Experts with WSU Extension released new guides this fall that help Northwest communities prepare for an invasive, ash tree-killing insect, let wheat farmers calculate the tradeoffs of cutting straw stubble, train for forest stewardship and wildfire risk, and grow organic blueberries.
Emerald Ash Borer and Its Implications for Washington State (EM127)
The emerald ash borer is a destructive insect from eastern Asia that was accidentally introduced in North America. Despite quarantines, it continues to spread and was found in 2022 in northwest Oregon near the Washington border. This publication helps Extension professionals, master gardeners, tree care professionals, and others learn about this insect, potential damage, and mitigation strategies for Washington. Authors include Emily Roberts, Rachel Bomberger, Molly Darr, Joseph Hulbert, Kevin Zobrist, and Jenny Glass.
Managing Emerald Ash Borer in Washington State (FS384)
This related publication, authored by Roberts, Bomberger, Darr, Hulbert, Glass and Zobrist, examines how to identify the emerald ash borer pest and offers the latest management recommendations.
Straw Removal Calculator Guide (PNW728)
Straw removal has become a widespread practice in dryland wheat production in the inland Pacific Northwest. While straw harvest may provide short-run economic benefits, there are also potential hidden costs, including depletion of soil organic carbon and removal of nutrients. This guide aids as a straw removal calculator to assist in grower decisions under various environments and market conditions. Authors are Natalie Sturm, Isaac Madsen, and Clark Neely with WSU’s Department of Crop and Soil Sciences.
2022 Cost Estimates of Establishing and Producing Organic ‘Elliott’ Blueberries in Eastern Washington (TB96E)
Washington produces 46% of all organic blueberries in the U.S. ‘Elliott’ blueberries are a late-season blueberry cultivar grown for the fresh market. This publication aids growers in identifying inputs, costs, and yields typical of well-managed ‘Elliott’ blueberry fields. Authors are Gwen-Alyn Hoheisel, Karina Gallardo, and Suzette Galinato.
2022 Cost Estimates of Producing and Packing Organic ‘Duke’ Blueberries in Eastern Washington (TB28E)
Growers examine the economics of ‘Duke’ blueberry in this updated publication from Extension, to determine if growing is feasible for their operations. Hoheisel, Gallardo, and Galinato authored this guide as well.
Training modules
Threatened and Endangered Wildlife Species in Washington Forests – Forest Stewardship University (OM34)
Authored by WSU Professor and Extension Forester Kevin Zobrist, this training module gives an overview of threatened and endangered wildlife species in Washington forests, along with associated forest practice regulations. It helps landowners understand how to address threatened and endangered species sections of their stewardship plans. Access to the modules is free, but registration is required.
Reducing Wildfire Risk to your Western Washington Home in the Woods (OM33)
In this module, learn about wildfire risks to homes in wooded areas of western Washington and find practical steps that greatly increase a home’s chance of surviving a wildfire. Authored by Oregon State University Extension Forestry agent Lauren Grand and WSU Extension’s Kevin Zobrist.
View more researcher-created guides at the WSU Extension Publications bookstore.