RI DEM seeks volunteers to survey trees for invasive beetle

PROVIDENCE -- The Department of Environmental Management is looking for volunteers to help conduct a tree survey in Exeter, Warwick and Cumberland for the Asian long horned beetle.

The Asian long horned beetle affects hardwood shade trees such as maple, ash, birch, willow and elm by boring into the core of the tree and eventually killing it. The beetle, which ranges from ¾ to 1 and 1/4 inches with a long black and white antennae and a glossy black body with irregular white spots, has the potential of wiping out thousands of the state's trees if it goes undetected.

The purpose of the survey is to detect the beetle before it has a chance to become a major problem.

RSVP by July 22 to cynthia.kwolek@dem.ri.gov.