| Field
Day set for June 18
On Thursday, June 18th, the U of I Extension program, Forest Insects and Disease Field Day will give participants first-hand exposure to a wide range of organisms that impair the growth of trees and forests in north Idaho, including: mountain pine beetle, fir engraver and other bark beetles; armillaria and other root diseases; white pine blister rust; indian paint fungus, pini rot and other stem decays; and dwarf mistletoes. Experts will help participants identify insect and disease symptoms and discuss practical long and short term methods of dealing with them. Nearly everyone has seen dead trees dotting northern Idaho forests. Most of the trees you notice were killed by bark beetles, but many other insects and diseases kill trees, often in less visible ways. Native insects and diseases are a natural part of the forest, but they sometimes damage more trees than we want them to, especially when we have (often unknowingly) created a favorable environment for them. Unfortunately, many people do not act on insect and disease issues until they see dead branches or similar symptoms. Most methods to minimize forest insects and disease problems are preventive, before problems are obvious. Those wishing to participate should pre-register by sending the registration form along with the $10.00 fee per person to the University of Idaho Extension Clearwater County office by Monday, June 15th. Make checks payable to UI Extension Workshop Fund. The registration fee covers resource materials and refreshments. The program is eligible for 4 Idaho pesticide recertification credits, 4 Washington pesticide recertification credits, 8 Idaho Pro-Logger credits, 4 Idaho Master Forest Stewards credits, and 2 hours, Category I, SAF CFE credits. For registration questions, contact the University of Idaho Extension Clearwater County office at (208) 476-4434. For program content questions, contact Bill Warren at 208 476-4434 or Chris Schnepf at 208 446-1680. The program is co-sponsored by University of Idaho Extension and the Idaho Department of Lands. This program will also be held in Coeur d’Alene on Friday, July, 24th. |
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