The National Plant Diagnostic Network (NPDN) has developed an educational program for crop consultants, county extension educators, and for those who monitor the health of crops.  These programs provide training for "First Detectors" - people who are trained to have a heightened awareness to the potential for exotic pests or diseases.  Their training sessions and online training modules provide a good resource for people interested in acting as First Detectors.  You can find more information about the program at the Purdue Plant and Pest Diagnostic Laboratory or can jump directly to the NPDN Training Site for First Detectors. 

A new pesticide has been registered for control of Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipenis).  It shows some promise for controling the borer in areas where EAB is already present but the trees are apparently healthy.  More testing will be done to reinforce these findings.  You can find details about this innovation in the press release.

In the wake of introduced speices wreaking havoc in varoiu areas of the country, some states have begun to regulate the movement of firewood.  New York has just issued an emergency regulation to limit the movement of firewood to 50 miles from where it is harvested.  They have a very nice Frequently Asked Questions seciton explaining the rules and the reasoning behind it. 

Wilmette, Illinois has started a very resourceful program to make use of the ash trees being removed from their city due to emerald ash borer infestations.  This was picked up by the Today Show.  You can watch the story at the MSNBC site.