America's trees are under attack. Help us track down the killer beetles!

An important message from the USDA & University of Minnesota Extension

The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) beetle have destroyed millions of trees throughout the United States. The USDA and (Organization) are partnering to ask members of (Organization) to participate in the Volunteer EAB Forest Pest Survey. We need your help to determine if these damaging forest pests are in your community.The EAB  most likely arrived in the United States inside solid wood packing material from Asia. Since their discovery, infestations of EAB have been reported in in 15 states. There could be other undetected infestations in the country as well.

Be an ace beetle detective. Start searching today. You can help us stop the spread of the beetles -- and the devastation to our forests, parks and neighborhoods -- by searching your community for signs of beetles. Just follow these simple steps:

1. Review the EAB-Beetle-Detectives-fact-sheet.pdf to become familiar with the EAB as well as signs of damage. Take the fact sheet for reference when you search.
2. Locate host trees in your search area. The EAB lives in ash trees. Carefully examine each tree for signs of infestation. Take notes on the following:

Area searched.
Types of trees examined.
Descriptions of any beetles or signs of infestation detected.

It is also helpful to take pictures of the insects or damage to your trees. If you observe beetles or signs of infestation, contact your USDA/APHIS State Plant Health Director. Go to http://www.aphis.usda.gov/services/report_pest_disease/report_pest_disease.shtml to find your State Plant Health Director.

3. Report both positive and negative sightings online at BeetleDetectives.com. Negative sightings help confirm that the beetles were not found in your area. Make sure you indicate your organization's name on the online reporting form.

 Help your organization become top-ranked beetle detectives. At BeetleDetectives.com, we will rank participating organizations based on the reports their members submit. If you know other people who would like to help protect our trees, forward this email to them and ask them to report their findings as an individual.

 Thanks in advance for helping protect America's trees!