MDA: Emerald Ash Borer Confirmed In Wash. Co.
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Washington County has become the 11th Minnesota county to confirm the presence of the emerald ash borer.
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture announced Thursday that the invasive species was found in a survey trap at MnDOT's St. Croix Rest Area on Interstate 94.
A tree nearby was later found to have tunneling that is characteristic of the pest's presence.
Washington County will most likely be placed under an emergency quarantine to contain the spread of the emerald ash borer.
The spread of EAB typically comes from the movement of firewood, wood chips or ash products that contain their larvae.
Anoka, Chisago, Dakota, Fillmore, Hennepin, Houston, Olmsted, Ramsey, Scott and Winona counties are already in EAB quarantine on the state and federal levels.
The MDA says Minnesota leads the nation in the number of ash trees, with about one billion.
Click here for more information on how to fight the spread of EAB.