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Eastern spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana Clem; SBW) is a native forest pest that can severely damage spruce-fir forests in Maine. Monitoring SBW defoliation and populations is important to ensure forest managers make timely decisions regarding forest management. This research brief presents the results of a survey of Maine’s large forest owners and managers. Our findings indicate a need for clear policies and collaborations between forest organizations to prepare for a SBW outbreak. While many forest organizations use satellite imagery, personnel capacity and lack of knowledge are barriers to using remote sensing. We recommend strengthening forest health programs by hiring a remote sensing specialist and increasing knowledge and skills around remote sensing in Maine’s forest sector.
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Perceptions regarding browntail moth (Lepidoptera: Erebidae) management during an outbreak in Maine
Abstract Browntail moth, Euproctis chrysorrhoea (L.) (Lepidoptera: Erebidae), is a long-established invasive outbreaking public health and tree pest that once spanned large areas of the northeastern United States and Maritime Canada. Its current range is Maine and Cape Cod, Massachusetts. A recent outbreak began in Maine in 2015 and has spread to areas where it has not been seen in over 75 yr. Historically, pest management during the outbreaks occurred at all levels, including state and federal, but current management is largely the responsibility of homeowners and municipalities. To understand Maine residents’ experiences with browntail moth and thoughts on management methods, a survey questionnaire was conducted. More than 10,000 participants were invited through mail and volunteer sampling, with over 3,200 usable responses. The survey also included an experiment that tested whether a list of pros and cons would affect approval of different management methods. Respondents reported seeking out browntail moth information and pesticide guidance from multiple sources including state resources and social media. Analyses found that previous experience with management methods and missing work due to the rash caused by the larvae setae were important factors influencing management approval, whereas providing a list of pros and cons was found to be a conditional predictor. Overall, respondents preferred management methods with minimal nontarget effects and wanted more information about local browntail moth management plans. This is the first published survey conducted during a browntail moth outbreak in Maine and provides important insights that could help guide future browntail moth management, policies, and research.
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- Award ID(s):
- 1922560
- PAR ID:
- 10648936
- Publisher / Repository:
- Oxford University Press
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Journal of Integrated Pest Management
- Volume:
- 16
- Issue:
- 1
- ISSN:
- 2155-7470
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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