The ALB kills certain species of trees by boring large holes in  the wood. Without natural enemies, it could spread unchecked,  devastating lumber, maple syrup, nursery, fruit, and tourism  industries, causing $41 billion in losses. The only known way to kill the beetle is to cut, chip, and  burn infested trees. Researchers in the United States and Asia are  cooperating to find other effective controls.

 

USDA Forest Service, USDA Agricultural Research Service, USDA APHIS,  Cities of Chicago, Jersey City, New Jersey, and New York, University  of Vermont, New York ReLeaf, Trees New York; State Departments of  Agriculture, State Foresters, tree care businesses, private citizens, and  community groups.

State and federal agencies, cities, local groups, and volunteers formed rapidly in an intensive, coordinated response that continues today. Professional surveys, public awareness campaigns, technical assistance to communities and residents, and financial resources are dedicated to removing and destroying infested trees.

 

Agencies have found innovative ways to respond quickly: for example, the USDA Forest Service brought in smokejumpers to climb and inspect trees that could not be reached with bucket trucks. Volunteers search trees from the ground.

 

Specific actions taken include:

 

• 10,000 trees have been removed from infested areas.

• 150,000 trees around the perimeter of infested locations have
     been treated to prevent infestation.

• 8,000 trees have been replanted.

• Collectively, USDA and state agencies have invested more than $30 million.

• An intensive, coordinated, nationwide public awareness campaign continues.

Today, there are signs that these measures are working: fewer infested trees were found in 2004 than in previous years, and two quarantines outside Chicago have been lifted.