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| Abstract Title:
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| Integrating Biological and Social Science to Assess Management Success of an Exotic Invasive Tree Pathogen
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| Graduate Student Presenter:
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Adam Zeilinger
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| Name of the Author(s) and Affiliation(s):
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Adam Zeilinger, UMN; David Smith, UMN; Leah Sharpe, UMN; Gina Quiram, UMN; Adam Kokotovich, UMN; Karrie Koch, UMN; Genya Dana, UMN; Robert Venette, USDA Forest Service & UMN; Frances Homans, UMN; Robert Haight, USDA Forest Service
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The oak wilt fungus, Ceratocystis fagacearum, is an invasive pathogen and the most serious threat to red oaks, Quercus spp. Section Lobatae, in Minnesota. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MN-DNR), in cooperation with USDA Forest Service (FS), implemented a risk management program to fund local government action aimed at containing oak wilt and preserving existing oak trees. Nevertheless, oak wilt continues to spread. Our study pursued three fundamental questions to better understand the factors influencing the long-term success of oak wilt management in Minnesota. First, how effective are current treatments options supported by the program? We analyzed data collected by the MN-DNR during post-treatment visits/surveys. Our results suggest that treatment success is highly variable, but aggressive treatments can be >80% effective in preventing detectable spread of the pathogen. Second, do local land managers consider oak wilt a priority relative to other forest threats? We interviewed managers responsible for state and community properties. Perceptions about oak wilt and the need for management varied widely, and not everyone considered oak wilt a priority threat. Third, how do institutional and social factors affect local governmental capacity for management? Through interviews with city foresters, we found that management is affected by city and state funding, and existence and enforcement of diseased-tree removal ordinances. Our results highlight the utility of combining natural and social science methodologies in the study of ecological risk management; and will be presented to the MN-DNR and FS for consideration in future changes to the oak wilt management program.
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