A world-famous forest a risk

Emerald ash borer is attacking forests not just in Maryland but across the continent. One example is the Menominee Nation reservation in Wisconsin, which is globally renowned for sustainable forestry practices. Wetlands there host towering, ancient ash trees that pull water out of the soil, maintaining a delicate balance. The emerald ash borer reached the reservation a few years ago, putting these wetlands in peril.

Angela Waupochick, a Menominee member and doctoral student at the University of Wisconsin, is measuring water flow through the ash trees, to predict how the wetlands will change as those trees die. She says the insect poses unique challenges for Native tribes that rely on their forests for food, income, recreation and cultural heritage.

This is the first time my generation will witness the decline of a tree species that is widespread across the forest. I expect this will be devastating for many. I feel particularly unsettled learning our options to protect this culturally and ecologically important heart of our forest are limited. I can only hope this event serves as a wakeup call and incites the membership to fully engage, learn and support management planning. Above all, as a community we collectively raise resiliency in response to a changing climate, as our ancestors had to.

-Angela Waupochick

194-year-old black ash tree, old growth forest, Menominee reservation

“Tree Zero,” likely the first black ash tree on the reservation infested with emerald ash borer

Angela Waupochick monitors water flow at her research site, Menominee reservation