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Vulnerability and Adaptive Capacity in Response to the Asian Longhorned Beetle Infestation in Worcester, Massachusetts

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Abstract

Invasive species pose a significant threat to communities and ecosystems around the world affecting social, political and ecological conditions. The Asian Longhorned Beetle (ALB) is one such pest that has affected parts of North America, including central Massachusetts. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) felled more than 30,000 trees there as part of an ongoing eradication effort. In this paper, we draw on relational place-making theories to consider multi-scalar social vulnerability, and livelihoods frameworks to assess the social, political, and ecological factors that contributed to vulnerability and responding adaptations in Worcester, MA. Interviews with stakeholders identified vulnerabilities and emerging policy —including a new non-governmental organization— that has increased resilience, despite some institutional weaknesses in the capacities of the local government. Future research will explore ways to institutionalize long-term tree stewardship at the municipal level, and the socio-spatial impacts of emerging policies.

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Notes

  1. We describe in another paper (in progress) the specific dimensions of ALB spread and ecological vulnerabilities of the Worcester region.

  2. Our data do not include Auburn, though it is technically in the quarantine zone.

  3. In a separate article (in progress) we explore the significant environmental history of Worcester’s forests for insights into socio-ecological policy.

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Acknowledgments

Thanks to the editors of Human Ecology and the reviewers for their comments on an earlier version of this paper, as well as those research participants who shared their time and insights. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF) under grant no. SES-0849985 (REU Site) and the Clark University O’Connor’78 Endowment. All findings expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the funders.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of International Development, Community, and Environment, Clark University, Worcester, MA, USA

    Shannon Palmer

  2. Graduate School of Geography, Clark University, Worcester, MA, USA

    Deborah Martin & John Rogan

  3. George Perkins Marsh Institute, Clark University, Worcester, MA, USA

    Verna DeLauer

Authors
  1. Shannon Palmer
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  2. Deborah Martin
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  3. Verna DeLauer
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  4. John Rogan
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Correspondence to Deborah Martin.

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Palmer, S., Martin, D., DeLauer, V. et al. Vulnerability and Adaptive Capacity in Response to the Asian Longhorned Beetle Infestation in Worcester, Massachusetts. Hum Ecol 42, 965–977 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10745-014-9695-z

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