NPR covers Asian Longhorned Beetle

[Treelimbjim]

Morning Edition June 17, 2005 · In the treetops of Central Park, western smoke jumpers, the folks whose regular job is to parachute into wildfires, are propelling themselves into maples and elms in an attempt to stop the killer Asian longhorned beetle.

NPR : Chasing Beetles
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4707468

 

[Mark Chisholm]

Yeah, funny how they grab these guys to find the infected trees. 2 years ago we went to NYC to have these guys teach us where to look and how to better inspect for the insects (we were hired by the USDA). After 10 minutes it turned into a gear and climbing techniques that Brain and I were teaching. Great bunch of guys to talk to.

 

[treebeach]

Funny, I was wondering if anyone else heard that piece. I felt it was bizarre they had in on now. Felt like such 'old news'.

Nice of em to share a bit of what we do, too bad the USDA felt they needed to hire Smoke Jumpers and not local arborists. Seems a bit strange to me...

(And yes, they are a great bunch of folk.)

 

[Tom Dunlap]

A friend of mine works for NIFC, National Interagency Fire Center. Before moving to Boise she worked for the FS in urban forestry issues. She understands both parts. Her explanation was that the FS has the smokejumpers on the payroll full time so this is work that needs to be done. Better to do it with in-house wages than hiring outside. From what I've heard the SJ's do a good job climbing trees. Maybe not as quickly as pro arbos but in the end the FS has to set the 'value' and justify the expenses.