Date of Completion
2025
Document Type
Honors College Thesis
Department
College of Arts and Sciences
Thesis Type
Honors College, College of Arts and Science Honors, Environmental Studies Electronic Thesis
First Advisor
Mariano Rodriguez-Cabal
Second Advisor
Alexander Clayton
Third Advisor
Noelia Barrios-Garcia
Keywords
Invasive Species, Emerald Ash Borer, Traditional Ecological Knowledge, Citizen Science, Environmental Studies, Geographic Information Systems
Abstract
This study highlights the critical role of cross-sector collaboration and community-based conservation in managing invasive species, with a focus on the emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis, EAB hearafter) in Vermont. Both the scope and process of my research aims to highlight a key takeaway from my academic journey as an Environmental Studies major, which is that understanding complex ecological issues demands both scientific analysis and social inquiry. Drawing on a comprehensive literature review and Geographic Information System (GIS) analysis, my thesis examines the spread and ecological impacts of EAB across the region. My methodology integrates qualitative interviews with experts in the field to evaluate the effectiveness of various mitigation techniques. These findings are complemented by an in-depth examination of local conservation initiatives and relevant case studies. By integrating these various methods, my research offers a more comprehensive perspective on the effects of EAB and the diverse, location-specific responses it has prompted. Emphasis is placed on the value of coordinated, multi-stakeholder approaches, underscoring how partnerships across public, private, and nonprofit sectors can enhance the efficacy of invasive species management. The study concludes by outlining opportunities to strengthen collaborative frameworks aimed at improving EAB response strategies and broader regional resilience to biological invasions. It also sheds valuable insights into the potential of utilizing holistic research methods that span and connect across disciplines.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 License.
Recommended Citation
Graham, Emma D., "Strategic Cross-Sector Conservation Approaches for Managing Emerald Ash Borer (Agilus planipennis) Invasions in Vermont" (2025). UVM Patrick Leahy Honors College Senior Theses. 694.
https://scholarworks.uvm.edu/hcoltheses/694