IPM technicians are located across Alaska and work under the supervision of the Extension district agents. Forestry IPM technicians assist owners of woodlots and forested areas and work closely with the Forest service and the Alaska Division of Forestry. Technicians provide applied knowledge from research-based information to help individuals or groups understand pests and choose control options. People receive hands-on training at workshops and learn to recognize pest and beneficial organisms during field classes.
Growers can request training and field scouting assistance from technicians.
Through the technicians' enthusiastic and creative approach, Alaska's IPM program successfully educates people about IPM principles and practices. Surveys have shown that over 90 percent of the approximately 5,000 people who have receive assistance annually through the program choose an IPM approach to their pest problem. Written by Wayne Vandre, state IPM coordinator, University of Alaska. From 1999 Integrated Pest Management in the Western Region.