CONTACT: Beth Richardson, 803-534-6280, ext. 36; mrchrds@clemson.edu

DATE: 4/3/2007

WRITER: Tom Lollis, 803-284-3343, ext. 241; tlollis@clemson.edu

Timber personnel can learn what’s invading S.C. forests

CLEMSON – There are things in South Carolina forests that should not be there and more invaders are on the way.

Timber producers, timber buyers, foresters and forest landowners can find out just what invasive plants, insects and diseases pose potential problems for the state’s woodlands during a one-day shortcourse May 16 at Edisto Research and Education Center at Blackville.

“The people who should come to this meeting are the ones who are in the woods every day,” said Beth Richardson, Clemson Extension agent for forestry and wildlife in Orangeburg County.

“There are a shocking number of exotic insects and diseases killing trees in the eastern United States,” she said. “Many of them started out in northern states such as Maine and New York. However, like people, most insects and diseases find it easier to live in the warm South, and what may have been introduced in the north is on its way to South Carolina.”

The list includes things such as emerald ash borer, sirex wood wasp, redbay wilt disease, beech bark disease, longhorn Asian beetle, sudden oak disease and hemlock wooly adelgid.

Invasive plants are also a growing problem and speakers on May 16 will also discuss ornamental escapes such as privet, both Chinese and Japanese versions, considered to be more invasive than kudzu.

The cost will be $85 per person, which includes breakfast and lunch. Make checks to CUCES Orangeburg County and mail to 1550 Henley St., Suite 200, Orangeburg, SC 29115. Credit cards are not accepted.

The early registration fee of $85 applies until May 8. After that date the cost will be $120 per person until May 11. Beginning the week of May 16 the cost will be $160 per person.

The day will begin with registration and breakfast from 7 a.m. until 7:55. The program starts at 8 a.m. Lunch will be at noon and the program will conclude around 3:50 p.m.

The Edisto REC is on U.S. Highway 78 three miles west of Blackville in Barnwell County.

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