Emerald Ash Borer identified in Duluth

Emerald Ash Borer, the larvae known to kill ash trees, has been discovered on Park Point in Duluth. 

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture found evidence of the insects in four of 35 ash trees sampled on Park Point. 

This marks the first time that the Emerald Ash Borer has been found in St. Louis County. 

Staff from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture came across the insect during part of a three year study. The study is evaluating different methods to find the Emerald Ash Borer, including removing samples from ash trees to peel back the bark and look for signs of the insect. 

Park point was a specific focus for the agency for years, ever since the discovery of the insect in Superior in August of 2013. 

The MDA has issued an emergency state quarantine of Park Point limiting the movement of any items that may harbor the bug, including ash trees and ash tree limbs, as well as all hardwood firewood.  Currently eleven counties in Minnesota are under quarantine to prevent the spread of the Emerald Ash Borer. 

Here are some tips to keep the Emerald Ash Borer from spreading: 

-Don’t transport firewood.  Buy firewood locally from approved vendors and burn it where you buy it. 

-Be aware of the quarantine restrictions.  

-Watch your ash trees for infestation.   Check out this link http://www.mda.state.mn.us/eab and use the “Do I have Emerald Ash Borer?” guide. 

Minnesota is highly susceptible to the destruction caused by the insect.

 The state has around one billion ash trees, the most of any state in the nation.