Survey protocol for the Valley Elderberry Longhorn Beetle (VELB).

Federal funds will be made available in fiscal year 2014 to develop a refined survey protocol for the valley elderberry longhorn beetle (VELB). Proposals will be considered that develop a survey protocol that will 1) improve detection probability of VELB, 2) provide a survey protocol that will determine the probability of detection (allow for a statistical determination of whether VELB is present or absent at any particular location), 3) can distinguish between VELB and the closely related California elderberry longhorn beetle, and 4) can be applied to future studies of the range-wide status and distribution of VELB. For survey methods that result in mortality of VELB the amount and geographic extent of mortality must be quantified. Applicants with expertise in innovative technologies such as synthetic pheromones are particularly encouraged to apply.