New EAB Find In SE Minnesota
LA CRESCENT, Minn. (WCCO) -- The emerald ash borer has found its way into La Crescent, Minn.
Confirmed by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, the EAB-infested tree was discovered in the southeastern Minnesota city.
In August 2011, MDA found an emerald ash borer adult on a purple detection trap in La Crescent's Veterans Park, but no infested trees could be found at that time. MDA staff worked with the city to continue surveys and recently discovered two EAB infested trees near the center of the city.
As a result, the City of La Crescent will host an informal open house from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Jan. 16 at City Hall, 315 Main Street, La Crescent. The purpose of the open house is to inform citizens about the emerald ash borer and implications for residents with ash trees on their property. Citizens will have the opportunity to ask questions of city officials and emerald ash borer experts.
They can also learn about management options for infested trees. The city is developing an ordinance for managing trees on private property and will give a brief review of possible ordinance outcomes.
EAB 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 tens of millions of ash trees in 18 states.
Infestation signs include one-eighth inch, D-shaped exit holes in ash tree bark and winding tunnels under the bark. The biggest risk of spreading EAB comes from people unknowingly moving firewood or other ash products harboring larvae.
