Since its establishment in 1957, the St. Lawrence County Soil and Water Conservation District  in New York has been committed to safeguarding environmental resources. The district has evolved to encompass a wide range of initiatives, including forestry management. In 2004, the district assumed responsibility for the management of all county owned forestry land, effectively replacing the traditional forestry department.

This transition has empowered the district to adopt a proactive stance in addressing emerging environmental challenges while supporting private forest landowners. Through this stewardship, the district demonstrates its commitment to preserving natural resources, protecting biodiversity, and fostering environmental awareness among the community. Since the initial detection in the county and faced with the escalating threat of the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) in New York State, the district’s forestry program is leading the charge locally.

The St. Lawrence SWCD has spearheaded multiple projects to monitor Emerald Ash Borer movements across the county. This included establishing trap tree clusters strategically placed around known infected areas to attract EAB to girdled trees. Removal of infected trees helped to reduce EAB populations and minimize the localized impact of the beetle. Collaborating with the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe, the district has provided support with black ash inventories and stand management. This work also included collaborating on research with USDA-APHIS and the US Forest Service, focusing on integrated pest management studies centered on using EAB parasitoids. These biocontrol measures included releasing EAB parasitoids at designated black ash stands and monitoring their establishment. Additionally, the district has conducted extensive inventories of ash species on over 500 miles of roadway and within some urban areas.

In 2022, SWCD embarked on a multi-year project to tackle the looming threat of EAB infestation.

In partnership with the county, SWCD is conducting inventory and removal of ash and hazard trees within county rights-of-way to help limit EAB spread and reduce potential damage to people and property. Last year, St. Lawrence SWCD continued that project, completing work on all towns along the St. Lawrence River.

By concentrating on tree removals and identifying candidates for treatment, the program aims to efficiently utilize resources and safeguard the local ecosystem. These local efforts play an important role in protecting New York’s forests, emphasizing proactive measures to mitigate the impact of EAB infestation. The St. Lawrence County Soil and Water Conservation District continues to address the EAB challenge, with partners and evolving programs aimed at resilience and innovation.  The district continues to focus on conserving natural resources, enhancing public safety, and strengthening community resilience.

To learn more about St. Lawrence SWCD and their array of programs please visit their website.