The U.S. Forest Service, Pennsylvania DCNR, the New York DEC, The Nature Conservancy, Friends of Allegheny Wilderness, and others are looking for volunteers to help monitor for signs of hemlock wooly adelgid infestations throughout the region this summer.

The protocol for this monitoring work is not overly complicated, nor particularly time consuming. If you can readily identify an eastern hemlock tree (Tsuga canadensis) then you can perform this work.

Allegheny National Forest locations FAW volunteers are needed include:

-- Hearts Content National Scenic Area old-growth forest and environs;

-- North Country National Scenic Trail within the Tionesta Scenic Area old growth forest (part of the proposed Tionesta Wilderness Area);

-- East Fork Run and West Fork Run in the Tionesta Research Natural Area old growth forest (also part of the proposed Tionesta Wilderness Area);

-- Cherry Run;

-- Minister Creek Campground and proposed Minister Valley Wilderness Area;

-- Hickory Creek Wilderness Area;

-- Proposed Tracy Ridge Wilderness Area;

-- Proposed Cornplanter Wilderness Area;

-- Proposed Chestnut Ridge Wilderness Area; and

-- Proposed Clarion River Wilderness Area.

Tools that would come in handy for doing this work include a GPS unit, and a digital camera. Volunteers should never collect hemlock material/samples, especially if it appears to be infested with hemlock wooly adelgid.

If are familiar with any of these areas and this is something you think you can contribute a little time to this summer, just send an email to: info@pawild.org and we can get you more detailed maps for that area, as well as the simple monitoring protocol that we use on the ANF.

Also, a representative of FAW, or ANF staff Andrea Hille may even be able to meet with you in the field if that would be helpful.

5/20/2013