Forest Health and Invasive Species 

This agenda has been approved for ISA CEU’s 

Hosted by Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments 

and sponsored by a grant from the 

Maryland Department of Natural Resources - Forest Service  

Monday, June 23, 2025 

11:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M.  

Online   

11:00 A.M. - Call to order / Welcome  

Phong Trieu– Principal Environmental Planner, COG 

11:05 A.M. - White Oak Wilt – John Hooven, CCF, Cape Atlantic Conservation District, New Jersey 

John worked with Maryland Forest Service and University of Maryland Extension before becoming the district forester at Cape Atlantic.  The problem with oak decline across the region is not well understood, though many factors are contributing to this serious issue.  Learn more about the issues affecting oaks and why they are in decline. 

12:00 P.M. -  Early Detection / Rapid Response Tree Species – Sara Tangren, NatCap PRISM-COG 

Sara has been with NatCap PRISM since 2021. As part of the Invader Detectives program, she helps regional parks in their efforts to detect potentially invasive species before they become well-established, thus preventing habitat damage and saving tax dollars.  

12:15 P.M. - Lingering Ash Program - Heather Disque, Forest Health Entomologist, Maryland Department of Agriculture 

Heather has been with MDA since 2013. Forest Pest Management uses an Integrated Pest Management approach to control several forest health pests including emerald ash borer, hemlock woolly adelgid, and spongy moth. They also survey for over 20 different potential invasive species.  

12:55 P.M. - Final Thoughts & Adjourn at 1 p.m. 

If you have questions, email Sara Tangren stangren@mwcog.org. 

This workshop is made possible by funding from the United States Environmental Protection Agency under assistance agreement CB96336601 to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources through a Chesapeake Bay Implementation Grant.