July 29, 2008
EAB found in Oak Park
Oak Park village officials confirmed today that the Emerald Ash Borer was discovered in a tree in the 700 block of North Lombard Avenue.
Posted by Ron Wolford at 7:58 PM | Permalink |
July 29, 2008
EAB in Missouri
State and federal officials are working overtime to determine the extent of an emerald ash borer infestation at Wappapello Lake and to develop a strategy for containing the problem.
The infestation came to light July 23 when U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) scientists discovered seven suspicious beetles on traps at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Greenville Recreation Area in Wayne County. Officials with the USDA confirmed the identity of the insects Friday.
Collin Wamsley, state entomologist with the Missouri Department of Agriculture, said his agency and the Missouri departments of Conservation and Natural Resources are prepared to deal with the infestation. Before proceeding, however, both state and federal agencies need to determine its extent.
"Although it is a disappointment to find the early detection of the emerald ash borer, it is not a surprise," said Wamsley. "We have been preparing for an event like this for some time. Right now, we are doing what we can to determine the location of the emerald ash borer. We hope to have that information soon and begin the next steps in battling this pest."
Wamsley said the first steps will include conducting visual searches for emerald ash borers and placing more traps around the initial detection site. This is under way. The results of these surveys will dictate further actions.
The emerald ash borer is a small, metallic green beetle native to Asia. Its larvae burrow into the bark of ash trees, causing trees to starve and die. While the emerald ash borer does not pose any direct risk to public health, it does threaten Missouri's ash tree populations.
Ash trees make up approximately 3 percent of forests and 14 percent of urban trees in Missouri. Since no ash trees in North America are known to be resistant to the pest, infestations are devastating to these tree species.
Missouri is the ninth state to have a confirmed emerald ash borer infestation. The pest was first found in Michigan in 2002. Since that time, seven other states (Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Maryland, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Virginia) have confirmed infestations. Missouri is the farthest south and west of any other known emerald ash borer infestation.
The emerald ash borer trapping effort that revealed the infestation is part of a monitoring program started in 2004. It is Missouri's contribution to a nation-wide early detection effort coordinated by USDA in partnership with the Missouri departments of Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources and the University of Missouri.
Emerald ash borer traps are purple, prism-shaped devices with sticky outer surfaces. The borers are attracted by the color and by chemical scents that mimic a stressed ash tree. Insects that land on the traps are stuck and can be identified by periodic checking. So far, emerald ash borers have not shown up on any other traps throughout the state.
Although adult emerald ash borers are strong fliers, they are less likely to travel long distances when plenty of host trees are available nearby. However, they can move long distances on firewood and nursery stock. State officials urge Missourians not to transport firewood from one site to another. Instead, they suggest that campers buy firewood locally.
"The discovery of this highly destructive pest at a campground is a strong indication that it probably arrived in firewood," said Conservation Department Forest Entomologist Rob Lawrence. "If people knew how devastating this insect can be, they would never consider bringing firewood from out of state."
For further information about the emerald ash borer, visit www.mdc.mo.gov/firewood, or call Wamsley at 573-751-5505 or Lawrence at 573-882-9909 x.3303.
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Posted by Ron Wolford at 5:37 AM | Permalink |
July 18, 2008
EAB in South Elgin
On Tuesday, July 16, 2008 The Village of South Elgin received confirmation from the Illinois Department of Agriculture that the beetle was found in South Elgin. The small, metallic green beetle was discovered during an inspection on Friday, July 11, 2008 in the 800 block of James Street in South Elgin by Assistant Superintendent, Kevin Summers who is a licensed arborist. Several trees within the Village limits show signs of Emerald Ash Borer infestation. The Village plans to remove these trees according to USDA disposal protocol.
While the emerald ash borer does not pose any direct risk to public health, it does threaten the tree population. Its larvae burrow into the bark of ash trees, causing the trees to starve and eventually die. Since the emerald ash borer was first confirmed in the Midwest in the summer of 2002, it has killed more than 20 million ash trees.
Homeowners should prepare for the possible arrival of Emeral Ash Borer within their own backyards. To be prepared, keep informed on the location of local Emerald Ash Borer infestations and periodically examine trees. If signs of EAB infestation is suspected, homeowners are urged to contact the Public Works Department, the local University of Illinois Extension Office or another local expert. If, after consultation with a local expert, EAB infestation is suspected, you should contact the Illinois Department of Agriculture at 1-800-641-3934.
It is important to know that EAB is most attracted to unhealthy or stressed trees. Ash trees can be treated with chemicals to temporarily stave off the beetle, but it can be costly, require continual application, and does not guarantee immunity to the pest. Ash tree removal is the best preventative method to EAB and will be necessary should you have an EAB infested tree. Dead or dying trees become a public safety issue and will require removal.
The Village is under quarantine and must follow specific directives. The quarantine prohibits the removal of the following items from regulated areas:
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.
Ash products can be moved between Cook, DuPage and Kane counties, but not beyond these quarantined areas. The Village can also continue to give wood chips to residents, as long as they do not leave the quarantine area.
If you think you have Emerald Ash Borer:
Visit www.emeraldashborer.info/ or www.na.fs.fed.us/fhp/eab/ for assistance in identifying suspect insects and symptoms.
Contact the Village of South Elgin Public Works Department at 847-695-2742.
Contact the University of Illinois Extension office in your county. Find a nearby office at http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/state/findoffice.html or by calling 217-333-5900.
Contact the Morton Arboretum Plant Clinic at 630-719-2424 or www.mortonarb.org/.
Contact Illinois Department of Agriculture's Pesticide Hotline at 800-641-3934.
Contact the national EAB hotline 866-EAB-4512.
Under the provisions of the State of Illinois' Insect Pest and Plant Disease Act, as well as the Nuisance Declaration issued in July 2006, the state has the authority to order the removal of any tree infested with EAB, regardless of whether it has been previously treated with a pesticide or not. The state has not exercised this authority to date, as all EAB – related tree removals have been done on a voluntary basis.
Village staff will respond to suspected sightings of EAB. It is very important for area residents to be aware and vigilant in inspecting their ash trees. If you suspect an adult or larval form of this insect is present, contact Public Works at 847-695-2742 or email digital photos to the Illinois Department of Agriculture at agr.eab@illinois.gov.
Posted by Ron Wolford at 10:23 AM | Permalink |
July 18, 2008
EAB in Bloomington
A destructive beetle responsible for killing millions of ash trees in North America has been discovered in McLean County, the southernmost detection of the pest in Illinois.
The Illinois Department of Agriculture said today it has received confirmation that two beetles collected late last week in Bloomington are adult emerald ash borers. The beetles were caught in an EAB trap located in an industrial area on the southwest side of Bloomington. Hundreds of the distinctive, purple traps were placed this year throughout a 100-mile band across the northern half of Illinois, where the beetle was first discovered in the state, and downstate at sites deemed to be at high risk of beetle infestation.
"Our staff now will survey ash trees in the surrounding area to determine the size of the infestation," Acting Agriculture Director Tom Jennings said. "That information will be helpful when we consider adjustments to the boundaries of the quarantine we established to slow the spread of this pest."
The emerald ash borer is a small, metallic-green beetle native to Asia. Its larvae burrow into the bark of ash trees, causing the trees to starve and eventually die. While the beetle does not pose any direct risk to public health, it does threaten the tree population. Since the emerald ash borer was first confirmed in the Midwest in the summer of 2002, it has killed more than 30 million ash trees.
McLean is the seventh county in Illinois with a confirmed infestation of emerald ash borer. Previous detections were made in Kane, Cook, LaSalle, DuPage, Will and McHenry counties.
All or parts of the 18 northeastern-most Illinois counties currently are under quarantine to prevent the accidental spread of the beetle. The quarantine prohibits the intrastate movement of potentially-contaminated wood products, including ash trees, limbs and branches and all types of firewood. In addition, the entire states of Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and Michigan have been placed under a federal quarantine. It prohibits the interstate movement of these same products.
The emerald ash borer is difficult to detect, especially in newly-infested trees. Citizens should watch for metallic-green beetles about half the diameter of a penny on or near ash trees that are showing signs of disease or stress. Other signs of infestation in ash trees include D-shaped holes in the bark of the trunk or branches and shoots growing from its base.
The Illinois Department of Agriculture urges that all tree removal companies enter into compliance with the department. The department also encourages citizens to only hire vendors who are in compliance. Anyone who suspects a tree has been infested is urged to contact either their county Extension office or village forester. For more information, visit www.IllinoisEAB.com on the internet.
Posted by Ron Wolford at 6:14 AM | Permalink |
July 16, 2008
Algonquin EAB Infestation Worse Than Expected
According to Algonquin officials the recent emerald ash borer infestation is much worse than previously thought. The infestation has spread to an additional 42 ash trees.
Posted by Ron Wolford at 10:15 AM | Permalink |
July 4, 2008
EAB Spreads into St. Charles
According to St. Charles city officials the emerald ash borer has been found throughout the city. The initial identification of the emerald ash borer was made on June 20.
Posted by Ron Wolford at 10:46 PM | Permalink |
July 1, 2008
EAB Found in Golf, IL
The Illinois Department of Agriculture has confirmed the presence of the emerald ash borer in Golf, Illinois.
Posted by Ron Wolford at 10:56 PM | Permalink |
July 1, 2008
EAB Found in Algonquin
Village of Algonquin, July 1, 2008 --- The United States Department of Agriculture, along with the Illinois Department of Agriculture, has announced the detection of Emerald Ash Borer in the Village of Algonquin, east of the Fox River, near Souwanis Trail and Oceola Drive. Emerald Ash Borer is an invasive beetle that destroys ash trees, and it has been detected for the first time in Algonquin. The Illinois Department of Agriculture has previously enacted quarantines on the movement of ash tree debris within many Illinois counties, including Kane and McHenry Counties. Now that the Emerald Ash Borer has been confirmed within our borders, the Village will work with the Illinois Department of Agriculture to activate our response plan and begin the task of managing it. The Village has already conducted an extensive survey of ash trees in the area to determine the extent of potential damage, and has historically worked to plant alternative tree species so the impact of ash tree loss might be minimized. This highly destructive pest is eliminating the ash species as a viable tree for our area. The Village will work to monitor the progression of the infestation, manage public ash populations, and educate residents as to their management options as it pertains to their privately owned ash stock.
The emerald ash borer is a small, metallic-green beetle native to Asia. Its larvae burrow into the bark of ash trees and feed upon its vascular tissue, causing the trees to starve and eventually die. While the beetle does not pose any direct risk to public health, it does threaten the tree population. Since the emerald ash borer was first confirmed in the Midwest in the summer of 2002, more than 20 million ash trees are dead or dying.
Background Information on Emerald Ash Borer
The emerald ash borer is a newer invasive pest of ash trees. Much like its predecessor the Asian Long-Horned Beetle, it was likely introduced to this country through wood shipping material. It has proven to be nearly impossible to stop, resulting in the death of millions of ash trees in Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio. Its current infestation in the State of Illinois is, therefore, very concerning.
The borer thrives on ash species only. The larvae feed on the trees' vascular systems, causing the trees to starve to death. At this point, most control methods are not very successful and large scale eradication is deemed impossible. This means that communities, including Algonquin, will be losing their ash tree populations within the next few years. Much like Dutch elm disease eliminated elm species from being a viable tree in our community, most likely the ash tree will become obsolete as well.
The lead agency creating policy relative to this pest is the Illinois Department of Agriculture, whose primary efforts are targeted at slowing the spread. Unlike other communities that are choosing to remove and eliminate perfectly healthy ash trees from their midst, the Village will systematically remove ash trees located on public property only by special request, or as they fail; as this happens, we will work diligently to replace them with alternate tree species as quickly as fiscally possible. The Village has taken steps over the last ten years to provide species diversity so that instances such as this do not dramatically affect our tree populations. Unfortunately, back when the elm trees started failing, developers started installing mostly ash trees. Therefore, some of our neighborhoods host large populations of ash trees and will see some very dramatic changes. In an effort to stem some of the impact, the Village has identified areas of dense ash populations and has worked to plant new trees in currently available planting sites in these areas. Hopefully, this will help us get a jump on some of our pending losses.
Please visit www.emeraldashborer.info or www.agr.state.il.us/eab in order to become familiar with this pest and to help us keep a look out for additional emerald ash borers. Please note that the most problematic spreading of the pest comes from the movement of failed ash tree debris, firewood, or nursery stock from a quarantined area (Kane and McHenry Counties have been under quarantine for quite some time). We ask that you please work to prevent the spread of this pest. Additionally, because of the potential destruction of ash trees by this new invasive species, the price of ash trees has come down dramatically. It is our recommendation that you do not buy ash trees as you will most likely lose them before they reach maturity.
If you already own an ash tree, there are chemicals and companies that will make a valiant effort to preserve and protect your trees. Some of the treatments have proven promising, but there are no guarantees, especially when ash populations become low and the pest becomes desperate. These treatments are costly and must be used as indicated, without fail, for the life of the tree. Even so, there is still no promise that the species will survive.
The Village will continue to monitor the presence of the emerald ash borer very closely, and appreciates cooperation from residents in addressing the situation. If any additional information on our infestation becomes available, it will be posted on www.algonquin.org.
For information about this press release, please contact Steve Ludwig, Parks and Forestry Superintendent, at (847) 658-2754.
Posted by Ron Wolford at 10:18 PM | Permalink |
July 1, 2008
Researchers Look at EAB Damage, Impact of Invasive Plants
Researchers from the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center (OARDC) and Ohio State University Extension, who are trying to figure out in a new study what will be the fate of forested lands in Ohio and elsewhere after they have been invaded by EAB
When emerald ash borer (EAB) attacks a forest, dead ash trees are not the only environmental mess this voracious pest leaves behind. Invasive plants waiting to take the place of the trees may have an even greater impact on EAB-infested ecosystems.
Posted by Ron Wolford at 2:58 AM | Permalink |
