Maryland’s Emergency Response Plan for Invasive Forest Pests

Revised May 2005

Title
Welcome letter (pdf, 171K)
Introduction
I. Scope and Purpose
II. Authorization
III. Agency Roles and Responsibilities
IV. Members of the Forest and Tree Invasive Species Incident Command System:
  1. Incident Command Group
  2. Planning and Finance Team
  3. Operations Team
  4. Communications Team
V. Notification and Mobilization
VI. Direction and Control
Glossary

IV. MEMBERS OF THE FOREST AND TREE INVASIVE SPECIES INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM

C. Operations Team

  1. Purpose: The Operations Team will implement the “on the ground” management of the invasive species incident. This Team will be responsible for field operations to determine the scope of the infestation, implement management options (including quarantines if necessary), conduct follow up assessments and restore impacted areas. As field operations are implemented, the Team will provide information to the IC, Planning and Finance Team and Communications Team. Members of the Team will receive direction from the IC and work closely with the Planning and Finance Team.

  2. Members:

    1. Maryland Department of Agriculture, Plant Protection and Weed Management, State Survey Entomologist
    2. Maryland Department of Agriculture, Forest Pest Management, State Forest Entomologist
    3. USDA APHIS PPQ: State Plant Health Director (or designee)
    4. Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Maryland Forest Service, Regional Foresters or staff
    5. Adjunct Members may include representatives from:
      1. Maryland Department of Agriculture: Pesticide Regulation Section
      2. Maryland Department of Environment: Permitting
      3. Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
      4. USDA Forest Service
      5. Local county permitting and review agencies
      6. Local, municipal and community groups
      7. Maryland Nursery and Landscape Association
      8. Maryland Arborist Association

  3. Tasks:
    Upon direction from the Incident Commander, will convene and determine the appropriate response action including:

    • Delimit the scope of the infestation
    • Conduct trace-back surveys to determine source of infestation
    • Develop survey methodologies
    • Conduct evaluation surveys
    • Implement management and quarantine options
    • Conduct follow-up surveys
    • Implement restoration efforts
    • Inform Incident Commander of survey results
    • Coordinate with Planning and Finance Team the scope of activities and need for funding and permits