Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Survey

[BeaverIslandAssociation]

Thanks to a grant from The Nature Conservancy, the CAKE CISMA is gearing up for our second hemlock survey season, to monitor and detect any potential hemlock woolly adelgid infestations on Beaver Island. For those that may be unfamiliar with this invasive species, the hemlock woolly adelgid (or HWA) is a parasitic insect that feeds exclusively on hemlock trees. If left untreated, infested hemlocks can die in as little as 4-10 years. This invasive species is working its way north, supposedly using the Lake Michigan shoreline as its primary avenue to expand its range. If left unchecked, Michigan’s native hemlock population could be in serious trouble. We are preparing to survey both public and private lands to ensure that this species does not establish itself in Northern Michigan. Last year, the LTC and state held lands were surveyed on Beaver Island in March. Those properties were negative for HWA. The 2020 surveys are to be conducted during the winter months.

 A letter informing about this critical issue and what is currently being done can be found on the Beaver Island Association website below. On the back side of the letter is a permission form to access private lands. The consent form must be signed and returned to the CISMA to access private property to survey hemlocks. This survey is cost-free to the landowner through the grant. The goal this survey season is to fill in gaps from last year on private lands.

For questions, please contact:
Benjamin VanDyke | Program Coordinator
4820 Stover Rd, Bellaire MI – 49615 Phone: (231)-533-8363

Note a copy of the letter and permission slip can be obtained at www.beaverislandassociation.org or by contacting Benjamin VanDyke. St. James Township intends to include the letter and permission form to property owners in the upcoming tax bills.

[Pam Grassmick]

For those who have hemlock trees on their property, this is a wonderful free opportunity to participate in a survey and protect the island forests.

[Pam Grassmick]

The Hemlock Woolly Adelgid survey will take place next month for those property owners who have given permission. Permission forms were sent in winter St. James tax statements, on the Beaver Island Association website, submitted to Wildlife Club members, and available at the Beaver Island District Library and the Community Center. Please send to CAKE CISMA in Bellaire, Michigan ASAP.

[BeaverIslandAssociation]

Benjamin Van Dyke, Ex. Director for CAKE and crew will be coming to the island from March 16th - 20th to survey hemlocks. If you haven't submitted your survey permission form, now is the time.

[BarbaraLucas]

Has Hemlock Woolly Adelgid been found on the island yet? Googling I can't find anything about it except this post from several years ago. Thanks!

[Pam Grassmick]

Hello Barbara,

No, Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA) has thankfully not been found here. It was documented in Harbor Springs when it was brought in on nursery hemlock trees. Two HWA surveys have been conducted on the island thus far.

Counties with HWA detections

Allegan: Confirmed infestation
Antrim: Confirmed infestation near Torch Lake, west of the lake
Benzie: Confirmed infestation, including Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Leelanau: Confirmed infestation
Manistee: Confirmed infestation detected near the Mason and Manistee county line
Mason: Confirmed infestation, including Ludington State Park and Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area
Muskegon: Confirmed infestation
Oceana: Confirmed infestation
Ottawa: Confirmed infestation
Van Buren: Confirmed infestation in Van Buren State Park