Terrestrial Invasive Species

Here in the Canandaigua Lake watershed, there are several invasive species that pose a significant threat to the health of our water systems and our local economy.

We need to work together to find, identify, and report findings of these invasives in an effort to prevent or slow their spread. How can you help? Familiarize yourself with the species of concern and report potential sightings.

The Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (Adelges tsugae) is a scale-like insect pest which is fatal to Eastern Hemlocks. It was discovered in the Canandaigua Lake watershed in the Fall of 2014.

RESOURCES: 

Visit the New York State Hemlock Initaitive website to learn about the great work they are doing to help save our State’s hemlock trees.

Oak wilt is a fungal disease that has been detected in the Town of Canandaigua, South Bristol and Middlesex.  Quarantine districts have been established in these areas to prohibit the movement of firewood and oak logs to help prevent its spread.

RESOURCES:

Visit the Finger Lakes PRISM website for information on this fungal disease that impacts oak trees.

“Oak Wilt and its presence in the Finger Lakes” webinar recording

Many parts of New York State experienced a huge surge in destructive gypsy moth caterpillars in 2020 and several areas of our watershed were severely defoliated, including South Bristol and Middlesex.

RESOURCES: 

The NYSDEC is actively monitoring for gypsy moth damange in our area. Check out the NYSDEC website for management options.

Finger Lakes ReLeaf Gypsy Moth Webinar Recording

Spotted lanternfly (SLF) is a looming threat to the Finger Lakes region due to its potential impacts on grapevines, hops, maple, walnut, fruit trees and others. The SLF preferentially feeds on the Tree of Heaven. It was discovered in the Ithaca area in the Fall of 2020.

RESOURCES:

Check out the NYSDEC website to learn more about identification and the potential risks to the area.

“Spotted Lanternfly: Understanding its ecology and the threat” presentation recording

Impacts from the Emerald ash borer can be seen on our native ash trees across the state – in our watershed forests, residential lots and municipal park lands.  Management strategies have varying degrees of success, so reducing the transport of infected trees is critically important.

RESOURCES:

The NYSDEC offers information for property owners and municipalities.

Help slow the spread by not moving firewood!

Hemlock Woolly Adelgid: Presented by Mark Whitmore, Cornell University. This hour-long video is a comprehensive review of management strategies with particular emphasis on biological controls.

Oak Wilt and its Presence in the Finger Lakes: Presented by Kelsey McLaughlin, NYSDEC Division of Land and Forests. This presentation reviews the methods of spread and management strategies for this fungal disease imapcting our Finger Lakes forests.

The Gyspy Moth: What’s eating my trees and how do I kill them?: Presented by Finger Lakes ReLeaf

Click on the above publication for full descriptions of the invsive species of concern for the Canandaigua Lake Watershed.