Document Type

Honors Thesis

Major

Ecology and Environmental Science

Advisor(s)

John Daigle

Committee Members

François Amar, Robert Northington, Darren Ranco, Abigail Roche, Kate Ruskin

Graduation Year

May 2020

Publication Date

Spring 5-2020

Abstract

The introduction of the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis, in the United States in the early 1990’s, has resulted in a wave of ecological, economic, and cultural impacts that will forever leave a scar in the forests of North America. The primary goal of this project is to highlight the importance of regulating EAB as a pest species and to develop a comprehensive plan to promote education and regulation of EAB to the public. Additionally, this project aims to involve public outreach efforts through the Wabanaki tradition of basketmaking. A communication outreach plan involves utilizing a travel plan from Maine to Michigan to facilitate and bring awareness of EAB and the implications of transporting firewood and impacts to cultural traditions. The exploration of this outreach education program brought to light the complexities of organizing such an ambitious idea with multiple entities. In order to fully implement the project three conditions must be met: first, there must be further collaborative development for the harvesting and processing of ash; second, outside agencies must be willing to fund the processes involved, and; third, the willingness of local Maine and Michigan tribal communities is required for this to be a successful outreach program.

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