Renowned scientist joins city's fight against Emerald Ash Borers

August 8, 2016 – Federal support is on the way as the City continues to detect, monitor and manage the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) in Thunder Bay.

Dr. Krista Ryall is a Forest Ecological Entomologist with Natural Resources Canada – Canadian Forest Service and specializes in the study of insect pests and how to minimize their impact on forest resources. Over the next two days, Dr. Ryall will join City and Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry staff to analyze insect and bark samples from municipal trees.

Her research will investigate how the insect’s behaviour in a colder, northern climate compares to that of beetles found in southern Ontario. In addition, she will explore the efficacy of branch sampling, a technique she pioneered to enhance EAB detection, in a colder environment.

Her work may also reveal how long the EAB has been present in Thunder Bay and where it is in the population cycle, which will help the City better understand how to manage it.

Depending on the results of Dr. Ryall’s investigation, there may also be opportunities to establish a more extensive, formal research program in the future.

“We are grateful that the federal government recognizes the importance of urban forestry and is eager to make sure we have the most efficient tools for detection and management,” said Shelley Vescio, City Forester.

“Dr. Ryall brings a wealth of knowledge about the biology, impacts, detection, and management of this aggressive, invasive species and her guidance will be invaluable as we prepare to implement the City’s recommended response plan.”

For more information, visit thunderbay.ca/eab