By Scout Nelson
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has confirmed the presence of emerald ash borer (EAB) in Itasca County for the first time. With this confirmation, a total of 59 Minnesota counties are now known to have EAB infestations.
The discovery came after a homeowner near Pokegama Lake, south of Grand Rapids, noticed signs of an infestation. A specialist from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources visited the site and confirmed the presence of EAB larvae.
Emerald ash borer is a destructive insect that damages ash trees by tunneling under the bark. The larvae feed on the tree’s nutrient-transport system, eventually killing it. Signs of infestation include bark splits, S-shaped tunnels, and increased woodpecker activity, as these birds feed on the larvae.
Since this is the first confirmed case in Itasca County, the MDA has placed an emergency quarantine on the southeastern portion of the county. This quarantine restricts the movement of ash wood, logs, and firewood from the affected area to prevent the pest from spreading further.
The public is invited to learn more and provide input through a virtual informational meeting:
Emerald Ash Borer Virtual Informational Meeting
Date: Tuesday, July 29, 2024
Time: 10:00-11:00 a.m.
Register at: www.mda.state.mn.us/emerald-ash-borer-quarantine
The MDA is also collecting comments on a proposed formal quarantine for Itasca County, open until September 5, 2025. The final decision will be announced on September 8, 2025.
For more details, maps, and updates on EAB, visit the MDA’s official website at www.mda.state.mn.us/eab.
Photo Credit: istock-moneycue-canada
Categories: Minnesota, General