Hey Heath, good read. For a little context, many invasive species that have been identified can be very economically and recreationally detrimental, one of these being the Spotted Lanternfly (SLF). If you spot one in MA, folks are asked to take a photo and report it to massnrc.org/pests (similar setup in other states). They say: “Spotted lanternfly is a sap-feeding insect that has caused significant impacts to vineyards, orchards, and other agricultural commodities in states where it has become established. SLF not only harms grapevines, maples, hops, blueberries, and over 100 other host plants, but has the potential to negatively impact outdoor recreation through the swarming behavior that occurs during mating season.”
Other invasive insects (Asian Long Horned Beetle, Emerald Ash Borer) continue to impact sugar maple and ash trees impacting syrup and wood production, plus associated livelihoods. Much like some invasive plants, other invasive insects will out compete or prey upon native insects potentially pushing them into vulnerable status. Here in NW MA we are in a losing battle with the Emerald Ash Borer and losing Ash trees by the hundreds. The hope is another species preys upon an invasive to halt their spread. Hope this helps!
Thank you- that's a really good perspective. It's such a strange dance between letting nature run its course and putting our thumb on the scales, but it's human behavior that likely caused the problem in the first place.
Hey Heath, good read. For a little context, many invasive species that have been identified can be very economically and recreationally detrimental, one of these being the Spotted Lanternfly (SLF). If you spot one in MA, folks are asked to take a photo and report it to massnrc.org/pests (similar setup in other states). They say: “Spotted lanternfly is a sap-feeding insect that has caused significant impacts to vineyards, orchards, and other agricultural commodities in states where it has become established. SLF not only harms grapevines, maples, hops, blueberries, and over 100 other host plants, but has the potential to negatively impact outdoor recreation through the swarming behavior that occurs during mating season.”
Other invasive insects (Asian Long Horned Beetle, Emerald Ash Borer) continue to impact sugar maple and ash trees impacting syrup and wood production, plus associated livelihoods. Much like some invasive plants, other invasive insects will out compete or prey upon native insects potentially pushing them into vulnerable status. Here in NW MA we are in a losing battle with the Emerald Ash Borer and losing Ash trees by the hundreds. The hope is another species preys upon an invasive to halt their spread. Hope this helps!
Thank you- that's a really good perspective. It's such a strange dance between letting nature run its course and putting our thumb on the scales, but it's human behavior that likely caused the problem in the first place.