Representatives from the New Jersey
Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Department of Agriculture
and Hoboken City will hold a public meeting Monday,
Dec. 2, to discuss ongoing efforts to address the Asian
longhorned beetle infestation and to answer any questions
residents may have.
Representatives from the N.J. Department of Agriculture
(NJDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
on Thursday will begin inspecting trees in public
parks in Jersey City and Hoboken for evidence of
infestation by the Asian longhorned beetle.
Inspectors are set to expand the survey into residential
neighborhoods toward the end of next week. Property
owners will be asked to allow inspectors access to
their yards and trees so the extent of the infestation
can be determined.
"We are asking all Jersey City and Hoboken
residents and businesses to help us in this important
battle against the Asian longhorned beetle," said
Agriculture Secretary Charles M. Kuperus. "Their
cooperation is key to preventing the beetle's spread,
and protecting forested areas and residential trees
throughout the state and the region."
The Asian longhorned beetle, which attacks and
kills maple and other hardwood trees, was discovered
in Jersey City last month. It was the first time
the beetle, which has caused serious tree losses
in New York and Chicago, had been sighted in New
Jersey.
After confirming the beetle's presence, the NJDA
quarantined the affected 9-acre site and the surrounding
1 ½ - mile area. The quarantine restricts
the movement of firewood, green lumber and other
living, dead, cut or fallen material, including nursery
stock, logs, stumps, roots and branches, from potential
host trees. These materials may not be moved outside
the quarantined area.
Initial surveys indicate 101 trees within the 9-acre
area are affected. The largely commercial site is
just north of the Newport Parkway and just east of
Washington Boulevard. Inspectors have examined all
potential host trees within a quarter-mile radius
of the 9-acre site and have found no evidence of
further infestation.
With the help of 10 tree climbers from the U.S.
Forest Service, state and federal officials will
canvass parks and neighborhoods for signs of infestation
in potential host trees.
Residents will be able to recognize the inspectors
by their orange vests. Inspectors also will wear
their NJDA- or USDA-issued identification badge.
NJDA and Jersey City officials will hold a public meeting
on Tuesday, Nov. 12, at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall in Jersey
City to discuss the coordinated approach to addressing
the Asian longhorned beetle and to answer any questions
that residents may have. |
