GEOMAP Tracking Emerald Ash Borers

Illinois State University's Institute for Geospatial Analysis and Mapping (GEOMAP) is helping track the spread of invasive emerald ash borers across Illinois.   Using low tech traps and high tech remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS) technology, GEOMAP faculty members and students are working with state agriculture officials to compile and analyze data on emerald ash borer infestation in the Central Illinois city of Chenoa.

In August 2008, the Illinois Department of Agriculture began using Chenoa as a test site for monitoring the downstate spread of the invasive insect.  Data from insect traps confirmed the presence of the ash borers and aerial photos of the city were taken in the fall of 2008 and spring of 2009.  Agriculture officials then contacted GEOMAP faculty members for assistance in analyzing the color infrared photos to detect possible signs of tree damage from the insects.

In order to better understand the extent of ash borer infestation, GEOMAP student researchers set to work mapping the location of ash trees across the city and hanging more than 60 insect traps.  The trees were also visually inspected for signs of ash borer damage.  Emerald ash borers were found in 75 percent of the traps, with some traps showing signs of heavy infestation. 

Using the trap data and field observations of tree damage, GEOMAP faculty and student researchers are working to compile maps and a database of information that shows the pattern of ash borer infestation in Chenoa.  That data is currently being compared with the aerial photos to provide state agriculture officials with a more complete picture of the infestation.  The Illinois Department of Agriculture and GEOMAP researchers have been providing Chenoa city officials with regular updates on the study's findings.  

"Given that emerald ash borers are spreading across Illinois, it came as no real surprise that they were found in Chenoa," said John Kostelnick, an assistant professor of geography at Illinois State and a GEOMAP associate director.  "By using the insect trap data, ground observations and aerial images, we can help the Illinois Department of Agriculture get a clearer picture of the extent of the infestation and damage.  This has also been a great opportunity for undergraduate student researchers to get hands-on experience working on a project that has important real-world implications. "