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Save the Hemlocks

The Eastern and Carolina Hemlock trees are dying due to a spreading infestation of the Hemlock woolly adelgid, an aphid-like insect native to Asia.  Hemlock stands are among the only old growth forests in the east and are of great importance to wildlife, water quality, economy, and basic quality of life.

This page contains a great deal of information about the Hemlock woolly adelgid, the measures that are being taken to combat it on the state and national level, and what you can do as a private citizen to save your own Hemlocks.  To learn more, click on a link below or call the Hemlock Help Line 706-429-8010.

The Problem

The Hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) is killing Georgia's beautiful Hemlocks.  This exotic aphid-like insect from Asia infests Hemlocks, sucks their sap, and kills them in 3-6 years.  Hemlocks provide cooling shade for trout streams, food for birds, and they hold soil in place so it doesn't runoff into rivers.

The woolly adelgid is native to Asia where predator beetles hold HWA populations in balance.  Hemlocks in the western U.S. are unharmed because a native predator beetle keeps the adelgid in check.  Eastern Hemlock species have no natural adelgid predators. 

The Plan

With an unprecedented degree of collaboration, citizen groups, government agencies, scientists and Georgia’s conservation community are working together to combat the Hemlock woolly adelgid and hopefully check its populations before it is too late for these beautiful evergreens.  A three-pronged plan has been adopted at the state and federal levels to combat the HWA:

• Evaluating and implementing biological controls (such as beetles)

• Chemical controls for short-term treatment and in locations/situations where these are the best option (such as landscape and some forest settings)

• Preservation of genetic material for both the Eastern and Carolina Hemlock so that, in the event of a catastrophic impact by the HWA, we may be able to restore the Hemlock species in the future

Thanks to the hard work of all concerned, there are now three labs in Georgia -- one at Young Harris College, another at UGA, and the newest Predator Beetle Lab at NGCSU -- for rearing predator beetles for release on Hemlocks within our public forests.  With these successes, Georgia has joined a multi-state effort to find an effective biological control for Hemlock woolly adelgid. 

This is a highly scientific yet experimental pursuit, not a silver bullet.  But most experts and Georgia citizens alike believe we must do all we can to save our Hemlocks.

Photo by Wayne Jenkins Entomologist, Dr. Tom Coleman, speaking to the press about predatory beetle-rearing in the new lab at UGA (Spring 2007).  These small suspended chambers contain beetles that eat only adelgids.	Lab Director, Dr. Paul Arnold, explaining the beetle-rearing and release processes in the lab at Young Harris College (Summer 2006).	Lab Coordinator, Sarah Osicka, hosting the grand opening of NGCSU beetle lab in Dahlonega (Spring 2008).

What LC Is Doing to Help

Saving the Hemlocks has been a primary focus for Lumpkin Coalition since our beginning.  Our goals for the Hemlock project are to:

• Raise public awareness of the Hemlock problem and promote action;
• Continue to support the efforts of all three labs in Georgia that raise predatory beetles to combat the HWA on public lands; and
• Assist private landowners and public agencies in managing the health of their Hemlock trees.

Special Events -- Through annual fundraising events such as HemlockFest and generous donations from the community, Lumpkin Coalition contributed substantially to the establishment of the UGA lab (completed March 2007) and continues to support the efforts of all three labs in Georgia.  Along with related organizations such as Upper Chattahoochee Riverkeeper, Atlanta Audubon Society, Sierra Club and others, we continue to increase public awareness through outreach and community events all during the year. 

Hemlock Help Line -- Private landowners in Lumpkin County may call the Hemlock Help Line 706-429-8010 for information about the Hemlock woolly adelgid problem and the practical, cost-effective solutions that are available.  This includes how to evaluate the level of HWA infestation, the appropriate treatment product to use and where to buy it for the best price, where to borrow a soil injector and how to use it, product safety and performance information, and a list of qualified local professionals who specialize in treating Hemlocks.

Private Landowners Assistance Team -- In the spring of 2009, Lumpkin Coalition launched a new and more focused effort (the Private Landowners Assistance Team program) to provide information and direct assistance to private landowners in Lumpkin County.  Trained volunteers can make free on-site visits to evaluate HWA infestations and explain the treatment options.  To learn more, please visit our Hemlock Help page.

Community Participation -- Another way Lumpkin Coalition works to raise awareness about the plight of the Hemlock (and other issues as well) is by participating in local festivals, gatherings, and community events such as those listed below.  Whenever possible, we take our Lumpkin Coalition exhibit "on the road" to share information about the Hemlock issue, bring in experts to answer questions, and let folks know how to help.

Activities in 2009:

• Arbor Day Celebration -- February 20, 2009

• Hemlock Information Clinic -- March 21, 2009

• Bear on the Square -- April 17-19, 2009

• Earth Day Kids Fest at Chattahoochee Nature Center -- April 18, 2009

• Hemlock Information Clinic -- May 23, 2009

Making newspaper pots for Hemlock saplings at Earth Day Kids Fest	Planting a sapling at Earth Day Kids Fest to take home	Bob Quigley manning the LC booth at Bear on the Square

We hope you'll join the effort to raise public awareness, find out what you can do to preserve the Hemlocks on your own property, and increase the chances that more Hemlocks will be saved in our forests. 

What Private Citizens Can Do

Be Aware -- In Georgia, HWA infestations have already reached Rabun, Habersham, Stephens, Towns, White, Union, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Lumpkin, and Dawson Counties and are traveling fast.  Unless treated, infested Hemlocks sicken and die, sometimes as quickly as 2-4 years in the south.

Be Alert -- Because HWA can damage trees so quickly, it is important to detect infestations early.  Frequent visual inspection is the best way to tell if a tree is infested.  For most of the year, the white "wool" is quite conspicuous contrasted against the dark green needles on the undersides of the young twigs.

Be Active -- If you find even a couple of white, woolly balls, please call the Hemlock Help Line at 706-429-8010 or visit the Hemlock Help page to learn what you can do to save your trees.  The HWA doesn't have to be a death sentence for your Hemlocks if you take action.

Be Proactive -- In addition to taking care of your own trees, you can have an important impact on your community as a whole.  How?  By talking to your friends and neighbors to raise awareness about the Hemlock problem, donating to the beetles labs in Georgia, and supporting the efforts of Lumpkin Coalition. 

Resources

LC Printed Materials

• Brochure -- Hemlock Help for Lumpkin Property Owners

• Brochure Insert -- Information for Lumpkin Property Owners & LC Hemlock Help Agreement

• Instructions -- Treating Hemlocks with Imidacloprid

• HWA Fact Sheet

• Save Our Hemlocks

• Homeowners Alert

• Treatment Options for Homeowners

GFC Publications

• HWA Control Options

• Soil Injection - How to Mix & Apply Insecticides

HWA Web Sites

Let Your Voice Be Heard

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©Lumpkin Coalition 2008, 2009.