Saving Our Hemlocks from HWA: An Urgent Call to Action

In late September, nearly 100 arborists and other tree professionals met in Asheville, N.C., to discuss ways the industry can join together to address the devastating Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA).

This meeting's objectives included:

• Summarize the latest research regarding the use of neonicotinoid insecticides for control of HWA


• Propose a near-term management plan for HWA affecting high value hemlock stands and individual trees.


• Highlight a documentary that is being developed to raise awareness of the HWA crisis: "The Vanishing Hemlock: A Race Against Time".


• Identify obstacles that are preventing more aggressive treatment of hemlocks


• Tour first hand a forested area that has been heavily impacted by HWA


• Motivate interested parties to collaborate in the effort to preserve as many hemlocks as possible from HWA
  

Technical Presentations

Speakers provided various perspectives on HWA and treatment options. Their presentations are included here:

• Will Blozan, Appalachian Arborists -
  An in-depth review of HWA in his area and his recommended treatment plan (PDF)
  
• Rich Cowles, Ph.D., Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station -
  Systemics for chemical control of hemlock woolly adelgid (PDF)
  
• Joe Chamberlin, Ph.D., Valent U.S.A. Corporation -
  Safari Insecticide for the treatment of HWA (PDF)

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The Vanishing Hemlock - A Documentary

Also at the summit, filmmaker David Huff discussed his in-development feature documentary, “The Vanishing Hemlock: A Race Against Time.”

In the film, Huff will follow arborist and champion tree finder Will Blozan deep into the hemlock forests of the southern Appalachian Mountains. There he will document the devastating impact the loss of these ancient trees is having on the rich diversity of southern wild forests. Shot on location in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this film will reveal the devastating loss, which has already occurred, and challenge audiences to take up the cause to protect what remains.

Learn more about The Vanishing Hemlock:

• The Vanishing Hemlock: A Race Against Time - HWA Summit Presentation (PDF)
• http://www.thevanishinghemlock.com/
• http://www.back40films.com/