Asian Longhorned Beetle

Asian Longhorned Beetle Reforestation Program

The Asian Longhorned Beetle (ALB) Reforestation Planting Project has come to an end!

The purpose of the planting program was to restore Long Island’s tree canopy by planting hundreds of trees throughout central Long Island. Thousands of trees have been removed over the past 20 years due to the ALB infestation by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). The ALB invasive species quarantine zone was, and still is, in parts of Amityville, Farmingdale, Massapequa, Lindenhurst, Copiague, and West Babylon. Unfortunately, our planting project has ended, but trees are still being removed! Property owners who had trees removed by the USDA due to the ALB infestation were eligible for FREE tree replacement through Cornell Cooperative Extension Nassau Counties (CCE-NC) ALB Reforestation Program.

The (CCE-NC) replanting project began in Spring of 2015 and ending in Fall of 2018. Throughout that time the ALB Reforestation Team was able to plant 1670 large trees within the quarantine zone! Additionally, the ALB Reforestation Team was able to provide urban tree education and information for Long Island’s property owners. Topics discussed were the benefits of trees, proper planting technique, long term care and maintenance, and urban stress on trees. Trees have many benefits that enhance the quality of life in our communities, including improving air quality, reducing stormwater runoff, increasing property values, reducing energy costs, mitigating climate change, improving public health, and beautifying neighborhoods. Sites also included schools, churches, cemeteries, libraries, parks, and hospitals.

Thanks to the grant provided by the US Forest Service and US Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service, in partnership with the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, US Department of Agriculture (USDA), NYS Department of Agriculture & Markets, and the Town of Babylon, CCE-NC was able to offer FREE trees to eligible residents throughout the 52-square mile quarantine zone.

We thank you if you were able to participate or aid in our tree planning program. Although we are no longer offering free trees, we are available to answer any questions you may have regarding the project.

USDA Contact Page for the NY ALB Quarantine Zone: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/resources/pests-...

Please utilize our ALB TREE SPECIES CATALOG for species selection. It provides comprehensive pictures and information of recommended trees for central Long Island. It does not contain host trees to the ALB. For more information on the project, please see our ALB Reforestation Project BROCHURE. If you are interested in where we planted please see our 2015-2018 ALB PLANTING MAP .

CONTACT

Urban Forestry Department