Editor’s note: The spine of the Appalachian Range runs north and south through the Mid- and South-Atlantic states, a rumpled stretch of mountains that long has provided a corridor for species. One uninvited species, the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid, arrived in 1951, and since then has attacked hemlock forests once commonplace in Shenandoah National Park, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Since 1988 the National Park Service has been battling the tiny insect, and has met with varying success in those three parks. While much work remains to be done, there is optimism some of the hemlock stands will be saved. In the following stories, we take a look at the campaign.
Stories about:
Story Categories:
A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.
Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:
- Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
- Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
- Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
- North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
- Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
- Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
- Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.
Comments
You've obviously put a lot of time into this article, Kurt and the perspectives from throughout the NPS system paint a broad picture of a problem I am afraid we are powerless to stop. Here in the Smokies, many hundreds of thousands of dollars have been spent waging chemical warfare against this pestilence but it seems to be of little value. I was told by a biologist I met atop Mt. Rogers two years ago that all we can do is enjoy them while they are here. He insinuated that he has studied this blight for years in graduate school and the adelgid will eventually have its day and the Hemlock will go the way of the Chestnut giants.
I hope he is wrong, but a stroll through Albright Grove seems to suggest otherwise. Thanks for taking the time to go in depth.
I have to say I am more optimistic about the future of hemlock, especially in the Great Smokies. The chemical controls are very effective. Losses of hemlocks you see in the Smokies are due to the initial wave of mortality, which impacted the oldest trees the most and overwhelmed control efforts. The drought of 2007-08 impaired the tree's ability to uptake the systemic chemical but that was the last last wave of hemlock mortality. With biocontols documented as established and spreading the future is bright. Chemical controls cannot be relied on forever and the future is biocontrol and occassional cold temperature winter kill. Enjoy places like Cosby nature trail and Low Gap trail, which are virtually undamaged by HWA. Other places have impacts but the trees are holding their own now that the initial wave of mortality has passed.
Hope springs eternal, John. Even for the American Chestnut!
https://caldwelljournal.com/chestnut-restoration-may-be-happening/