Environmental Risks to Arthropods from Imidacloprid Applications for Hemlock Conservation

Managing hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) can involve use of insecticides. When it does, the non-target impacts (negative effects to other organisms) need to be thoroughly considered
and weighed against the environmental cost of inaction or alternative management approaches. Insecticides applied for HWA management are used for conservation purposes, which may seem counterintuitive. However, hemlocks are a key forest species, and so their loss can result in severe ecological consequences. To justify insecticide use against HWA, we have to ask: What are the possible negative consequences of using insecticides in the forest? We must consider these trade-offs in hemlock management. It is important to remember that there will be trade-offs in any kind of resource management discussion, even if it may not initially seem apparent. The negative environmental consequences of hemlock mortality must be weighed against the known consequences of insecticide use to preserve hemlocks.

Forest Health

…displace native species and are likely to cause harm to the economy, environment or human health. The twelve most invasive plants in Georgia are known as the Dirty Dozen. They…

Invasive Plant Control Program

…Europe and Japan, and were first introduced into the United States around 1909 for ornamental use as shrub borders, erosion control plantings and wildlife forage. Characteristic flowers of Ligustrum species…

Wood-Using Industries

…Mechanical and Stress Rated Lumber During a previous survey of the primary wood-using industries in Georgia, the following companies reported to GFC personnel that their listed sawmills used mechanical grading…

Canopy Studies & Tree Inventories

…a management plan. Tree inventories document the species, diameter, health and location of community trees. Software tools such as iTREE are commonly used. To be most effective, an inventory should…

Educator Resources

…outdoors are often confronted with hazards that can cause sickness, injury, or death. This booklet provides a brief description of those hazards to help you avoid an unpleasant encounter. PDF…

Forest Utilization

…within Georgia. Data collection for TPO reports involves a coordinated effort by the U.S. Forest Service Forest Inventory & Analysis (FIA) and GFC’s Forest Utilization staff. To estimate industrial uses…

Fire Prevention Week 2020

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…about “good fire” and “bad fire,” both of which have an impact on our lives. Prescribed fires are considered “good fires,” because they are used by knowledgeable practitioners to manage…