Invasive shothole borers (ISHB) are beetles that tunnel into trees and introduce a fungal disease (Fusarium dieback) that can cause tree death. Well established in many areas of Southern California and the Central Coast, the beetle-disease complex has killed thousands of trees. It continues to spread, threatening the integrity of California's urban and riparian forests. 

Designed for land managers, arborists, and other professionals whose work includes tree health and/or pest management (as well as anyone seeking an in-depth understanding of the pest-disease complex), the             2023 Invasive Shothole Borers-Fusarium Dieback Symposium will take a deep dive into the current distribution, impacts and risks, best practices in control and management, and practical examples of successful management approaches.

Topics/Speakers include:

• Just the basics and where to learn more - Randall Oliver, Statewide ISHB Communications Coordinator, UC Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program
• Where is it now? Current distribution and potential risks - Hannah Vasilis, ISHB Survey and Trapping Coordinator, UC Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program
• New perspectives on Best Management Practices – Dr. Beatriz Nobua-Behrmann, Urban Forestry and Natural Resources Advisor, University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE)
• Update on the search for alternative controls – Dr. Shannon Lynch, Assistant Professor of Forest Pathology, Department of Environmental Biology, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, and Dr. Akif Eskalen, Professor of Extension in Plant Pathology, University of California, Davis
• The California Invasive Species Advisory Council and its role in ISHB programs - David Pegos, Special Assistant Plant Division, California Department of Food & Agriculture
• Case study – What is possible with CAL Fire Grants? - Henry Herrera, Forester, CAL FIRE
• Case Study – Tribal response - Diego Cordero, Lead Environmental Technician, Santa Ynez Chumash Environmental Office
• A City's Perspective – City of Lakewood – Tim Hunt, Tree and Hardscape Supervisor, City of Lakewood  
• Case study – Replanting & Restoration at UCI - Matt Deines, Senior Planner, Campus Physical & Environmental Planning, UC Irvine
• Case study – Restoration at Big Canyon - Alys Arenas, Restoration Manager, Newport Bay Conservancy
• Case study – Replanting at the Disneyland Resort - Rhonda Wood, Urban Forester, Disneyland Resort

 Registration is required for this symposium. Register in advance at:

https://ucanr.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_iEvMLPZyTG2DTkIGi23Hgg

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. 

CEUs for this symposium have been requested from WCISA and the California DPR.

Optional In-Person Field Event

An optional, 2-hour, in-person field event will follow on Friday, April 14 in Los Angeles County (Whittier Narrows area -exact location and details to be determined). Topics to be reviewed will include ISHB-related trapping, surveying, identification, sampling, and treatment/management. CEUs will be requested. This field event has a separate registration.  Register at https://surveys.ucanr.edu/survey.cfm?surveynumber=40374

Click here for more information or contact Randall Oliver at rdoliver@ucanr.edu.