pcray1231
Well-known member
This is something that surprisingly (and somewhat embarrassingly), I just heard about. Seems the eastern Hemlocks are dying, like nearly 100% of them in the widespread infected areas, and the infected areas are spreading northwestward.
It's a type of invasive, non-native aphid. There are fears that the hemlocks will go the way of the American Chestnut tree.
There are some chemical treatment methods that have been shown effective. But there are concerns with widespread spraying with the effect of the chemicals on ecosystems, especially trout streams. Right now they are essentially treating a small amount of individual trees in parks and such, but its a drop in the bucket compared to all the trees in the deeper forests, which are of course of more interest to us as trout fishermen. There are experimentations on biological control, basically introducing predatory beetles and such, which could bring its own issues.
Hemlock's are vitally important for wild trout, especially brook trout in the headwaters. Studies have shown a strong correlation with wild brook trout populations and a hemlock tree cover, and the hemlocks are/were still in a state of recovery after the logging days.
Anyone have any personal stories, involvement in control efforts, or otherwise thoughts? As I said I'm still in the stage of learning about the issue. I'd consider getting involved if there's something that can be done.
It's a type of invasive, non-native aphid. There are fears that the hemlocks will go the way of the American Chestnut tree.
There are some chemical treatment methods that have been shown effective. But there are concerns with widespread spraying with the effect of the chemicals on ecosystems, especially trout streams. Right now they are essentially treating a small amount of individual trees in parks and such, but its a drop in the bucket compared to all the trees in the deeper forests, which are of course of more interest to us as trout fishermen. There are experimentations on biological control, basically introducing predatory beetles and such, which could bring its own issues.
Hemlock's are vitally important for wild trout, especially brook trout in the headwaters. Studies have shown a strong correlation with wild brook trout populations and a hemlock tree cover, and the hemlocks are/were still in a state of recovery after the logging days.
Anyone have any personal stories, involvement in control efforts, or otherwise thoughts? As I said I'm still in the stage of learning about the issue. I'd consider getting involved if there's something that can be done.