U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer called upon the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to take critical steps to prevent the Asian Long-Horned Beetle, an invasive species, from making its way to Chautauqua and Cattaraugus counties. Recently, the wood-devouring species has been identified in nearby Ohio.
Asian Long-Horned Beetles pose a significant threat to maple trees, which play a vital role in Chautauqua's economy. Chautauqua County is home to numerous farms that produce maple syrup, and boasts nearly 5.9 million potential maple sap taps.
"If the Asian Long-Horned Beetle were to develop a presence in Chautauqua and Cattaraugus counties, it would significantly impact the local community, devastate maple trees and harm the economy. That's why we need to take action now to prevent it from taking root here," said Schumer. "This would be particularly devastating as Chautauqua County has already suffered through the impact of the Emerald Ash Borer, which damaged trees throughout the region."
In his letter to the USDA Secretary Vilsack, Senator Schumer emphasized that local residents must have the information and tools they need, and asked that USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service office (APHIS) provide staff support at community events, like County Fairs and other local events, throughout Chautauqua County this summer, including the Chautauqua County fair to help educate and inform the public.
"We simply cannot wait to take action. We need to take proactive steps to ensure that Asian Long-Horned Beetles don't make their way to Chautauqua County and put our maple syrup industry at risk," said Senator Schumer. "If we wait for a beetle infestation in Chautauqua, it will be too late. These beetles are an invasive species and they destroy maple trees. I'm calling on the USDA to take preventative action and keep our maple syrup farms safe."
"We are always on the lookout for new species that could harm our region and the Asian Long-Horned beetle poses a significant threat to Chautauqua County" said Diane Baker, Executive Director of the Cornell Cooperative Extension Chautauqua Office. "Early information is critical to stopping the spread of invasive species which is why we want to thank Senator Schumer for urging the USDA to help us educate residents about how to identify the Asian Long-Horned beetle."
The best way to prevent a significant infestation is early awareness of the beetles' presence in a region. Given that the USDA has projected a resurgence of the Asian Long-Horned Beetle this summer in Ohio, and that the beetle has already had a large impact on New York City, Long Island, Staten Island and other regions in the northeast, it is important that Chautauqua and Cattaraugus County residents are aware of the risks these beetles pose, and how to identify the beetles should they begin to infest local maple trees. Furthermore, local residents need to have information about who to contact if they find these invasive beetles on their property.
Early detection is critical to minimizing the damage to Chautauqua's maple trees, some of which are hundreds of years old. Bringing the USDA into the process of spreading awareness about this beetle is a critical step in preventing an infestation of Chautauqua County's beautiful maple trees.
Comments on this story may be sent to editorial@observertoday.com
