With sadness, I pass along news of the death of Dr. Michael McManus yesterday. Mike was a research scientist with the US Forest Service in Hamden, Connecticut for his entire career, beginning in 1966 and including his status as an active emeritus scientist up to the present. During his career with the US Forest Service, most of Mike’s research focused on Lymantria dispar, its dispersal behavior, ecology, host-pathogen interactions, and management. He played a crucial role both as a research manager and in conceiving several large integrated management programs that targeted this insect.  During the last 35 years he was the main organizer of the USDA Interagency Forum on Invasive Species which is held every year in Annapolis, Maryland. Right up until the time of his death, Mike was actively involved in planning the program for the upcoming meeting in January 2024.

Mike was also very active in IUFRO and other international activities. He founded working party 7.03.06 “Integrated Management of Forest Defoliating Insects” and led this group for over 10 years. During that period, he was a crucial player in the organization of several conferences in North America and Europe. In 2010 Mike was presented the George Varley Award for Achievement in Forest Entomology recognizing him for his many career achievements.

I know that many of you were acquaintances or friends with Mike. As in my case, Mike was very helpful in the careers of many individuals and building connections among scientists, especially those in different countries. Currently we don’t have any information about a memorial gathering but if you wish information on contacting his wife Kathy to express your condolences, please contact me and I can pass along that information.

-Sandy Liebhold