Shenandoah National Park employee recognized for work to save eastern hemlock trees

A Shenandoah National Park employee was honored last month for his work in the establishment of biocontrols to save eastern hemlock trees.

Dale Meyerhoeffer was the recipient of a Director Award for Excellence in Natural Resource Management

Meyerhoeffer, a biological technician, was one of six recipients in the National Park Service who were recognized for their efforts.

After the death of 95 percent of the park’s hemlocks from the invasive insect hemlock woolly adelgid, Meyerhoeffer, with help from volunteers and park staff, used insecticide treatments to protect more than 30,000 hemlocks.

To reduce the park’s reliance on pesticide treatments, Meyerhoeffer worked with researchers from Virginia Tech to procure and release host-specific, predatory beetles and flies in hopes of controlling the invasive insect.

Meyerhoeffer identified potential release sites, led aspects of National Environmental Policy Act compliance and monitored the populations to evaluate success.

“I was honored to receive this award on behalf of many who made it possible,” said Meyerhoeffer. “It has truly been a team effort which has resulted in excellent beetle establishment and dispersal in the park.”

In 2023, Meyerhoeffer identified excellent beetle survival at several sites, marking a major success toward establishment of the biocontrol insect as a primary tool to save the park’s hemlocks.

This program was initiated through the vision and leadership of retired forest health supervisor Rolf Gubler with monetary support from the Shenandoah National Park Trust.