The GSOB attacks and kills coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia), canyon live oak (Q. chrysolepis), and California black oak, (Q. kelloggii) and is currently playing a major role in oak mortality in southern California. Infestation and mortality is currently centered around the southern California communities of Descanso, Pine Valley, and Julian. The USFS has also recently confirmed the presence of GSOB in Clairemont and La Jolla. See more information here.
Do Not Move Firewood – Transporting firewood can introduce new insects and pathogens to and from our native forests. Help stop the spread of this devastating pest! The recent movement of GSOB into La Jolla and Clairemont (and perhaps the overall presence of the pest in the County) can be seen as a further demonstration of the need to not move fire wood from the eastern portions of the county. See don’t move firewood.org for more info
Early Warning System Now In Place – With over a million acres of oaks in southern California, it is difficult for agencies to monitor all woodlands for new areas of infestation. The UC system is asking woodland owners to help monitor the condition of oaks in their areas and report new cases of oak mortality. The Early Warning System has many levels of involvement, from on-line reports to volunteering to monitor a survey area for declining oaks. For more information on how you can help with GSOB, visit the UC website.