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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#1F497D"><img width="83" height="119" style="width:.8645in;height:1.2395in" id="Picture_x0020_782" src="cid:image001.png@01D8B638.A0816CD0" alt="DEM-logo-small"></span><span style="color:#1F497D"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:18.0pt;font-family:"Impact",sans-serif;color:#00457A">Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#00457A">235 Promenade Street | Providence, RI 02908 | 401.222.4700 |</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0070C0">
</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><a href="http://www.dem.ri.gov"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">www.dem.ri.gov</span></a></span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0070C0">
</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#00457A">| @RhodeIslandDEM</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#1F497D"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0070C0"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">CONTACT:</span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">
<b>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">Jay Wegimont, DEM: 401-302-8316 Monday, Aug. 22, 2022<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><a href="mailto:Jay.Wegimont@dem.ri.gov"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">Jay.Wegimont@dem.ri.gov</span></a><u><span style="color:#0066FF"><o:p></o:p></span></u></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:18.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><span style="font-size:18.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">SPOTTED LANTERNFLY, AN INVASIVE PEST TARGETING PLANTS AND TREES,
<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><span style="font-size:18.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">DETECTED FOR THE FIRST TIME THIS YEAR IN RHODE ISLAND<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><span style="font-size:18.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype id="_x0000_t75" coordsize="21600,21600" o:spt="75" o:preferrelative="t" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" filled="f" stroked="f">
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</v:shapetype><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_2" o:spid="_x0000_s1027" type="#_x0000_t75" style='position:absolute;margin-left:203.9pt;margin-top:256.05pt;width:255.1pt;height:340.25pt;z-index:251660288;visibility:visible;mso-wrap-style:square;mso-width-percent:0;mso-height-percent:0;mso-wrap-distance-left:9pt;mso-wrap-distance-top:0;mso-wrap-distance-right:9pt;mso-wrap-distance-bottom:0;mso-position-horizontal:right;mso-position-horizontal-relative:margin;mso-position-vertical:absolute;mso-position-vertical-relative:margin;mso-width-percent:0;mso-height-percent:0;mso-width-relative:margin;mso-height-relative:margin'>
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</v:shape><![endif]--><![if !vml]><img width="340" height="454" style="width:3.5416in;height:4.7291in" src="cid:image007.jpg@01D8B6C4.4B9F0E70" align="right" hspace="12" v:shapes="Picture_x0020_2"><![endif]><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">PROVIDENCE,
RI – The Department of Environmental Management (DEM) announces that the spotted lanternfly (SLF), an exotic pest that targets various plants and trees, has a detected population for the first time in Rhode Island. Native to Asia, SLF is most frequently associated
with Tree of Heaven plants (<i>Ailanthus altissima</i>) and feeds on a wide range of agricultural crops such as grape, apple, and hops and several native species of plants and trees including maple, walnut, and willow.
<span style="letter-spacing:.25pt"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">Patches of SLF that were found along Route 7 in Smithfield indicate this is Rhode Island’s first find of a population of SLF. This was confirmed by US Department of Agriculture
(USDA) last week. DEM is currently continuing to survey the area to get an idea of the extent of its spread. Additionally, DEM, USDA, and the University of Rhode Island (URI) are working on management options to minimize its spread. DEM’s Division of Agriculture
and Forest Environment (DAFE) confirmed the sighting on Aug. 19 and is asking the public to report any suspected sightings at</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">
<a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://ridem.wufoo.com/forms/spotted-lanternfly-sighting-report-form/__;!!KKphUJtCzQ!IyZqsB_c1CKdEe2epx4JC2GoQgcUgHklHjnWuyZILxVSyPk1RebvjPMqx9ed-MZ6dtb-OTegtUcgYnAnRDcZAk7Px_6OJge14Hew$">
<span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">www.dem.ri.gov/reportspottedlanternfly</span> [ridem.wufoo.com]</a></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">. DEM will be conducting an extensive survey of the area based on
USDA recommendations to determine if there is any further presence of the invasive insect and will be providing outreach materials to businesses in the area.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">“In Rhode Island, we have about 69,000 acres of agricultural lands with many of those lands at risk of being infested with SLF including vineyards, orchards, berry crops,
and nursery stock,” said Senior Environmental Planner Cynthia Kwolek . “It’s critical that we take the necessary steps to detect and stop the spread of this invasive pest, particularly since it has now been found in our state.”
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">DEM and URI<span style="color:black"> conducted a statewide SLF survey in 2021 of local vineyards and areas with large populations of Tree
of Heaven plants. Also in 2021, DEM and URI held a series of public workshops to help municipalities, the grower industry, and residents prepare for and respond to this pest, should it be detected in the state.
<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">Along with spotted patterning, the adult SLF has scarlet underwings, yellow markings on the abdomen, and tan semi-transparent forewings. Adult lanternflies are about
an inch long and are active from August until the first hard freeze, which typically occurs around late October into November.
</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;letter-spacing:.25pt"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">Although SLF can fly distances on its own, it is an excellent hitchhiker and mainly spreads through human movement. Its inconspicuous egg masses can be laid on pallets,
vehicles, and other goods, so it is important to inspect shipping materials and adhere to travel restrictions when moving through areas that are under quarantine for SLF. The following tips can help stop the spread of SLF:
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<ul style="margin-top:0in" type="circle">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:115%;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">Inspect firewood, vehicles, outdoor furniture, and camping gear for egg masses, nymphs, and adults.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:115%;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">If you visit states with SLF, check all your gear and equipment before leaving and scrape off any egg
masses.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:115%;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">Take a photo, squash the insect, and make a report to DEM’s agricultural pest alerts website.
</span><span style="letter-spacing:.25pt"><o:p></o:p></span></li></ul>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">SLF was first detected in Pennsylvania in 2014 and has quickly spread through surrounding states. An invasive plant-hopper that is currently infesting parts of the mid-Atlantic
region of the United States, SLF has established populations in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, Indiana, Ohio, and recently Michigan with finds of populations also in New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. In Pennsylvania, where
the pest has been spreading for over six years, there has been significant yield loss in vineyards and the insect has become a public nuisance.
</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">To learn more about SLF, visit
<a href="http://www.dem.ri.gov/programs/agriculture/pests-spotted-lanternfly.php">
<span style="color:#0066FF">DEM’s Agricultural Pest Alerts website</span></a><span style="color:#0066FF">
</span>or<span style="color:#0066FF"> </span><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://web.uri.edu/biocontrol/spotted-lanternfly/__;!!KKphUJtCzQ!IyZqsB_c1CKdEe2epx4JC2GoQgcUgHklHjnWuyZILxVSyPk1RebvjPMqx9ed-MZ6dtb-OTegtUcgYnAnRDcZAk7Px_6OJmgtFJ7n$"><span style="color:#0066FF">the URI website.</span> [web.uri.edu]</a> To report a potential finding, please visit:
<a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://ridem.wufoo.com/forms/spotted-lanternfly-sighting-report-form/__;!!KKphUJtCzQ!IyZqsB_c1CKdEe2epx4JC2GoQgcUgHklHjnWuyZILxVSyPk1RebvjPMqx9ed-MZ6dtb-OTegtUcgYnAnRDcZAk7Px_6OJge14Hew$">
<span style="color:#0066FF">www.dem.ri.gov/reportspottedlanternfly</span> [ridem.wufoo.com]</a><u><span style="color:#0066FF">.</span></u><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;letter-spacing:.25pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">For more information on DEM programs and initiatives, visit
<b><u><a href="http://www.dem.ri.gov/"><span style="color:#0066FF;font-weight:normal">www.dem.ri.gov</span></a></u></b>. Follow
<b><u><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.facebook.com/RhodeIslandDEM__;!!KKphUJtCzQ!IyZqsB_c1CKdEe2epx4JC2GoQgcUgHklHjnWuyZILxVSyPk1RebvjPMqx9ed-MZ6dtb-OTegtUcgYnAnRDcZAk7Px_6OJgv5hROP$"><span style="color:#0066FF;font-weight:normal">DEM on Facebook</span> [facebook.com]</a></u></b>, Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM), or Instagram (@rhodeisland.dem) for timely updates.</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#0078FF">Jay G. Wegimont | Programming Services Officer<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#212121">Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management</span><span style="color:#212121"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#212121">235 Promenade Street, Providence RI 02908</span><span style="color:#212121"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#212121">401-222-4700, X277-2402</span><span style="color:#212121"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#212121">Email: </span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#0066FF"><a href="mailto:jay.wegimont@dem.ri.gov"><span style="color:#0066FF">jay.wegimont@dem.ri.gov</span></a></span><span style="color:#212121"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#212121">Web:</span><a href="http://%20www.dem.ri.gov/">
<span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">www.dem.ri.gov</span></a><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#212121">Facebook/Twitter:
</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">@RhodeIslandDEM</span><o:p></o:p></p>
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