KANE — The Roach-Bauer Forestry Forum (R-BFF), which takes place on October 13, announced that Thursday, September 29, is the last date to register for a presentation by Brian Walsh on Spotted Lanternfly Biology and Regulations.
Walsh is a Penn State Extension Educator from Berks County, and will present an update on the latest developments of Spotted Lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) in Pennsylvania. This presentation is particularly relevant now that Spotted Lanternfly has been found north of Interstate-80 in Cameron County.
Reservations are required and should be received by Thursday, September 29. No reservations will be accepted after October 7.
Walsh was hired in 2019 to specifically focus on Spotted Lanternfly research including lifecycle traits, identifying and testing control tactics and techniques, and working with industry stakeholders to mitigate impacts. As a commercial pesticide applicator with twenty plus years of experience in the green industry based near the original Spotted Lanternfly introduction into Pennsylvania, Walsh has six years of experience studying and treating Spotted Lanternfly.
Walsh works with a team of researchers at Penn State, research partners in the commercial insecticide industry, and many stakeholders throughout Pennsylvania, the Northeast U.S., and Canada. Walsh is a 1995 graduate of Paul Smith’s College with an A.S. in Ecology and Environmental Technology, and has worked to apply practical problem-solving skills to the Spotted Lanternfly invasion and subsequent response.
Walsh’s presentation will be of interest to campers, hikers, forest managers, foresters, biologists, conservationists, loggers, and all recreationists using the forests. The Spotted Lanternfly is a planthopper native to Asia, but discovered in Pennsylvania in 2014. It has since spread to over a third of the Commonwealth. The Spotted Lanternfly causes plant damage to trees, shrubs, vines, and crops. Symptoms of damage include oozing sap, wilting, leaf curling, and dieback in trees. Spotted Lanternflies also excrete a ‘honeydew’ which creates a black sooty mold on trees, decks, outdoor equipment, and vehicles.
Society of American Foresters’ Continuing Forestry Education credits will be applied for this presentation.
The Forum will be held at the Wilcox Community Building (also called the Jones Township Community Center) at 320 Faries St, Wilcox, PA 15870. Preceding the talk will be a no-host social hour from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., and dinner at 6:30 p.m. The program will start immediately after dinner. Reservations are required. For reservations, contact the Allegheny Hardwood Utilization Group, PO Box 133, Kane, PA 16735, at (814) 837-8550, or e-mail bcarson@ahug.com.
