9 & 10 News February 19, 2021 It is an insect that can devastate forests of trees. Invasive species specialist, Robert Miller says, “Hemlock woolly adelgid is a small aphid like insect that uses its long siphoning mouth parts to extract sap from Hemlock trees, ultimately damaging and killing the trees.” Over the last few years, Miller says new discoveries have led to more investigations. “Unfortunately Hemlock woolly adelgid has become established in Allegan, Ottawa, Muskegon, Oceana, and Mason County and we’re working to respond to those infestations,” said Miller. Most recently, they found a case at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. “It was found at the Platte River Campground. So far, just in one tree. Our [vegetation] crew has been doing surveys as recommended by Michigan DNR in a radius around the original location,” said Vince Cavalieri, wildlife biologist for the park.