Emerald ash borers mean red alert for state
Western Pennsylvania is on red alert for an invasive, tree-tumbling insect. The rest of the state should be just as cautious because emerald ash borer beetles are quickly spreading east, according to Penn State Cooperative Extension educator Robert S. Hansen. From his offices in Towanda and Wellsboro, Hansen studies the insect’s movement and characteristics. He warns we must be wary. “We know it going to move and probably move from west to east, because the east isn’t infested yet,” Hansen said. “We know it will move, we don’t know where next, but we have a general idea.” From the midwestern part of the country, the beetles migrated to Ohio, Hansen said, and then to western Pennsylvania. Emerald ash borer beetles recently were found in Westmoreland County, bringing to seven the number of counties where the ash tree-destroying pest has been identified, according to the state Department of Agriculture.
» Full StoryOutdoors enthusiasts seeing purple
In sharp contrast to the natural greens and browns around it, purple-colored beetle traps are popping up around the area this summer.
It’s not the first time traps for the emerald ash borer beetle have been here.
Women in the Outdoors event seeks participants
MUNCY VALLEY — The Women in the Outdoors program returns to the North Mountain Sportsmen Association for the sixth year this summer. It is set for July 31 and Aug. 1.
» Full Story200 protest closure threat at R.B. Winter State Park
MIFFLINBURG — Nearly 200 people came to Raymond B. Winter State Park last Sunday afternoon to show support for the park, threatened with closure under a state Senate budget proposa.
» Full StoryProtection of feral swine lifted in four counties; agency retains trapping rights in Bedford County
Outdoorsmen now have free rein to trap feral swine in Bradford, Fulton, Susquehanna and Wyoming counties. Protection on the beasts was lifted on in mid-June by the state Game Commission.
» Full StoryBiologists: Fish in lower Susquehanna River dying from spawning stress
Recently reported fish kills on the lower Susquehanna River are believed to have been caused by spawning-related stress, according to state Fish and Boat Commission biologists.
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