Why You Should Attend

The potential economic, ecologic and cultural impacts of laurel wilt and its extent are still not well understood by most stakeholders and the public. One of the overarching objectives of this conference is to raise awareness of the magnitude of laurel wilt, demonstrate the significance of early detection and disease control, and impart a sense of urgency to support future research, management, prevention and restoration efforts.

Specific anticipated benefits for diverse stakeholders are:

• By informing those sectors more directly affected by the disease, we will increase public acceptance and support of USDA disease eradication and control efforts.
• Tribe representatives, avocado producers, park employees, and other stakeholders in position to detect, identify and/or respond to the disease will gain understanding on recent improvements of monitoring methods, technology transfer efforts, and landscape-level solutions for the management of the disease. This will enhance early detection and management of the disease, directly protecting the avocado crops, redbay cultural uses, and tree islands within the National Park.
• Researchers and university extension agents will identify information gaps, stakeholder needs, collaboration opportunities and increased advocacy for research on management, prevention, and slowing-the-spread of the disease.