Back


Woodbridge News

Print this Page

August 26, 2004

New USDA Rules in Place for Cutting Trees, Disposing of Branches and Wood

Mayor Frank G. Pelzman has announced that U.S. Department of Agriculture rules regarding disposal of trees and branches will continue to be in place for a section of northern Woodbridge Township.

The rules are part of a USDA tree-cutting quarantine imposed last week to stop the spread of the Asian Longhorned Beetle in Middlesex, Union and Hudson counties. The quarantine restricts the movement of firewood, green lumber, nursery stock or fallen-off logs half an inch or more in diameter.

“According to the latest word we have received from the USDA,” said Mayor Pelzman, “the quarantine area in Woodbridge has been isolated to the area bounded by the New Jersey Transit tracks on the west, Conrail tracks on the south, Randolph Avenue on the north, Port Reading Avenue and the Carteret Boro border on the east.”

The Asian Longhorned Beetle is about 1 inch long and is shiny black with white spots. It has two antennae slightly longer than the size of its body. The beetles have wings and can fly, though only for short distances because of their size and weight. While breeding their young, the beetles destroy the nutrient system of the host trees.

Residents who believe they have seen the beetle or notice a tree that may be infested should call the USDA Asian Longhorned Beetle hotline at 1-866-233-8531.

An inspection team is then dispatched to the location to verify whether the presence of the beetle. Residents must not cut the tree down or remove any branches.

Small orange dots are painted on trees that have been examined by the inspection team. These dots indicate only that the tree has been inspected; they are not a sign of infestation or that the tree will have to be removed.

Signs of Asian Longhorned Beetle infestation include:

‑ Large round holes anywhere on the tree, including branches, trunk and exposed roots
‑ Oval or rounded, darkened wounds in the bark
‑ Large piles of coarse sawdust around the base of trees or where branches meet the main stem

Mayor Pelzman said notice of these emergency restrictions has been issued via the Township’s Reverse 911 calling system, WTT-35/36 television channels, the Township web site and Woodbridge Works newsletter. “We want residents to be aware of the problem and watchful as the autumn months progress,” he said. “The restrictions will be in force until the Department of Agriculture determines the infestation is eradicated from our area.”

In addition, said Mayor Pelzman, the USDA has promised to replace each tree removed with a new tree. “We would rather let nature take its course in matters of local ecology,” he said, “but we are pleased the government is prepared to assume a lead role in maintaining our precious fund of healthy trees.”

For more information call the USDAAsian Longhorned Beetle hotline at 1-866-233-8531.