Hemlock Health Inventory Also Yields Promising Conclusions

December 1, 2010

CARY, NC – Preliminary reports suggest the Town of Cary was successful in its first phase of treatment against the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid, an aggressive bug with the potential to decimate Hemlock tree populations when left untreated. The bug was first found earlier this summer at the Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve during a routine tree mapping project; it impacted about 11 of the Preserve’s 235 Eastern Hemlocks.

In August, contractors working on behalf of the Town administered the first phase of treatment to all Hemlocks in the park using a method called “bark painting.” Bark painting is a direct application method where bark quickly soaks up the product; it is harmless to healthy Hemlocks. Contractors returned to Hemlock Bluffs in October to obtain samples and evaluate treatment success.

“We’re cautiously optimistic to find no live evidence of the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid,” said Parks Planning Manager Doug McRainey. “While we celebrate this milestone, we are continuing with our long-term management plan to monitor and attack Adelgid activity as it’s discovered.” McRainey added that contractors will next inspect Hemlock Bluffs in June 2011.

In conjunction with bark painting, the Town of Cary called on citizens to complete a Hemlock Health Inventory. Dozens of property owners participated, reporting on the quantity and quality of their Hemlocks. Specifically, 72% of respondents checked their trees for the presence of Hemlock Woolly Adelgids, with 84% reporting their Hemlocks to be in good or excellent health.

Citizens wishing to share ideas, questions, comments or concerns about the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid at Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve may e-mail hemlocks@townofcary.org or call (919) 387-5980. Watch our video to learn more about the Town of Cary’s attack on Adelgids, and for regular updates and project information, visit Woolly Adelgid at www.townofcary.org and follow us on Twitter @TownofCary.

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PRIMARY CONTACTS: 
Doug McRainey, Parks Planning Manager, (919) 460-4973
Deanna Boone, Deputy Public Information Officer, (919) 462-3908
Susan Moran, Public Information Director, (919) 460-4951


Related Links:
Citizen Survey Results

Town of Cary Long-term Management Plan

Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Video

Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Information

Town of Cary on Twitter