By Scout Nelson
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has confirmed the presence of emerald ash borer (EAB) in Jackson County for the first time, bringing the total number of counties affected by EAB in the state to 53. Additionally, EAB has been found in a new location within Lake County, leading to an expansion of the existing quarantine area.
In Jackson County, the discovery was made by a Soil and Water Conservation District employee who found an adult EAB in the city of Jackson and reported it through the MDA’s "Report a Pest" service. In Lake County, a forester with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources spotted signs of unhealthy ash trees in Silver Bay. Upon inspection, EAB larvae and adults were confirmed.
Emerald ash borer was first detected in Minnesota in 2009. The larvae damage and kill ash trees by tunneling beneath the bark, disrupting the tree’s nutrient transport system. Infested trees often exhibit signs such as woodpecker damage, as the birds feed on the larvae, and the bark may split to reveal the insect's characteristic S-shaped tunnels.
With the confirmation of EAB in Jackson County, the MDA has implemented an emergency quarantine, restricting the movement of ash wood and firewood out of the area to prevent further spread. In Lake County, where EAB has spread beyond the original quarantine zone, the quarantine area has been expanded to include southern townships (refer to the MDA map for details).
The quarantines help limit the movement of materials that could carry EAB, reducing the risk of spreading the insect to new areas.
To inform residents and tree care professionals in Jackson and Lake counties, the MDA will host a virtual informational meeting on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, from 10–11 a.m. Experts will present information on EAB and answer questions during the session.
Emerald ash borer poses a serious threat to ash trees, and the MDA’s ongoing efforts aim to slow its spread and protect Minnesota’s forests.
Photo Credit:stock-moneycue-canada
Categories: Minnesota, General