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Who Are The Oregon Forest Pest Detectors?
Oregon Forest Pest Detectors (OFPDs) are volunteers that help prevent the damaging impacts of invasive forest pests by monitoring for and reporting potential infestations.
Volunteers usually already have some baseline knowledge of tree/insect identification and are likely to encounter an infestation as part of their work. Forest Pest Detectors could be:
- Arborists, foresters, and landscape contractors
- Cargo distribution center employees
- Neighborhood tree volunteers
- State park and campground personnel
- OSU Extension volunteers
- Watershed council members
- Others in the restoration community.
The OFPD program currently focuses on detection of the emerald ash borer (EAB), Asian longhorn beetle (ALB), and goldspotted oak borer (GSOB). We have also done past trainings on Asian spongy moth and future pest trainings may be added as warranted.
Why become an OFPD?
First detections of invasive species are most often made by ordinary citizens who happen to notice something peculiar while on the job in an outdoor setting, or even just doing yard work at home. This means that OFPDs are very important in early detection and rapid response of control efforts.
How do I get involved?
The first step is to take the Oregon Forest Pest Detector Online Course. It takes about 90 minutes to complete. The course is free, although a fee is charged if you would like to earn Continuing Education Credits from one of our partner organizations, such as the International Society of Arboriculture or the Oregon Department of Agriculture Pesticide Licensing program.
