Vermont Black Ash Inventory

Black ash trees are a cultural centerpiece for many native people in northeastern North America, including the Abenaki. Basket-tree harvesters identify and fell the trees, having been trained to identify the specific tree attributes that indicate basket quality black ash. The trees are then processed into splints which can be used for basketry, or a variety of other purposes.

Ecologically, black ash trees play a vital role, including: moderating hydrologic regimes, providing habitat, and contributing to nutrient cycling.

The emerald ash borer (EAB), a beetle native to northeastern Asia, was first detected in Vermont's forests in 2018. The EAB larvae burrow into the tree, and feed on the inner bark and eventually girdle the tree. Black ash trees have shown zero resistance to these infestations.

In anticipation of the effects of Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), this project serves three purposes:

1. Assessing the current status of Vermont’s black ash population, both state-wide and between natural communities.
2. Providing a map of the distribution of black ash, that might offer insight as to how EAB is going to affect these forests.
3. Generating awareness about the ecological and cultural importance of black ash trees.

The more details that users can provide, the more useful the data will be.

A collaborative project managed by Vermont Urban and Community Forestry.

Check out the Heartwood Podcast's recent episode for more information: https://www.ourvermontwoods.org/sites/default/files/podcast/Black_Ash_Final_Edits.mp3 less ↑