FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, October 29, 2010

CONTACT:
Liz Erickson, Communications Coordinator
651.201.6536, Liz.erickson@state.mn.us

MDA enforcing county quarantines to slow the spread of emerald ash borer

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) and its state and federal partners this week started inspections of commercial vehicles to verify compliance with the emerald ash borer (EAB) quarantines in place for Hennepin, Ramsey and Houston Counties.

MDA is conducting the inspections in partnership with the Minnesota State Patrol, the U.S.  Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services (APHIS) and Plant Protection Quarantine (PPQ), and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The random, unannounced inspections are an important part of the state’s overall effort to prevent EAB and other invasive pests from spreading into and around Minnesota.

During the commercial vehicle inspections, inspectors are on the lookout for ash tree waste, packing material, or hardwood firewood exiting the EAB quarantine areas without proper certification.  Restricting the movement of potentially infested ash products and hardwood firewood is one of the few management strategies proven to effectively slow the spread of EAB.

“Most new EAB infestations have been caused by the movement of wood that people didn’t realize was hiding EAB under the bark,” said Geir Friisoe, MDA’s Plant Protection Division Director. “By inspecting vehicles at high risk for moving potentially infested wood products, we can reduce the risk of new infestations.”

There is a range of actions and penalties that could apply for parties moving potentially infested material out of a quarantined county without proper certification. The products may be confiscated, destroyed, or required to be returned to their point of origin. Depending on circumstances, a substantial fine may be issued.

Minnesota State Patrol initially inspected 233 vehicles and referred 10 cars for additional inspection by MDA, DNR, and PPQ APHIS. Inspections revealed no quarantine violations.

”It’s important to have the regulatory groups together,” said Sergeant Brian Boldt, with the Commercial Vehicle Section of Minnesota State Patrol.  “We’re getting a lot more visibility and compliance because of the combined effort.”

To date, MDA has confirmed EAB infestations in Hennepin, Ramsey and Houston Counties.  EAB larvae kill ash trees by tunneling into the wood and feeding on and disrupting the flow of tree nutrients. Since its accidental introduction into North America, EAB has killed more than 50 million ash trees in 15 states and two Canadian provinces.  With more than 975 million ash trees, Minnesota is a prime target for EAB. The metallic-green adult beetles are a half inch long, and are active from May to September. Signs of infestation include one-eighth inch, D-shaped exit holes in ash tree bark and serpentine tunnels under the bark.  

Officials remind Minnesotans they can take the following steps to keep EAB from spreading:

• Don’t transport firewood. Buy firewood from MDA certified or locally DNR approved vendors, and burn it where you buy it.
• Be aware of the quarantine restrictions. If you live in a quarantine county, be aware of the special restrictions on movement of products such as ash trees, ash limbs, and firewood. Details can be found online at http://www.mda.state.mn.us/plants/pestmanagement/eab/quarantinefaq.aspx.
• Watch for signs of infestation in your ash trees. If you suspect your ash tree could be infested by EAB, visit SaveOurAsh.net and use the “Do I Have Emerald Ash Borer?” checklist.

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