Issue 1, April 16, 2010

Emerald Ash Borer

The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) has added Ford and Iroquois counties to its emerald ash borer (EAB) quarantine. The expansion became necessary after the discovery of the destructive beetle outside the boundaries of the former quarantine in March. The detection was made in Iroquois County north of Loda at a highway rest area along Interstate 57. The infestation is heavy enough that the borer has probably been at that location for at least five or six years. With native forest nearby, it is likely that the insect has spread outside of the rest area. Infested trees are to be removed from the rest area by mid to late May when the adult beetles are expected to emerge.

Although EAB hasn't been confirmed in Ford County, it was included in the quarantine because it's situated between known infestations in Iroquois County to the east and McLean County to the west. With the addition of Ford and Iroquois, all or parts of 23 counties in northern and central Illinois now are under quarantine. The quarantine is intended to prevent the artificial spread of the beetle through the movement of infested wood and nursery stock.

Specifically, the quarantine prohibits the removal of the following items:

  • The emerald ash borer in any living stage of development.
  • Ash trees of any size.
  • Ash limbs and branches.
  • Any cut, non-coniferous firewood.
  • Bark from ash trees and wood chips larger than one inch from ash trees.
  • Ash logs and lumber with either the bark or the outer one-inch of sapwood, or both, attached.
  • Any item made from or containing the wood of the ash tree that is capable of spreading the emerald ash borer.
  • Any other article, product or means of conveyance determined by the Illinois Department of Agriculture to present a risk of spreading the beetle infestation.

The full quarantine order and detailed information about the EAB program can be accessed on the Internet at www.IllinoisEAB.com.--IDOA news release with modifications and additions by Phil Nixon

Author:
Phil Nixon

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