FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, November 7, 2011

CONTACT:
Liz Erickson, Communications Coordinator
763.219.9386, Liz.erickson@state.mn.us

Winona County field day planned for emerald ash borer identification

St. Paul, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) and the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) will be hosting a field day on Monday, Nov. 14 in southeastern Minnesota to help educate the public on emerald ash borer (EAB) after the recent discovery of the insect in the area.

The field day, which will be held next to the Kwik Trip at the Nodine exit on Interstate 90 in Winona County, will give participants the opportunities to get an up-close look and learn how to visually identify EAB infested trees, and ask questions of experts in attendance. Outreach material will also be available.

The public can attend one of the four sessions scheduled throughout the day. Registration is required. All participants must wear a reflective safety vest. If they do not have a safety vest, one will be provided for them. For questions about the field day or to register, please contact Arrest the Pest at 888-545-6684 or arrest.the.pest@state.mn.us.

Emerald ash borer is one of America’s most destructive tree pests. Its larvae kill ash trees by tunneling into the wood and feeding on the tree’s nutrients. Since its accidental introduction into North America, EAB has killed millions of ash trees in 15 states. EAB was first detected in Michigan in 2002 although it likely arrived more than ten years earlier in solid wood packing materials. EAB was first discovered in Minnesota in May 2009 in St. Paul. Since that time, it has been found in Minneapolis, Falcon Heights, Shoreview, rural Houston County, and now La Crescent and rural Winona County.

Besides flying naturally, EAB can be moved by hitching a ride on firewood or other live wood. Quarantines on ash product are currently in place in Ramsey, Hennepin, Houston and Winona counties. For more information about emerald ash borer, go to SaveOurAsh.net.

Field Day Schedule

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