Update: Hemlock Wooly Adelgid in Pennsylvania

Centre County Pennsylvania Tree Farmer
Jim Walizer shows a hemlock branch
covered with adelgid.

Pennsylvania's state tree, the eastern hemlock, is threatened by the hemlock woolly adelgid in about three-quarters of the state's counties.  Last week on April 10th a forum of proffessionals met at Penn State University Park Campus to examine the problem more closely and discuss current research attempts and trends.  The below article appeared in the Centre Daily Times.

UNIVERSITY PARK — Pennsylvania’s state tree — the eastern hemlock — is threatened by a bug in about three-quarters of counties.  Local farmers hope to draw attention to the problem, and Penn State researchers are working to find a natural enemy to combat the bug — the hemlock woolly adelgid.

Landowners and Penn State, state and federal forestry officials gathered on campus Tuesday for a public forum on the issue, hosted by U.S. Rep. Glenn Thompson, R-Howard Township.  Thompson, chairman of the subcommittee on conservation, energy and forestry, organized the forum after retired farmer Jim Walizer approached him for help with the insect.

Walizer, a retired farmer who lives in Walker Township, bought forest land in 1984, then attended a forestry session with Penn State’s Cooperative Extension, and became involved with various groups, including the Pennsylvania Forestry Association.

To read the rest of the story click here.