Cary Hatches Plan to be a Woolly Bully

Story by Matt Young | August 29, 2010 | Tags: Environment, hemlock bluffs

Photo from http://www.duke.edu/~jrw35/hemlock.htm

Cary, N.C. – We previously reported on the Woolly Adelgids problem in Hemlock Bluffs. There is now a plan to eradicate the buggers. It involves tree-painting.

The Town of Cary has devised a multi-phased approach to treating the aggressive Hemlock Woolly Adelgids that were discovered this summer at Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve. After reviewing a comprehensive report of management options, a method called “bark painting” will be the Town’s first phase of treatment.

Bark Painting Plan

Bark painting is scheduled next week, weather permitting, resulting in the closure of Stevens Nature Center and the Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve from August 30- September 3, 2010 so that staff can focus on the project. The facilities are expected to reopen and operate under normal business hours on Saturday, September 4.

Bark painting is a direct application method where bark quickly soaks up the product. It is harmless to healthy Hemlocks. Because Adelgids can quickly spread when active, all Hemlock trees in the Preserve will be treated. Bartlett Tree Experts will be paid approximately $13,500 for the bark application and two post-treatment evaluations.

“With the support and advice of state and federal organizations, we feel confident in our choice of the bark painting treatment and are eager to begin the process,” said Doug McRainey, Town of Cary Parks Planning Manager.

Citizen Involvement

The Town of Cary is continuing to develop its plans for the Hemlock Health Inventory where citizens will be able to virtually document the health of Hemlocks on their property. Further details will be provided when the program is unveiled at the end of September.

Impact

The Hemlock Woolly Adelgid was first found earlier this summer at the Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve during a routine tree mapping project that was being conducted as Town staff worked proactively to update a Hemlock Woolly Adelgid management plan originally created in 2005 and last updated in 2008. The bugs have impacted about 11 of the Preserve’s 235 Eastern Hemlock trees to date.