA-FS, Rapid City)
Mark Harrell (Nebraska Forest Service)	Michele Schoeneberger (Nat’l Agroforestry Center)
Jeri Lyn Harris (USDA-FS, Lakewood)	Jessica Smith (South Dakota Dept. of Ag)
Kara Hempy-Mayer (Colorado Dept. of Ag)	Laurie Stepanek (Nebraska Forest Service)
Bill Jacobi (Colorado State University)	Julie Van Meter (Nebraska Dept. of Ag)
Mike Kangas (North Dakota Forest Service)	Jim Walla (North Dakota State University)
Amy Kearney (Montana DNR&Conservation)	Jeff Witcosky (USDA-FS, Lakewood)
Justin Knott (North Dakota Dept. of Ag)	Vicki Wohlers (Nebraska Dept. of Ag.)

Business Items

Listserve Maintenance

A copy of the current Listserve was circulated through the room to ensure that the GPTPC list has the most recent data for all members. Corrections and additions were noted, and the list returned to Laurie Stepanek.

Old Business

Minutes from the 2005 meeting were submitted and distributed by Laurie Stepanek. Motion passed for approval of the old minutes.

New Business

Discussion followed on the subject of creating an archive for reference purposes. Laurie Stepanek volunteered to create a CD containing minutes, major concerns, action items and letters composed on behalf of the GPTPC. The CD will be updated annually and given to the Secretary and Chairperson each year. Any pertinent information should be sent to Laurie.

A website was also discussed by the group. A motion was passed for Jim Walla to create, host and maintain a simple website for the GPTPC on the NDSU server, including the following items: most recent minutes, GPTPC history, constitution and bylaws, purpose of the Council, and upcoming meeting information. Site will also provide contact information for the Secretary and Chairperson. May also contain links to publications and/or participating organizations (USDA, FS, Universities, etc.).

State and Organization Reports

Jim Blodgett & Bill Schaupp – Rapid City USDA-FS

A paper report was distributed to the group. Recent work in the Rocky Mountain Region (R-2) has noted the following:

- A possible canker disease in Buffalo Berry

- Problems with tent caterpillars on the Crow Creek Reservation destroying a foodsource species

- Dutch Elm Disease (DED) is the most commonly coded issue during flight surveys

- A possible decline in ips beetles in NE and SD

- Acreages of Bur oak turning orange in September – suggestions of possible insects/pathogens welcome

- Noted nearly 7,000 acres of hail damaged trees from a single storm in August, 2005. Diplodia moved in shortly thereafter

- Aerial survey data is available online: http://www.fs.fed.us/r2/resources/fhm/aerialsurvey/

Mark Harrell & Laurie Stepanek – Nebraska Forest Service

A paper report was distributed to the group. Key elements mentioned and discussed were:

- Pine wilt: Nematode is native to the US, tests are being done to evaluate the effectiveness of a nematicide trunk injection. Results look good, but the treatment is very expensive (~$300 for a 10” DBH tree).

- Ponderosa pine: Pines along the southern edge of the Pine Ridge are declining and dying due to a combination of drought stress and Armillaria root rot. Some trees will be selected for monitoring over the next few years, with hopes that trees will begin to recover if moisture levels improve.

- Emerald Ash Borer (EAB): Early detection trapping efforts in 10-12 camping areas used most by out of state visitors will take place this year, using recently cut ash logs covered with sticky material and cardboard sticky traps containing an attractant. A draft action plan for controlling EAB is being drafted.

- Itch Mites: Unknown whether or not the insects are native to the area. Mites are most commonly found around pin oaks, and cause itchy red bites and discomfort in humans. Itch mites have been reported by residents in eastern NE and KS, as well as western MO.

Melissa Powers, Glenn Salsbury & Jon Appel – Kansas Forest Service & KS Dept. of Ag

Brief paper reports were distributed by Melissa and Jon. Key points included:

- Sudden Oak Death (SOD) survey conducted in pertinent areas during August in cooperation with the Lakewood Service Center.

- Drought stress continues to cause tree stress and mortality in western areas of the state. Insect damage is also noted in these areas, but is likely a secondary agent.

- DED continues to take large numbers of trees – trees that were live and healthy 5 years ago already dead and down (based on observations on Forest Inventory & Analysis plots being remeasured).

- Oak health survey conducted by Jon Appel shows that primary agents in tree decline and death are environmental stresses, both abiotic and biotic (drought, flooding, cattle grazing, etc.). Pathogens noted in report include Hypoxylon and Botryosphaeria cankers, Armillaria and Polyporous root rot, oak wilt, Anthracnose and powdery mildew.

- A nematode analysis was performed in windbreaks across Kansas during 2004-5. For more information on data collected, contact Jon Appel: 785.537.3155, jappel@kda.state.ks.us

- Glenn Salsbury reported very good trapping success of exotic wood borers and other insects of interest using canopy traps. A demonstration of a canopy trap was provided during break on 4/27. Importation of insects has been noticed with root-balls of trees coming in from out of state.

- Glenn also offered copies of publications on KS bark beetles and grasshoppers to all interested parties.

- Pitch moth spraying and trapping has been successful in western areas of the state, after returning to a hard rubber septa for the lure. However, the lure that works in western Kansas does not work in the southeast area of the state. Infestation continues to worsen in this region, including surrounding areas of Missouri and Oklahoma.

Glenn Petersen – retired

- Described noticing a big problem with tree decay as a result of mechanical injury on golf courses.

Jim Walla – North Dakota State University

A paper report was distributed, and the following summary was provided for insertion into the minutes:

- X-disease of chokecherry: Continuing research to identify and develop chokecherries tolerant to X-disease. Field plots of inoculated plants are being established. Inoculations have resulted in X-disease symptoms. Crosses to get chokecherry populations segregating for X-disease tolerance were successful.

- Ash yellows of ash: Clonal propagation is not working to obtain enough plants to inoculate to characterize ash yellows tolerance. Until propagation is successful, this project will not move forward. It was noted during discussion that the importance of this research is currently questionable due to the threat of EAB.

- Entomosporium leaf and berry spot of Juneberry: Fungicides were applied to identify possible treatments for Entomosporium. Nova (myclobutanil) followed by Captan provided the best reduction in disease.

- National Elm Trial: Two of the 16 plots were established in North Dakota. Replacements and additional cultivars will be outplanted in 2006 and 2007 (trees planted in Fargo were damaged by freezing and flooding in 2005).

- Question from John Ball: What effect might Ash Yellows have on Manchurian Ash? EAB does not affect Manchurian ash unless it is already stressed – could ash yellows be an initial stressor?

- Jim requests that as the states move forward with EAB to please let everyone know what is going on – both action and inaction.

Les Koch – Wyoming State Forestry Division

A paper report was distributed to the group. The following are highlights:

- Literature has stated that the banded elm bark beetle will also attack Russian olive in its native range. Observance has shown that outside the native range this is not the case.

- The White Satin Moth has been reported in one Wyoming county, though it is likely that the distribution covers most of the SW counties in the state. The native Eurasian moth has been in the US since the 1920’s, gradually moving to the center of the continent. It is not currently listed as a noxious pest in WY, but has dangerous potential, as it is a member of the same family as Gypsy Moth. Caterpillars may be controlled through microbial insecticides containing Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (Btk), such as Foray 48B. Maximum activity is against early instar caterpillars.

- A preliminary EAB survey is being conducted in five locations, with one tree per site. Letters will be mailed to all municipalities and retail nurseries statewide, and they are looking into mailing information to Michigan hunters that travel to WY.

Michele Schoeneberger – USDA National Agroforestry Center

- The most requested publication is Diseases of Trees in the Great Plains, followed closely by Common Insect Pests of Trees in the Great Plains.

- Two new Threat Assessment Centers are now available in the East (North Carolina) and west (Oregon). Please make use of them to discuss concerns of the Great Plains area.

Mike Kangas – North Dakota State University

A paper report was distributed, including the following subjects:

- New tree pests – Cottony Ash Psyllid, Spruce Rust

- Common ND tree pests – Yellow-headed spruce sawfly, Oak Rough Bulletgall Wasp, Foliar diseases of deciduous trees (ash and oak anthracnose, Septoria leaf spot), and Diplodia Shoot Blight

- Non-native pests of concern:

- Gypsy Moth – no positive catches in 2005

- EAB – Not yet present. Sentinel trap trees were placed in five communities, and visual inspections were performed at several parks and campgrounds throughout the state. Education and outreach efforts have begun and will continue, largely focused on firewood movement and nursery shipments from eastern states. Diversification of community forests is also being encouraged.

- GPTPC Listserve: All members of the listserve can send e-mails to the group at gptpc@ndsuext.nodak.edu

- To join the listserve, e-mail Mike at Michael.kangas@ndsu.edu Please include your name, position, address phone and FAX numbers, and e-mail address with your request.

Kelly Burns – USDA-FS, Lakewood

- Primary focus at the moment is White Pine Blister Rust, evaluating the efficacy of pruning techniques to preserve and increase longevity in limber & bristlecone pines. Long term monitoring plots will be established over the next three years in northern CO, WY and MT.

- Also testing for resistance against, and creating a management guide for WP blister rust.

Jeri Lyn Harris – USDA-FS, Regional Office

- Presented photos and details from the KS SOD survey, including photos of suspicious tar spots on red oaks. These cankers/tar spots were caused by a different type of Phytophthora, not P. ramorum.

- Current FHM risk map doesn’t show much red on the Great Plains – mainly because it isn’t recognized as forest area.

- FHM will be going under nationwide review soon.

- Jeri Lyn Harris was told at a recent meeting that the risk map will be used for funding allocations.

Jeff Witcosky – USDA-FS, Lakewood

- Many new publications and reports are available from the service center. Please contact him if you want copies.

- Subjects include: WP blister rust, banded elm bark beetle, mountain pine beetle, spruce beetle infestations.

John Ball – South Dakota State University

A paper report was distributed, and John mentioned that he posts a weekly report (every other week outside of the growing season) on his findings. Key topics mentioned included:

- Black ashes are declining across the state, no insect or pathogen has been associated with the decline but there is an unidentified bud miner found in many of these trees.

- Community tree inventories indicate that green ash is the most commonly planted tree, up to 45% in some areas.

- Planting efforts have declined, but new plantings are still ash.

- Hope to develop a threat risk for communities to help encourage diversity.

- Half of planting spots are vacant in most towns – good opportunity to increase diversity.

- Pinewood nematode is being identified as a serious problem in SD.

- Not finding EAB in Manchurian ash in China – finds it in imported green ash. Will look for more indications/troubles on a return trip to China.

Vicki Wohlers/Julie VanMeter – Nebraska Dept. of Ag

A paper report was distributed, including the following information and more:

- Gypsy moth trapping regime

- Japanese beetles – trapping and eradication efforts

- CAPS (Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey) – Karnal bunt, Japanese beetle, Gypsy moth, Khapra beetle, nematode surveys, EAB, SOD

- SOD – NE Dept. of Ag is able to track all incoming material through nursery/grower supply database.

Bill Jacobi/Ronda Koski – Colorado State University

A paper report was distributed, and the following items discussed:

- An update on the national Elm trials

- Will perform an EAB survey with CAPS, and try to educate the public

- Fuel loading effects from dwarf mistletoe and mountain pine bark beetles

- Technology transfer of science research to users – becoming more difficult

- WP blister rust pruning study

- MgCl₂ use as a dust suppressant on gravel roads

- Discussed impacts on roadside soil, vegetation, and stream concentrations of Chloride ions following long periods of MgCl₂ use.

Anastasia Becker – Missouri Dept. of Ag

- Working on trapping exotic and wood boring insects using Lindgren and canopy traps

- Only 7 banded elm bark beetles have been trapped – most are multistriatus.

- Trapping/observing many Granulate Ambrosia beetles (“red-wine” ambrosia beetles), thus adding it to the CAPS list of concerns. Has also been noted in KY, IN

- Conducting EAB visual survey, creating a firewood poster focusing on all pests that can come in with wood. She also noted that having several different kinds of posters may be more effective because if people see the message several times in different ways, they finally start to think about it.

- Gypsy moth trapping – 11,000 traps, 10 moths. None were caught in the St. Louis area this year.

- SOD survey of 50 nurseries and surrounding woods – all results came back negative.

- Itch mites also present in Missouri.

Emerald Ash Borer

Julie VanMeter began the discussion by distributing EAB information – pest alerts, current MI quarantine ZIP codes for use by campground monitors, EAB ID kits, etc.

Discussion of three draft letters prepared and distributed to the group by Jim Walla (Proposed recipients of letters: Great Plains State Foresters and Department of Agriculture Leaders as well as Ron DeHaven, Administrator of USDA APHIS).

- Need to stop not only vacationers bringing firewood, but also commercial distributors from using ‘cheap’ sources of wood from quarantined/questionable areas. Need to stress to all entities that using local sources is important.

- It may be difficult to institute any kind of regulation against bringing wood in from out of state, due to there already being a federal quarantine.

- We can’t let an outside organization/region dictate whether or not we can protect our ash resource – ash is a much more important component of Great Plains forests and communities compared to other regions across the country.

- Laurie Stepanek shared portions of a letter from Steve McCormick president and CEO of The Nature Conservancy calling for $45 million in emergency funds to MI, IN, OH to control EAB – much of the initial funding granted to the Lakes States is no longer available.

- Bottom line is that we NEED SENATOR SUPPORT.

- Need to make EAB a priority with APHIS and Congress

- Region-wide action rather than state-by-state effort – if one of us gets EAB, we’re all at a much greater risk.

- Congress listens to NASF – we need to have them on board with the issue.

- Need to identify local sources of firewood to make it work? If we want people to buy their firewood locally, the resource needs to be present and usable.

- Motion: Send letters composed by Jim Walla to KS, NE, ND, SD, CO, WY, MT and IA (all states represented at 2006 GPTPC meeting). Seconded and passed.

- Jim Walla, Laurie Stepanek and Melissa Powers will work on revised versions of the letters, and send them to State Foresters, Dept. of Ag leaders and USDA APHIS.

- Additional discussion on EAB included questions about:

o Funding

o Methodology

o Comparison to nationwide SOD survey/response

§ All states voluntary, led by Steve Oak

o Penalties for violations?

- Potential state plans for EAB in 2007 (CAPS):

o KS – Exotic pest trapping – Glenn will continue with this.

o SD – Outreach and Education – pest & firewood alerts, appealing to the desire to maintain a resource, rather than prohibitory methods.

>- Ned Tisserat joined on video conference and discussed the Great Plains Disease Network (Disease and Insect database & laboratory)

Tours

Tours of Horning Farm (a Nebraska Forest Service research area ravaged by pine wilt) and the Lied Jungle at the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha were offered on the afternoon of 4/26.

Further Commentary

- Bill Schaupp: thank you to all the people from different organizations for showing up and providing so much good information – great to have everyone here.

- Aug. 14-17 – National Plant Board Meeting in Milwaukee, WI – see http://www.nationalplantboard.org/ for information

- Continued concern about the nationwide Risk Map – Great Plains always looks blank, regardless of the pest focus. We value the trees we have an incredible amount.

- Bring concerns about health risks and issues to your Forest Inventory & Analysis (FIA) author, especially for the 5-year issue-oriented reports. For an example, please see Indiana’s report at: http://www.ncrs.fs.fed.us/pubs/rb/rb_nc253a.pdf

- See if we can come up with some numbers for the approximate dollar value of trees in the Plains States at risk, using urban tree surveys, FIA data, etc. People listen to dollar figures.

- Laurie Stepanek echoes Bill Schaupp in thanking all for attending.

Elections for 2007 Meeting

Chairperson: Melissa Powers

Secretary: Sheryl Costello

2007 Meeting Date and Location

The next meeting is tentatively scheduled for April 18-19, 2007. A location is yet to be determined, but will likely be Manhattan, KS.

Respectfully submitted, Melissa Powers, Secretary