2015 Minnesota

Forest Pest First Detectors Training

2015 Training Workshop Locations & Information February 19 - Thursday Hutchinson Event Center McCormick Room 1005 Highway 15 South Plaza 15 Hutchinson, MN 55350 February 26 - Thursday Douglas County Public Works Conference Room 526 Willow Drive Alexandria, MN 56308

Photo by Khoogheem

March 3 - Tuesday Cloquet Forestry Center Stine Conference Room 175 University Road Cloquet, MN 55720

Photo by PugnoM

MAKING A DIFFERENCE Detecting Emerald Ash Borer and other forest pests first

For more information and to register for the 2015 training see:

www.myminnesotawoods.umn.edu/forestpest-first-detector/

March 4 - Wednesday MNDOT Training & Conference Center Room 4 1900 County Road I West Shoreview, MN 55126

Photo by Benimoto

Photo by degeerelle

What is A Forest Pest First Detector?

Photo by Forester401

First Detectors are a part of the Federal “National Plant Diagnostic Network (NPDN) First Detector program (that) promotes the early detection of invasive, exotic plant pathogens, arthropods, nematodes and weeds.”

The Minnesota Forest Pest First Detectors training program is designed to help identify the occurrence of Emerald Ash Borer and other forest pests in Minnesota. First Detectors are the front line of defense against likely infestations. Meeting, working with and educating the public about exotic forest pests are key activities of Forest Pest First Detectors. Other pests to be discussed include gypsy moth, Asian longhorned beetle, thousand canker disease, and Oriental bittersweet. Attendees at the training may have the opportunity to become Certified Tree Inspectors, as the Tree Inspector exam will be offered after each class. Everyone is welcome to attend - even if you do not wish to become a Forest Pest First Detector!

Who should be a Forest Pest First Detector? Anyone with a background in tree or forest health should consider becoming a Forest Pest First Detector. Before coming to class participants are: • Able to identify common tree species • Willing to be contacted by and work with the public • Prepared and able to visit sites if necessary • Frequent users of the internet and e-mail • Ready to document EAB-related activities • Able to guard confidential information • Able to complete on-line training modules Examples of potential First Detectors include Master Volunteers (Master Naturalist, Master Gardeners, Tree Care Advisors, etc.), tree care professionals, forestry professionals, natural resource professions who work with trees, environmental educators, MN Conservation Corps participants, and others.

Being a Forest Pest First Detector Forest Pest First Detectors must complete online training modules before attending the one-day Forest Pest First Detector training and commit to being available and involved with the program after completing the training. Involvement includes being accessible to the public, willing to conduct site visits if necessary, report forest pest-related activities, protect confidential information, and notifying organizers of current contact information.

Pre-registration is required to attend the Forest Pest First Detector training and the Tree Inspector Exam. To sign up see this website:

Firewood from an EAB killed tree.

www.myminnesotawoods.umn.edu/ forest-pest-first-detector/ Photo by Rogue Poet

Registration Information • • • • •

Must pre-register Registration Fee: $40 — Visa or MasterCard only Online registration only: www.myminnesotawoods.umn.edu/ forest-pest-first-detector/ No registrations accepted at the door Includes lunch and refreshment break Location

Hutchinson Alexandria Cloquet Shoreview (Metro area)

Check-in

8:00 a.m.

Program Begins

8:15 a.m.

Program Adjourns

3:00 p.m.*

*Tree Inspector Exam follows workshop; preregistration required Registration questions? Contact Mary Kay Ferguson, 612-625-4271 or [email protected]

For registration see web site: www.myminnesotawoods.umn.edu/ forest-pest-first-detector/

Cancellations If you do not cancel before the workshop and do not attend the workshop there is no refund. Also, in the case of bad weather or an emergency check the website for cancellations. States with EAB see website: www.myminnesotawoods.umn.edu/ forest-pest-first-detector/