County pursues HWA treatment at area parks
Ottawa County Parks has established a management plan to limit the spread of hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA). The county has opted for injections of a pesticide in high-risk areas of …
SLOW THE SPREAD
WHAT'S AT RISK
Photo by Will Blozan, Dying hemlock trees in the Appalachian Mountains.
In 2016, Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA) was first established in the Upper Midwest, and unfortunately right here in Ottawa County. This invasive pest has devastated forests along the East Coast of the United States. Within Michigan, there are an estimated 170 million hemlock trees that are at risk of dying from HWA. However, the loss of hemlock within our forests is just the beginning.
Long-term studies from the east coast have documented extensive negative effects caused by the loss of hemlock within natural communities. These changes affect the ecology and economy of the infested areas.
There is good news. This pest is treatable, and it is not yet widespread.
We believe we can stop the spread of this forest pest before it is too late. Unlike the emerald ash borer, which recently devastated Michigan, this is pest slow moving, treatable, and concentrated in West Michigan. We need you to IDENTIFY, REPORT, and TAKE ACTION.
More information about the ecological damage HWA can do.
More information about the economic damage HWA can do.
Click here for More Resources
updates
Latest News
HWA in Grand Haven
Melanie Manion the Natural Resources Manager with Ottawa County Parks and Ali Locher, a Grand Valley State University Natural Resources Management Professor, are both part of the team in West …
Extent Maps
Efforts continue in the fight against Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA) in and beyond Ottawa County. Surveys and treatments continue to be managed on both public and private property. The four-county …
Fall Update: Treamtent
Treatments have started for hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA). The contractor has finished the late spring treatments in June at the northern most extent of the HWA infestation in Mears. This …
Neighborhood Associations Unite
Residents join parks in all-out war against hemlock bugs Mary Terpstra checking hemlock trees in her neighborhood. The sun just edged above the wooded dune to the east as residents …
REPORT
Help us find HWA in Michigan!
Reports can be made to the Midwest Invasive Species Information Network (MISIN): https://www.misin.msu.edu/report
Please note you must create an account to make a report, so the data can be verified!
- Visit https://www.misin.msu.edu/login
- Create an account or login
- Click “Report”
- Find “Hemlock Woolly Adelgid” through the “All Species” or “Insects”
- Email if you are having trouble making your report
