The saint regis mohawk reservation, akwesasne, is in northern new york state

The Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service awarded Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe a cooperative agreement totaling $306,270 on June 1, 2026, to manage emerald ash borer (EAB) populations in the Akwesasne Reservation in northern New York.

The Tribe will implement a Slow Ash Mortality (SLAM) integrated pest management approach targeting EAB through silvicultural treatments, pesticide application, biological control, and ash utilization including firewood, timber, and traditional basketry. Black ash, white ash, and green ash are culturally significant to Mohawk basketry practices and face severe threat from EAB expansion in Akwesasne and nearby traditional use areas. The project will reduce ash mortality costs, prevent infrastructure damage from tree removal, and strengthen tribal capacity to manage invasive insect species in the future.

Work is performed in New York with a period of performance through May 31, 2027. A New York State certified applicator will be contracted to conduct chemical treatments as a sub-recipient.

Activities

Srmt will adapt an integrated pest management approach to manage EAB based on the life-cycle and disruption of the insect, while also improving the capacity of the tribe to manage invasive insect species in the future. Slow ASH mortality (SLAM) methods include silvicultural treatments, pesticide application, biological control, and ASH utilization (e.g. firewood, timber, basketry. Deliverables and expected outcomes: the EAB mitigation efforts included in this project have several potential benefits that contribute to an overall return on investment. EAB mitigation can prevent or reduce the cost associated with extensive, wide-spread ASH mortality and subsequent tree removal. Additionally, the proactive removal of some unfortunately located ASH trees can minimize costs related to removal and potential D amage to infrastructure. Intended beneficiary(IES): the saint regis mohawk tribe, US residents of northern NY, the USDA and US government through strengthened bond between the parties. Subrecipient activities, if known or specified at the time of award: services of a NYS certified applicator will be contracted to conduct chemical treatments.