Quantifying Emerald Ash Borer Induced Ash Mortality & Assessing Ash Reintroduction Strategies in the Duke Forest

Abstract

The Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis), or EAB, is a non-native invasive pest responsible for the widespread loss of millions of ash trees (genus Fraxinus) in the United States. Initially detected near Detroit, Michigan, in 2002, this wood-boring beetle has since expanded its range to thirty-six states, including North Carolina. Observational evidence suggests A. planipennis began impacting ash trees in the Duke Forest as early as 2017. This project serves as the first organized survey of ash decline and mortality in the Duke Forest, quantifying the current extent of EAB damage. Additionally, plot samples from select hardwood covertypes were used to model ash regeneration strategies and inform reintroduction recommendations. Although damage from A. planipennis is ongoing and a strategy for landscape-level protection of mature ash has not been developed, the results from this project assist the Duke Forest in understanding current conditions and will inform future reintroduction efforts.