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Don't move firewood

Protect Minnesota's Forests and Urban Trees

"Emerald ash borer could rival Dutch elm disease as the worst thing to hit Minnesota trees in our lifetime."

Emerald ash borer infested ash trees along a street. Steven Katovich, USDA Forest Service, www.forestryimages.orgMinnesota's 975 million ash trees need your help.

Our forests face a growing threat from emerald ash borer (EAB) - a devastating tree pest that has spread across Minnesota, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, New York, Ohio, Onterio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin. 

EAB larvae attack and kill ash trees by tunneling into the bark and destroying the tree's circulatory system. The insect has damaged or killed millions of ash trees in affected states.

Minnesota is a prime target because we have so many susceptible ash trees.

No matter how hard government officials work to control EAB, the actions of even one camper could undermine all our efforts. That’s because this weak-flying insect spreads mainly by hitching a ride inside firewood transported by people.

What can you do to help? There are three simple things:

  • Don’t transport firewood. Buy it where you burn it, and burn all of it where you buy it.
  • Don’t buy firewood from outside Minnesota. Anytime you buy firewood, ask about the source of the wood. If it came from outside Minnesota, don’t buy it.
  • Keep an eye on your ash trees. If you notice problems with your ash trees, call your city forester or county extension educator for help figuring out the problem.
  • If you have to buy wood, buy MDA certified wood. MDA certifies wood treatment based on standards set by the United States Department of Agriculture, allowing wood to be moved around the state.

Emerald ash borer adult. David Cappaert, Michigan State University, www.forestryimages.orgLearn more:

 

 

 

Pests can be in, on or under the bark or in the wood

EAB galleries in wood. Joseph O'Brien, USDA Forest Service, www.forestryimages.orgAdult emerald ash borer. David Cappaert, Michigan State University, www.forestryimages.orgEAB larva. Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources - Forestry Archives, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, www.forestryimages.orgRoot sprouts and crown dieback, indicatiors of infestation. Daniel Herms, Ohio State University, www.forestryimages.orgEAB galleries in firewood. Toby Petrice, USDA Forest Service, www.forestryimages.orgDamaged ash trees cut down. David Cappaert, Michigan State University, www.forestryimages.org