OUR MISSION:
"TO ENCOURAGE THE WISE USE
OF OUR NATURAL RESOURCES THROUGH PROMOTION AND EDUCATION."
AnnouncementsThe next Board of Directors meeting is June 17 @ 6:30 pm
Harrison Library. Regular scheduled meeting have been moved from the 2nd to the 3rd Tuesday of each month. 
|
Natural Resources NewsSpotted lanternfly in Macomb and Lenawee Counties,
January 2025 MDARD, working in collaboration with USDA, has detected spotted lanternfly in several new locations across Michigan. In Macomb County, populations were confirmed at two separate sites about one mile apart. In Lenawee County, several adult SLF were detected at two locations over seven miles apart. The new detections of spotted lanternfly add to previous detections in Monroe, Oakland, and Wayne counties, highlighting the continued spread of this invasive pest across the region. MDARD, along with state, local, and federal partners, has been working tirelessly to inform and educate the public about the continued spread of this insect. MDARD will be utilizing data from 2024 surveys and public reports to determine next steps in responding to spotted lanternfly. Anyone travelling through areas of known infestation is encouraged to check vehicles and belongings for spotted lanternfly egg masses, nymphs, or adults, which should be removed and destroyed to prevent further spread. Background: Spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) is an invasive planthopper that feeds on a wide range of trees and plants such as black walnut, river birch, willow, sumac, and red maple. When the spotted lanternfly feeds, it excretes a sticky, sugary fluid that causes sooty mold, which can further damage plants, foul surfaces and attract other pests such as yellow jackets and flies. Adults are roughly 1-inch long and 1/2-inch wide. Their brown forewings have black spots at the front and are speckled towards the rear. When their wings are unfolded, their distinctive scarlet hindwings become visible. Spotted lanternfly was first identified in the U.S. in 2014 in southeastern Pennsylvania and has since spread rapidly across 17 eastern and midwestern states. Spotted lanternfly can be found in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. When feeding, spotted lanternfly produces a sticky liquid called honeydew, that can collect on the ground or surrounding vegetation. This results in the growth of sooty mold, which can discolor and kill plants. While the research community is still working to understand environmental impacts and best management practices, there is the potential for spotted lanternfly to negatively impact Michigan’s grape industry. According to the 2022 USDA-NASS Grape Survey: Michigan is home to 10,900 acres of juice grapes and 3,375 acres of wine grapes. If you find a spotted lanternfly egg mass, nymph or adult, take one or more photos, make note of the date, time and location of the sighting, and report it online to Eyes in the Field. Photos are necessary to verify a report and to aid in identification. For more information, visit www.michigan.gov/SpottedLanternfly |