Step Six: Mobilize

Oak wilt

Because you’ve recruited key players, assigned responsibilities and trained together, your team is already prepared to hit the ground. But depending on the intensity of the threat and the solutions available – their work may not end quickly. And it may change as response efforts transition into recovery, then mitigation and ultimately long-term defense of […]

Step Five: Be ready to move

Photo of Will Rogers (1924) — Wikimedia Commons “Even if you are on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there.” Will Rogers, 1924 The sooner you can mobilize against an impending threat, the more success you’ll have in meeting it. That means paying attention to what’s happening outside your boundaries […]

IPM-Centric Ordinances

Sign at front of City Hall.

Once IPM is adopted as official city policy, it provides a stronger legal foundation for taking actions that some might believe unnecessary. Equally important, it provides a starting point for public engagement long before any pest invasion. Cities that codify IPM Boston MA Portland OR Baltimore MD Savannah GA Even IPM can become polarizing Under […]

FEMA’s position on nature based solutions

The Federal Emergency Management Agency acknowledges that climate change can create and intensify the impact of natural disasters. FEMA Guidance 2023: Flooding, heat, drought, landslides, wildfires and other hazards threaten lives, properties and economies. Because of climate change, these events happen more often with more intensity and more costs. They can overwhelm current public services […]

What’s coming? From where?

Field assessor for invasive species

More than 450 species of non-native forest insects and at least 16 pathogens have been established and detected in the US since 1860.

Invisible enemies

Ash trees after emerald ash borer invasion.

Learn what pests and diseases might be showing up, the damage you could suffer — and how you might respond and recover.