Early detection of exotic forest pests is critical for vermont's health of forest and landscape plants

The University of Vermont & State Agricultural College received a $142,604 Cooperative Agreement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) under the Plant and Animal Disease, Pest Control, and Animal Care program (CFDA 10.025), effective September 1, 2025 through August 31, 2026. The award funds an outreach and early detection initiative focused on identifying and reporting exotic forest pests that threaten Vermont's ecological and economic health, with particular emphasis on high-priority species including Spotted Lanternfly, Asian Longhorned Beetle, European Cherry Fruit Fly, and Box Tree Moth.

The University will deliver enhanced outreach and public engagement activities designed to expand early detection capabilities across Vermont. Key deliverables include expanded stakeholder and public education programs targeting a broader cross-section of Vermonters and visitors; increased awareness and promotion of VTInvasives.org as the central reporting platform for suspected invasive pests; development of new early detection methods; resource and information sharing among stakeholders on outreach methodologies; and public education campaigns emphasizing the importance of not moving firewood to prevent pest dispersal. Expected outcomes include improved probability for early detection of forest pest infestations, detection of quarantine pests enabling timely management and eradication, and reduced damage to Vermont's natural areas and urban forests.

Activities

FY25 plan will enhance opportunities for early detection of high priority pests through new methods that will expand the outreach to new audiences. Targeted pests include the spotted lanternfly (SLF), asian longhorned beetle (ALB), european cherry fruit fly (ECFF), box tree moth (BTM) and other significant threats to vermont's ecological and economic health. Activities will focus on expanding outreach to a broader to include a wider cross-section of vermonters and visitors and increasing public awareness of vtinvasives.ORG as the central location for reporting suspect invasive pests. Deliverables and expected outcomes: the plan's expected results include improved probability for early detection of forest pest infestations throughout vermont, sharing of resources/information between stakeholders on outreach methods, and detection of quarantine pests resulting in management and/or eradication of smaller infestations and reduced damage to natural areas and urban forests. Also, the project will development of a broader audience awareness of forest pests. Education activities to include public and private individuals, and groups engagement to look for and report suspect finds of forest pests. Educate the public about the importance of not moving firewood. Intended beneficiary(IES): results from these samples will be provided to the state plant health director, plant health supervisor, state entomologist and state survey coordinator. Outreach content to be included on vtinvasives.ORG. Also benefiting, will be master gardeners, the citizens of vermon and the state's visitors who enjoy outdoor recreation and activities. Subrecipient activities, if known or specified at the time of award: N/a