JANUARY
4 2022 2021
File photo Bradford (Pa.) Regional Medical Center.
Bradford group wants Kaleida to reinstate services
Trail group asks for mitigation in proposed low-fly zone BY MARCIE SCHELLHAMMER Another non-profit organization has made its opinion known as to the proposed low-fly zone over the Pennsylvania Wilds. While not coming out against the proposal, the Eastern States TrailEndurance Alliance of Port
Matilda listed a series of concerns and requested mitigation measures. The proposal, by the Maryland Air National Guard, is for jet pilot training at low altitudes — as low as 100 feet — over McKean, Elk, Cameron, Potter, Clinton and Tioga
counties in Pennsylvania and some parts of Cattaraugus and Allegany counties in New York. The proposal is called the Duke Low MOA. In October, the Maryland Guard released
Trail Group continued on .......... page 4
BY MARCIE SCHELLHAMMER BRADFORD — The Save Our Hospital group says that Kaleida Health’s decision to add 10 hospital beds back to Bradford Regional Medical Center, with an additional 10 nurses, is welcome, but the group wants the move to be permanent along with other actions to return services to Bradford. “Kaleida managers did not promise the beds or staffing would be continued once the pandemic is past,” Save Our Hospital said in a statement after meeting last month with Kaleida executives. “Rather, the
continuation ‘will be evaluated over time as the situation evolves,’” the statement read, quoting Kaleida. “Let it be said that we will push to have those 10 beds and extra staffing permanent.” Betsy Costello and Marty Wilder, two founders of the local organization, and Lynette Carll and Anne Monti Hardy, longtime nurses and managers in Bradford, met with Kaleida officials — Bob Nesselbush, CEO; Mike Hughes, chief administrative officer; Don Boyd, president and chief operating officer — as well as Jeff Belt, chairman of the board of Upper Allegheny
Health System; and Mary LaRowe, interim CEO. In January, hospital officials announced services would be combined between Olean and Bradford hospitals, with surgical services and intensive care moving out of Bradford solely being maintained at Olean General Hospital. Mostly outpatient services remain at Bradford. The integration plan with Bradford and Olean was implemented in May, and the surge in COVID cases in the region came in August and September,
Bradford Hospital .................... page 3
How to determine if it’s time to downsize Individuals work hard to save enough money to purchase their homes. And the hard work doesn’t end there. Once homeowners settle into a new home, they may set their sights on renovations that suit their individual needs. And even when buyers find a home that needs no such work, maintenance requires homeowners’ utmost attention. All that hard work is perhaps one reason why seniors may be a little reluctant to downsize as they advance through their golden years. In addition to the sweat equity homeowners put into their homes, all the memories they’ve made within their walls can make it harder to put a home on the market. Downsizing is a difficult decision that’s unique to each homeowner. Seniors who aren’t quite certain if downsizing is right for them can consider three key factors to make a decision that’s in their best interests. • Cost: Perhaps no variable affects senior homeowners’ decisions to downsize their homes as much as cost. No one wants to outlive their money, and downsizing to a smaller home can help seniors reduce their monthly expenses by a significant margin. Even homeowners who have long since paid off their mortgages can save substantial amounts of money by downsizing to a smaller home or even an apartment or condominium. Lower property taxes, reduced insurance premiums and the need to pay for fewer repairs are just some of the ways downsizing can save seniors money.
real estate investment, potentially helping them make up for meager retirement savings. For example, home prices skyrocketed across the country during the COVID-19 pandemic, making that a great time for sellers to put their homes on the market. Seniors selling to downsize may capitalize on such spikes since they won’t be looking to turn around and buy larger, equally expensive homes once they sell their current place. If the market is down and seniors can withstand the work and cost a little longer, it may be best to wait until things bounce back in sellers’ favor. Downsizing requires careful consideration of a host of variables. No two situations are the same, so seniors should exercise • Space: Many people without adversely affecting market is another factor downsize. A seller’s mar- due diligence to determine to consider when decid- ket can help seniors get if downsizing is right for love the extra space that their daily lives. • Market: The real estate ing if the time is right to the biggest return on their them. single-family homes provide. But seniors can take a walk through their homes and see how many rooms they still use on a consistent basis. If much of the home is unused, seniors can probably downsize
• Wood • Coal • Pellet • Corn • Fireplaces • Boilers • Furnaces • Liners • Hearth Products • Stove & Chimney Pipe • Custom Log Homes • Log Siding • Rough Cut Lumber • Firewood • Wood Pellets
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Region’s unemployment picture looking up The region’s employment picture for November appeared bright, with improvements in McKean, Elk, Cameron and Potter counties. In McKean County, the rate was 5.1%, down from 5.8% in October and 6.3% in September. It’s a considerable improvement over a year ago, when the rate was 7%. Pennsylvania’s rate for November was 5.7%, while the national rate was 4.2%, according to the state Department of Labor and Industry Center for Workforce Information & Analysis. In Elk County, the rate for November was 5.2%, while in October it was 6%, and in September, 6.4%. One year earlier, the rate
was 7.8%. Potter County had seen a significant improvement over the past year, too. In November 2020, the unemployment rate was 7.3%. This year, it was 5.4%. There was an improvement over the past few months as well, with October’s rate being 5.8% and September’s, 6.3%. In Cameron County, where the unemployment rate is often the highest in the state, the November rate was 6.1%. Last year at this time, it was 8%. In October, it was 6.7%, and in September, it was 7.4%. Cameron County was ranked 61st in the state, with the highest unemployment rate going to Philadelphia County at 6.8%.
Potter County was tied for 48th place with Clearfield and Carbon counties. Elk County was tied for 43th place, with Lackawanna, Northumberland and Schuylkill counties. McKean County was tied for 38th place with Berks, Clinton, Lehigh and Venango counties. Chester County, outside of Philadelphia, had the best rate at 3.1% unemployment. In the North Central workforce development area, the total employment was 89,700, with total unemployment at 4,900 with a rate of 5.2%, according to the Center. Jefferson and Clearfield counties are part of the area, as well as the
four local counties. In November of 2020, the total employed was 75,600, while the total unemployed was 5,600, for a rate of 6.8%. According to the Center for Workforce Information and Analysis, for the week ending Dec. 18, McKean County had 29 initial claims for unemployment, 317 continued claims and five people who have exhausted unemployment benefits. Elk County had 30 initial claims, 355 continued claims and 2 exhaustees. Potter County had 14 initial claims, 142 continued claims and 2 exhaustees. Cameron County had 6 initial claims for unemployment, 51 continued claims, and no exhaustees.
Staff salaries in Potter County officials’ offices are topic of concern BY JOELLEN WANKEL Potter County wages for staff in the offices of elected officials are a point of contention of late, and potential resolution is an uncertainty. The matter came to light at a Salary Board meeting early in December, during a vote to increase the salary of Potter County Fiscal Director Bridget Miller and Chief Clerk Jessica Giebel. The increase for Miller was roughly $3,000 to $40,976 and was passed unanimously. Meanwhile, Giebel’s salary will increase from $47,556 to $52,556 in 2022. Giebel’s increase passed with one vote against the resolution, which came from Potter County Treasurer Krista Miller. Miller voiced concerns on the two increases. Several of the county’s elected officials were present at another Salary Board meeting held this past Thursday to voice concerns over the proposed raise and the discrepancy in salaries between support staff in different offices. According to one elected official, the concerns are specifically that commissioners are giving their non-union employees significant raises, while union employees “have to sit back and watch.“ Comparisons were made between the responsibilities of staff in different offices and the wages the staff make. With a low starting wage, it is a challenge to replace workers who retire and also to inspire good workers to take on a job with numerous responsibilities. The official noted that the main desire is that the county’s taxpayers are made aware of what’s going on in the county with their taxpayer dollars, and that the elected officials are doing what they can to help their union employees. Marian Butler, union steward for the IUE CWA Local 88612, which is a combined union including Potter County and Morgan AMT, stated, “I don’t disagree that salaried positions, like the fiscal director, etc…, deserve more money. They should get more but not to the tune of how much they are getting more.” Butler said, “The average salary for a union employee is anywhere between $22 and 24 thousand, and they are starting salaried positions out at $35 to $40,000, which is too big of a (gap). For the responsibilities a lot of people hold, in the Prothonotary’s office, the Clerk of Courts and the (district attorney’s) office, they are not getting paid what they should be.” She explained the union merged with Morgan AMT three years ago, and at that time, Butler became the
steward for the merged union. She said this pay gap issue is not a newly discovered one. “That is not the fault of these particular commissioners,” Butler said. “It has been ongoing for years.” Butler stated that she has had conversations with the commissioners, who recognize there is a discrepancy. During the most recent contract, which was negotiated in 2019, the union got an increase for starting wages, which Butler stated had not changed for 15 years prior to that negotiation. “We did get them to raise (starting wages) They are raised 1 to 1.5% a year, which isn’t much when you’re starting with $8.40 an hour,” she said. The current contract
ends in 2023. However, there are certain situations where amendments or changes to the contract can be made while the contract is in place. However, attempts to discuss this type of action have met resistance from the commissioners. Typically, budget constraints become a factor in these discussions. Butler recognized this potential issue and shared that the union does not want to put additional burden on the taxpayers. “The last thing we want to do is have property taxes increased,” Butler said. “I really don’t think that money is the issue. I really don’t. If they can give salaried employees these raises, they must have the
money somewhere. It’s a tough line.” Butler said she has been in touch with other union representatives in an effort to determine how to move forward. The Potter County Commissioners issued a statement on the matter Monday. They stated that the county government has been dealing with significant changes over the past two years, including the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on wages, recruitment and retention. They mentioned workplace health and safety, as well as a cost-of-living index that “remained relatively low for several years, then more than quadrupled between 2020 and 2021.” The statement
continues, “Like many other governmental units, we are reviewing issues related to compensation. This is challenging when it comes to the significant number of county employees who are affiliated with labor unions that ratified contracts with the county. These contracts do not expire until December 2023.” The commissioners also pointed out that wages are only one element of compensation for the county’s employees and that “Potter County is unique in that our total compensation for most workers includes an excellent family health insurance coverage plan which is 100-percent funded by the county taxpayers — employees do not contribute toward the
monthly premiums.” The statement outlined a fixed-benefit, guaranteed retirement pension plan and a considerable number of paid vacation days and holidays that are provided to county government employees and not at an equal level to the private sector. The commissioners’ statement concluded, “Our colleagues in other county elective positions raised some legitimate concerns with our board. As we assured them during Thursday’s meeting, we will continue to study our options, in consultation with legal counsel and human resources professionals.”
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M C A N A L L E N S C E L E B R AT E 7 0 T H W E D D I N G A N N I V E R S A RY
Bradford Hospital
John and Patricia Smith McAnallen are celebrating their 70th wedding anniversary. The two were married Dec. 26, 1951 at St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church in Smethport. John was a driver and electrician for Quaker State and is retired. Patricia was a homemaker. They are the parents of Carolyn James of Smethport; David McAnallen of Pittsburgh; Sandra Morris of Martin, Ga.; Phillip Stephen of Lake Helen, Fla.; Charles McAnallen of Littleton, Colo.; Mary Beth Bidlack of Sayre and Polly Fiegl of Chambersburg. They have eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
continued from 1 when there was less staff at both facilities to handle the influx of patients. Kaleida officials told The Era last week that the unanticipated impacts of the pandemic, and the vaccine hesitancy in McKean and Potter counties, have exacerbated the problems experienced by rural hospitals. Save Our Hospital members reject that answer. While agreeing the pandemic has been an unknown quantity, the group added that it would not have impacted the local hospitals so drastically if not for the “poor decisions they had made in closing much of our hospital,” SOH said in its statement. In fact, the group stated, the problem came from decisions to close the intensive care unit and all but 10 beds at BRMC, and to dismantle the workforce that led to the current situation. SOH members also said they discussed nursing care with the hospital officials. “We would also like to understand how a highly paid executive team was allowed to dismantle a workforce of healthcare providers at every level despite voiced concerns about an ability to provide safe and adequate care during the pandemic or otherwise.” The effect has been devastating, according to SOH members. Wilder said the discussion with hospital officials “pointed repeatedly to one of the plan’s weakest points: our community’s need to rely on a tertiary care facility (Olean General) which has its own struggles. “The current system is exacerbated by the historic lack of ability to retain RNs
Provided This photo of the Barnum Road ice formation was taken in February 2021.
Explaining that Barnum Road ‘winter art’ Many of us who drive Barnum Road between Olean, N.Y., and Eldred in the winter have wondered about that big chunk of ice that forms near the state line. Well, Heather McDivitt, who lives in the house on the property where the ice forms, offers some explanation — in part because many folks often stop to ask about it. Heather and her father, Boyce McDivitt, a retired dentist who practiced in Portville, N.Y., call it “winter art.” The home receives water by a natural spring. Excess spring water is diverted underground in pipes to a hydrant connected to two garden hoses with nozzles that create a fine mist spray. The hoses are attached to a tall metal tripod so the water spray can arc over the tripod and create ice. It is not an artesian well, but made with spring water sprayed out of garden hoses. Why is it near the road? For years the ice formed behind the family home, but visitors enjoyed seeing it and suggested that others would like to see
it, too. Several years ago the ice-making parts were moved closer to the road so others could enjoy it as they drive by. It was all created simply for winter amusement. “We appreciate good spring water, and recognize that in many parts of our country and world people do not have access to good water,” Heather, who teaches in the philosophy department at St. Bonaventure University, tells us. “Part of the ice art is to remind us of the precious resource of good water.” “Also, during the winter season in Western New York we can either grumble and complain about the cold weather, or we could do something to celebrate it,” she says. “We enjoy watching the ice grow during the coldest weather and then observing how long it takes for the ice to fully melt in May or June. The ice art is something interesting to monitor daily and we think it is beautiful.” Every year it is a little different and it can change day by day during the coldest weather. The ice
continues to grow throughout the coldest months, unless the spring water flow rate decreases. Sometimes the family turns off the water making the ice to conserve the water for household use. Even though the area might get a lot of snow in February and March, much of it does not enter the water table until the warmer weather in the spring. Some years there is plentiful water to make ice until the warmer weather, but occasionally the water is turned off or the hoses malfunction and freeze up. For those wanting to take pictures, the McDivitts welcome people to pull into their lower driveway to park and take pictures safely. Sometimes, when the ice is really big 15 to 20 cars stop each day. The residents remind people to not stop in the road to take pictures and to use caution as the road is busy. Also, they warn people not to get too close to the ice. There is a small stream running under the ice and most years the property owners find a random boot or sneaker that someone had lost trying to get too close to the ice.
Heather explains the ice formation is constantly growing, melting and changing. This can create danger near the ice. As the ice melts, chunks can fall from the top of the tripod and fall 15 feet. Heather said they get questions about the color of the ice. They do nothing to the ice. It is just fresh spring water, but sometimes the ice looks very blue, while other times it is a cloudy white. The constantly changing nature of the ice formation is what makes it interesting to watch throughout the winter. People passing by the ice right now will be disappointed that the little bit of ice that grew in December has all melted. With colder weather expected soon, the ice formation will begin to grow. There are recently made Instagram (Barnum_ Ice) and Facebook pages (Barnum Road Ice) for others to follow to see uploaded pictures. Others are encouraged to share their photos with others with the hashtags #BarnumRoadIce or #BarnumIce
and nursing aides at Olean General and your reduction of skilled and experienced nursing workforce in Bradford,” SOH states to Kaleida. “If the nursing division had retained the clinical staff it had last November, the facility would be in a much better position to be able to accommodate the taxing strain on them at present. “You are literally spending hundreds of thousands of dollars for agency nurses for what would have been a fraction of the cost to retain clinical staff.” The group said the integration plan “quickly revealed a critical underlying weakness — the reliance on a tertiary care facility such as Olean where, truth be told, is probably in worse shape than Bradford. From the outset, it’s been clear that Olean was shortstaffed and struggling to care for its own residents — let alone Bradford’s.” Citing McKean County’s high population of poor, older and sick residents, SOH notes that the county ranks in the bottom 25% for health outcomes in the state of Pennsylvania. “In truth, we needed more care,” the group states to Kaleida. “You gave us less.” The group said it wants Kaleida to “fix what’s wrong, or let our hospital go to explore affiliation with a healthcare system that will treat us the way we deserve to be treated. We know there have been other offers and we want to be free to explore them.” Also discussed at the meeting was the group’s hope of returning some intensive care beds to Bradford, and possibly some same-day surgery procedures. Medical management and transportation were also discussed. Wilder said Kaleida officials appeared open to the possibility of attending a town hall meeting in Bradford early next yea
r.
McKean Co. commissioners approve final 2022 budget The McKean County Commissioners approved the final 2022 budget with no tax increase art their meeting on Dec. 28. The current property tax millage rate remained at $12.25. The commissioners also approved a slate of meeting dates for the new year, with meetings remaining on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at 10 a.m. It was noted that Anne Bosworth, recorder of deeds for the county, is retiring after 42 years of service. A series of appointments were made as well. Rick Fry, the county planning director, was appointed to the McKean County Industrial Development board for a five-year term from Jan. 1, 2022 to Dec. 31, 2027. Dan Glotz, director of planning and zoning for Warren County, was appointed to the Bradford Regional Airport Authority for a five-year term, as was McKean County commissioner Cliff Lane. Kane Borough Manager
Don Payne and Rob Dickinson of Smethport were each appointed to four-year terms on the county planning commission. Also at the meeting, the commissioners approved the local match for the Area Transportation Authority’s operations in the amount of $96,660 for fiscal year 202223. That amounts to $24,165 per quarter. Also approved was the Local Economic Revitalization Tax Abatement — LERTA — for five years for the City of Bradford for deteriorated property. The first year will be a full tax abatement, the second year, 80%, the third year, 60%, the fourth year, 40%, the fifth year, 20%. After that, the exemption terminates. The commissioners will hold a special meeting at 10 a.m. Thursday to consider projects for 2022, and consider other business as necessary. A reorganizational meeting will be held at 10 a.m. on Jan. 3.
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County Seeks Volunteers For PCHS Advisory Boards Potter County Human Services (PCHS) offers opportunities for public input on its many programs through dedicated advisory boards. Clients and their family members or caregivers, as well as community representatives, are encouraged to participate. All board meetings are open to the public. PCHS operates programs for victims of alcoholism and other drug abuse, older citizens, the mentally ill, children who are at risk, the intellectually disabled and those who are homeless or otherwise disadvantaged. Volunteer advisory board members are appointed by the Potter County Board of Commissioners. Anyone interested in being considered for appointment to any of the boards should contact the Commissioners Office at 274-8290, extension 207. One group of volunteers holds quarterly meetings to provide input on operations of PCHS. Directors of the county agency depend on the Potter County Human Services Advisory Board in determining program priorities and other issues. An Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs Advisory Board serves in a consulting
role to PCHS in the delivery of prevention and treatment programs. The field has been changing dramatically in recent times with a growing methamphetamine epidemic, the abuse of prescription drugs, and heroin addiction. At the same time, misinformation that diminishes the potential negative effects of marijuana use has rapidly spread as part of policy debates over issues such as legalization and medical applications. Alcohol abuse and tobacco addiction also take a toll among county residents. Next year’s AOTD meetings will be held by conference call at noon on the second Friday of each month. To participate, call PCHS at 814-544-7315 for dial-in instructions. An Area Agency on Aging Advisory Board offers input to administrators of programs and services for older county residents, ranging from senior centers and home-delivered meals to in-home care and assistance with Medicare. Board meetings are held by conference call and scheduled for 10 am on Jan. 11, March 8, May 10, July 12, Sept. 13 and Nov. 8. To participate, call PCHS at 814-544-7315 for dial-in instructions.
Smethport man killed in accident TURTLEPOINT — A McKean County man was fatally injured in a one-vehicle accident the evening of Dec. 24. Pennsylvania State Police reported Saturday that a vehicle operated by David L. Shick, 78, of Smethport, was driving at 11:37 p.m. Dec. 24 on Champlin Hill Road in Annin Township, when he lost control, presumably due to icy conditions.
The vehicle reportedly crossed the westbound lane and west berm before leaving the roadway, traveling approximately 116 feet before striking a tree. Troopers said the vehicle then traveled 29 feet before striking a second tree, coming to rest about 20 feet off the westbound shoulder. A passenger, Linda R. Shick, 76, of Smethport, was reportedly not injured.
Kinzua Bridge State Park plans upcoming programs MOUNT JEWETT — the weather and meet in the overflow parking lot near Join the park naturalist on an enjoyable hike on the General Kane Trail for the First Day Hike at noon on Jan. 1, 2022. Dress for the weather and meet in the overflow parking lot near the trailhead. Please wear an orange vest and hat as part of the trail is open to hunting. The Kinzua Bridge State Park is hosting a Tree Identification Hike at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 9, 2022. This is a walk along the General Kane Trail to File photo identify a variety of trees along the way. Dress for Kinzua Brigde State Park S y Walk
the trailhead. Join staff of the Kinzua Bridge State Park for a Winter Day Walk at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 15, 2022. This is a short walk around the main park area to take in the beautiful scenery. Dress for the weather and meet in front of the visitor center. For more information, please contact Kinzua Bridge State Park Complex Office at (814) 778-5467 or email us at kinzuabridgesp@pa.gov. Visit DCNR’s website directly at www. dcnr.pa.gov.
While the draft assessment of the project stated that emissions from the flights would be below the “insignificance indicator of 250 tons per year,” there still will be pollutants, Calvert stated. “Consideration should be given to limiting flight operations to the extent possible in order to limit or reduce actual emissions in the area.” The assessment stated that fuel dumping or venting is not a component of training and is unlikely to occur, Calvert stated that such events could negatively impact residents, and pristine forests and waters. The visual impact, he stated, would not be in infrastructure development, but rather in the presence of low-flying military aircraft. He requested a more detailed analysis in the final environmental assessment. The alliance requested clarification on whether the low-fly zone would be used concurrently with the regular military operations area, which is at higher altitudes. The group also asked to further limit the number of days of activation below the 170 in the proposal, and to make Saturday operations “non-typical.” Calvert stated that
documents on the Duke Low MOA website discuss other expected users of the low-fly zone, including New Jersey Air National Guard, the Pennsylvania National Guard and District of Columbia Air National Guard. “This is a significant increase in the amount of time in airspace” over the current Duke MOA, he wrote. “Consideration should be given to limiting this amount of time in airspace to mitigate the effects from aircraft operations.” The group suggested that the alternatives that were dismissed in the draft assessment should be reconsidered to see if they provide a “better fit for the proposed training operations.” Calvert explained that the alliance “greatly values the PA Wilds and its communities,” and requested mitigation measures “focused on reducing the effects of proposed operations be evaluated and implemented to the greatest extent possible in order to preserve this unique and unmatched area of Pennsylvania.” The comment period for the Duke Low MOA proposal ends Friday.
Trail Group continued from 1 an environmental assessment on the proposal, finding a low-fly zone would have no significant impact. The proposal is for flights between 100 feet above ground to 7,999 feet, two hours a day with no more than six total aircraft, 170 days a year including weekends. Nighttime operations would be at above 1,000 feet. Flights would normally be between 10 a.m. and noon, and between 2 and 4 p.m. The majority of the flight time would be at higher altitudes, with 10 minutes or less below 1,000 feet, reads information from the ANG. Much of training would involve A-10 Thunderbolt II jet pilots practicing maneuvers to give close air support to U.S. ground forces, a mission that can bring the A-10, nicknamed the “Warthog,” down to treetop level. The alliance’s flagship event is the Eastern States
100, a 103-mile, single-loop trail foot race held in mid August through the PA Wilds. The race has an international draw, bringing in participants from Japan, Canada, Peru, Great Britain, Spain and Mexico for the event “which has a reputation as being one of the most challenging ultramarathons in the world.” Part of the attraction is the serenity, rural character and natural beauty of the region, read a letter from Jeffrey Calvert, president of the association. Based on information on the Duke Low MOA website, Calvert identified a host of issues where the association believes there would be significant impacts — air quality, fuel venting/dumping, visual effects, parameters of operation, usage, noise, and cumulative effects. The most concerning, Calvert wrote, was the noise. “Predicted noise impacts associated with individual flights in the Duke Low MOA are undeniable,” he wrote. The quiet, rural life shouldn’t be disturbed, Calvert said, suggesting mitigation measures be explored to reduce noise impacts.
Surveying Lymantria dispar Egg Masses – Why Bother? BY ABBY JAMISON FOREST STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM ASSOCIATE, CENTER FOR PRIVATE FORESTS AT PENN STATE
UNIVERSITY PARK — Over the past few years, it seems as though insects went mainstream. In spring of 2020, nightly news shows “buzzed” about the arrival of the Asian giant “murder” hornet (Vespa mandarinia). Then, again, in spring and summer of 2021, news abounded regarding the Brood X periodical cicadas (Magicicada spp.). But in the world of Pennsylvania forest health, this year’s spotlight – and for years to come – is shining on Lymantria dispar (“gypsy moth”)*. L. dispar is an invasive insect know for impacting forests via its feeding pattern: it eats the leaves of trees and shrubs, thus defoliating them. In 2021, high populations of L. dispar were observed across various regions of the state. Knowing this, natural resource professionals and landowners are preparing for a cycle of infestation and for monitoring and mitigation where necessary. Key to these efforts is an assessment of the current conditions of a given forest as well as the expected upcoming population densities in that forest, both of which can be achieved via egg mass surveys conducted during the early winter months. Naturally, questions of what and why may come to the surface here: why does it matter that we know where and how large the next population of moths is going to be and what does current forest condition have to do with it? To answer this, we
must consider the nature of L. dispar outbreaks and what that means for our forests. L. dispar is present in Pennsylvania each year – every spring, a population hatches from egg masses, feeds on leaves as a caterpillar, pupates, and emerges as adults to mate, lay eggs, and die. Concern for forest
vigor, decline in seed or acorn production, increased vulnerability to other pests and diseases, crown dieback and epicormic sprouting from branches or trunks, and potential for mortality. Consequently, timber volume, value, and wildlife habitat capacity are often reduced. These impacts are
hamper forest health and productivity for years to come, particularly those forests already under stress from other factors. So why does counting L. dispar egg masses and observing current forest conditions matter? Because if we care about the health and productivity of a resource that
Photo by John Ghent, Bugwood.org health arises when, from one year to the next, the size of that population significantly increases relative to “normal.” In Pennsylvania, L. dispar populations go through cycles of low and high density, wherein outbreaks occur every 5-10 years. These outbreaks consist of several years of high population densities, before declining again, and the cycle starts over. During these concurrent years of high L. dispar density, trees are repeatedly defoliated. This recurring stress can lead to various forest health concerns, like decline in tree
magnified in forests that are already experiencing stress, like those that are heavily browsed by deer or have poor soil quality or are simply old and in decline. Studies in New Hampshire found that stressed forest stands that have experienced a typical outbreak cycle – wherein annual growth declines each year of the outbreak – can take up to 7-8 years longer to recover to “normal” growth rates than healthy, resilient forest stands. Essentially, high densities of L. dispar place our forests at risk for significant damage and can
sustains us (a.k.a. forests), then we need to understand how intense the impact of L. dispar will be such that we can assess that risk and make decisions about proper mitigation strategies. Beyond that, the most effective mitigation for large scale, closed canopy forests is the aerial spraying of insecticides, which, in terms of costs, may not be worthwhile where population densities/potential impact are low; therefore, knowing how many L. dispar are likely to impact your land and surrounding area and assessing how well your
forest could sustain such an impact is vital to determining the efficacy of such a larger scale activity. Recently, Penn State Extension developed a Guide to Gypsy Moth Egg Mass Surveying, utilizing protocols followed by the PA DCNR Bureau of Forestry Division of Forest Health. This guide employs a step-by-step process for counting and calculating egg mass density within a forest or parcel and provides guidance for decision making. This process involves taking a number of sample plots, dependent on the size of your property. These plots are circular, with a fixed radius, and all trees (and other objects, like rocks or fallen limbs) that fall within that radius will be surveyed for egg masses. Calculations are then necessary to estimate how many egg masses are present per acre and to account for how many masses are from prior years. With a final average of egg masses per acre, you can compare your count to thresholds of egg masses/ acre developed by natural resource managers to help determine the necessity of aerial spray applications. For more details regarding this survey process and to plan for taking your own survey, check out the comprehensive guide and video. As you are conducting your L. dispar survey, take notes about the composition and condition of the trees in your plot and make some observations of your forest at large. Is there a large component of oak species in your plots or woods? Oaks are a preferred host of L. dispar (among many favorable hardwoods and conifer hosts); therefore,
the more oak present on the property, the greater the anticipated defoliation and damage. Do the tree crowns seem to be in good quality or are they thin, with large areas of dead branches or patchiness in foliage (note: this is harder to determine when leaves have fallen)? Have there been other kinds of stress that have impacted your forest’s structure and function, like droughts or flooding, disease or other insect infestations, or decreased regeneration potential due to invasive plants or deer browse? The greater the prevalence of current stressors, the higher the risk of damage to the forest by L. dispar. When was the last time the forest was harvested and what kind of harvest was conducted? What is the species, form, size, and quality of the trees that were left behind? The more recent and intense a timber harvest was, the greater the stress the forest is currently under, and the more susceptible it is to damage. Remember that as you assess your forest and prepare to make decisions, there are natural resource professionals prepared to help. The Pennsylvania Forest Stewardship Program provides publications on a variety of topics related to woodland management. For a list of publications, call 800-235-9473 (toll free), send an email to PrivateForests@psu.edu, or write to Forest Stewardship Program, The Pennsylvania State University, 416 Forest Resources Building, University Park, PA 16802.