Public Concern About Invasive Tree Killing Insects and Diseases Remains Strong

Poll results indicate most Americans are concerned about non-native forest pests and they support measures to stop their spread

ARLINGTON, Va., Dec. 8, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Most Americans live near trees, and consider them very important to their quality of life. Recent polling by The Nature Conservancy shows that the American public is well aware of invasive forest pests that kill trees, and are willing to take steps to protect trees from this threat. According to the poll, conducted in September, knowledge of the spread of forest pests such as the Asian longhorned beetle and emerald ash borer, and of diseases like sudden oak death and thousand cankers disease, has increased by 13 percent, from 41 percent in 2005 to 54 percent in 2010. When asked about the issue of forest pests in the most general terms, 93 percent of poll respondents expressed concern. This high level of concern has not changed since 2005, despite the changing economic situation.

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/public-concern-about-invasive-tree-killing-insects-and-diseases-remains-strong-111535019.html