Comment from Nancy Stairs

The significance of eastern hemlock as a predominant part of a climax forest environment requires a response. The successful establishment of the HWA predator beetle L. nigrinus and the ability to collect, rather than rear, the beetle, results in a relatively effective method of dispersal into the eastern forest environment. The existence of a second predator beetle, S. coniferarium, also native to North America, should warrant collection and release as well. While much remains to be learned about the specific life cycles, habitats, and interactions and relationships between the 2 predators, this can be observed and documented with releases in eastern forests. While introduced predators can continue to be reared, released and studied, a home-grown option with immediately available collection potential seems to be a significant step forward into retaining the hemlock forests we need.