Study Title:
Roy Mountain WMA, SAP-Ne Demonstration Site (Barnet, VT) 

Case Study Type: Forest type, Forest health
Site Photo:
https://www.uvm.edu/nesl/system/files/webform/new_case_study/97/Main_Site_Photo_Roy%20Mtn.%201.jpg

Lay Summary:
The Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation observed black ash within the site were becoming infested with EAB. Parasitoid releases began in 2025 and continued into 2026. Injections of emamectin benzoate were conducted in 2026 on black ash (male and female) at the site. Both treatments occurred to maintain ash on the landscape at this important WMA. Injected trees will be monitored for canopy health annually and will be re-treated as needed.  

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-------- Site Location -------------------------------------------------------

Location:
Barnet, Vermont

Location Description:
Wildlife management area (state-owned) in Northeastern part of Vermont; near Connecticut River. 

Latitude:
44.280025

Longitude:
-72.141205

Directions:
Take exit 18 for Barnet off Interstate 91. Go west on West Barnet Road for 2.7 miles. Then turn left onto Roy Mountain Road for 2.9 miles and then turn left onto Jewett Brook Road.  

Accessibility:
Site accessible by foot and by vehicle 

Landowner Name:
State of Vermont – Fish and Wildlife Department 

Landowner phone:
+1 802-878-1564

Landowner email: fwinformation@vermont.gov
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-------- Stand Information ---------------------------------------------------

Stand Area with Units:
4 acres

Cover Type:
Northern white cedar swamp

Primary Forest Health Threat:
emerald ash borer

Primary Pests/Disease:
emerald ash borer

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-------- Pre-treatment Conditions --------------------------------------------

Pre-Treatment Forest Health Issues:
Emerald ash borer

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-------- Silviculture Prescription -------------------------------------------

Case Overview:
Black ash species impacted by EAB. In an effort to keep black ash on the landscape, a total of 12 biocontrol releases occurred between 2025-2026, and 15 ash trees were injected with emamectin benzoate (4%) in 2026. Treated trees will be monitored annually and re-treated when appropriate. Establishment of biocontrol parasitoids will be assessed starting in 2027. 

Silviculture Objectives:
Trying to keep ash on the site. 

Landowner Objectives:
Trying to keep ash on the site. 

Silviculture Prescription:
Management objectives are to maintain genetic diversity and to slow the decline and mortality of the black ash on site. Dominant and codominant trees with no more than 30% dieback will be targeted for insecticide treatments. Insecticide treatments will be done using Tree-age G4 emamectin benzoate (4%) insecticide. An ideal ratio of 1:3 male to female trees will be treated to maintain seed production and regeneration on site.  

Factors Influencing Prescription Choice:
- forest health
- species or ecosystem restoration
- invasive species

Equipment used:
ArborJet Quik-Air injection system and plugs 

Tree-Age G4 (4% emamectin benzoate) 

Power drill 

Prescription Notes:
Injections – measured DBH to inject correct amount, drilled corresponding number of holes on or near root flares, installed plugs, injected insecticide. 

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-------- Post-treatment ------------------------------------------------------

Post-Treatment Assessment Expected:
yes

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-------- Miscellaneous -------------------------------------------------------

Future Treatment Plans:
Will follow up with more treatments in 2029 

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-------- Statistics ----------------------------------------------------------

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-------- Contact Information -------------------------------------------------

Primary Contact:
Josh Halman

Contact Organization:
VT Dept. of Forests, Parks and Recreation

Contact Email: Joshua.halman@vermont.gov
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-------- Supplementary Content -----------------------------------------------

Additional files:
- https://www.uvm.edu/nesl/system/files/webform/new_case_study/97/Roy%20Mountain.pdf

Additional Photo 1: https://www.uvm.edu/nesl/system/files/webform/new_case_study/97/Roy%20Mtn.%202.jpg
Additional Photo 2: https://www.uvm.edu/nesl/system/files/webform/new_case_study/97/Roy%20Mtn.%203.jpg