WATERTOWN — Elm trees are under threat from a new invasive pest which has entered the region, and in response to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s recent announcement that the elm zigzag sawfly has been confirmed to be present in St. Lawrence County, the St. Lawrence Eastern Lake Ontario Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (SLELO PRISM) will host a free virtual webinar from 1 to 3 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 24.

Presented by representatives from the state Department of Agriculture and Markets, the DEC, and SLELO PRISM staff, the webinar will provide an overview of the elm zigzag sawfly, survey efforts that have occurred, and the next steps including an early detection effort in which partners and community members can join.

SLELO PRISM helps to combat invasive species in several upstate counties, including Oneida, Lewis, Jefferson, Oswego and St. Lawrence counties.

Community members are encouraged to join this webinar as they could play a vital role in early detection efforts, especially in urban areas where elm trees resistant to Dutch Elm Disease may have been planted, the SLELO PRISM announcement said.