Along the Portage

ST. PAUL, Minn.— Emerald ash borer (EAB), an invasive species, threatens to kill Minnesota’s ash trees. In response, Andrew David, a University of Minnesota forest genetics researcher, and Mike Reichenbach, forestry educator with University of Minnesota Extension, began a project to protect the genetic diversity of ash in Minnesota.

Seed collected from wild-grown ash trees will be sent to a seed storage facility in Colorado. This is a proactive response to the presence of EAB in the upper Great Lakes region and the lack of a viable quarantine method to keep Emerald ash borer out of Minnesota.

Ash seed began ripening in mid-September. Collection of seed has begun and can continue through much of the fall. It may be easier to collect from trees now before the seed is scattered by winds and rain. Those wishing to collect seed should watch the ash seed collection webinar found listed under the Webinars tab at the following website: http://forest.nrri.umn.edu/ash. The ash seed collection form can also be downloaded from this site.

Minnesota is host to three species of ash: white ash, green ash and black ash. While white ash is an upland species found along the Mississippi River in southeast Minnesota; both black and green ash are common lowland hardwoods found throughout the majority of the state.

Ecologically, black and green ash are the most important hardwoods in the lowland forest community. They represent 51 percent of the lowland hardwood cover type in Minnesota. Black ash is very important in native cultures as a source of wood for ash baskets. Both black and green ash provide a source of pallet, saw and veneer logs. All of Minnesota’s native ash species are threatened by EAB.

EAB was most likely introduced to the region when it was transported on wood packaging of an overseas shipment from Asia in 2002 to the Detroit, Michigan, and Windsor, Ontario area.

Within the United States the insect is most often transported on firewood. As of August, EAB has been found in Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Ontario, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. It has been responsible for the death of over 20 million ash trees despite quarantines on moving nursery stock and firewood out of infected areas.

This conservation effort will preserve the genetic variation for a future time when EAB can be controlled and ash species can be reintroduced to Minnesota using locally adapted seed sources.

For more information contact Mike Reichenbach, (888) 241-0724, reich027@umn.edu; or Gary Wyatt, (888) 241-3214, wyatt@umn.edu, both with University of Minnesota Extension.

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RLNWR Intern

The fall season brings many great recreational opportunities that are available for everyone to enjoy at Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge staff wants to make sure that the local community is aware of these activities and encourages everyone to come out and take advantage of them.

Among the most popular recreational activities this time of year is hunting. Recently both small game and archery seasons got underway; the refuge is open to both.

Anyone interested in hunting on the refuge is encouraged to stop at the visitor center for more information on where they can hunt and what special restrictions apply. Hunters should also be familiar with the 2008 Minnesota Hunting and Trapping Regulations Handbook.

Another big hunt that the refuge is gearing up for is its 2008 Disabled Access Deer Hunt, scheduled for October 2–5. The event is run and organized by the staff of Rice Lake, Friend’s of Rice Lake Refuge, and several community volunteer organizations. Last year marked the first year of the event in which 13 disabled hunters had the opportunity to hunt deer with experienced local hunters and share stories in a deer camp. The staff hopes that this year’s hunt turns out to be just as successful.

A recent project that has just gotten underway is the addition of a Discovery Area for kids to enjoy. The purpose of the Discovery Area is to allow kids to learn about nature in a fun and interactive way. One of the main features is a replica of an eagle’s nest that allows kids to climb in so that they can get the feeling of being an eagle themselves. This Discovery Area is located by the Mandy Lake parking lot within the refuge. Families are encouraged to stop in and check out this new addition once it is completed later this fall. Another new feature available to visiting kids and families is the “Let’s Get Outside” backpacks. These backpacks can be checked out from the visitor center and include some cool gadgets for exploring the outdoors.

Finally, the refuge continues to offer an auto tour road and hiking trails for visitors to enjoy the beautiful scenery during this fall season. This time of year is also an especially good time to view wildlife as many birds gear up for migration. In particular, an extraordinary number of waterfowl can be seen on Rice Lake feeding on the wild rice as they prepare for their trip south.

To better accommodate refuge visitors, the visitor center will be open on Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. This will take place starting September 27th and will go until October 18th. If you have any questions or wish to receive more information about anything regarding Rice Lake NWR, stop in at the visitor center or call the office at 218-768-2402.

For this story and more, pick up this week's Voyageur Press.