By Scout Nelson
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has identified the invasive emerald ash borer (EAB) in Rock County for the first time, increasing the number of affected counties in the state to 51.
The discovery was made by an arborist near Beaver Creek, close to the South Dakota border, and confirmed by federal labs after MDA staff collected larvae samples.
Since its initial detection in Minnesota in 2009, EAB has posed a significant threat to ash trees. The larvae damage these trees by eating the tissues needed for nutrient transportation, often indicated by woodpecker activity and distinctive S-shaped galleries under the bark.
To reduce the spread, the MDA has imposed an emergency quarantine in Rock County, restricting the movement of firewood and ash materials. Similar quarantines are active in other affected areas to minimize the risk of further infestations.
A virtual informational meeting is scheduled for May 8, 2024, from 10 to 11 a.m., allowing residents and tree care professionals to learn about the infestation and provide feedback on the proposed quarantine measures. The MDA plans to finalize the formal quarantine by mid-June, following public input.
To Register for the virtual meeting Click Here. by enacting these measures, the MDA aims to protect local ecosystems and prevent the pest from further damaging the state’s ash tree population.
Photo Credit -moneycue-canada
Categories: Minnesota, Crops