Contact: Donna Gilson, 608-224-5130, donna.gilson@wi.gov
Jim Dick, Communications Director, 608-224-5020, jim.dick@wi.gov
Details of Latest Confirmation: A single adult emerald ash borer has been captured in a trap in Perrot State Park and confirmed Aug. 16 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. The area is directly across the Mississippi River from an infestation in Minnesota, and is north of previously discovered infestations in Wisconsin counties along the river.
Next steps: As a result of the find, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection will place Trempealeau County under EAB quarantine in the near future. The EAB quarantine affects some businesses that use certain ash products. For most people the quarantine means that hardwood firewood, regardless of tree species, cannot leave the quarantine area.
The Department of Natural Resources will identify areas of the park that will require EAB monitoring and management. Some infested trees may need to be removed to assure visitor safety and to maintain forest health. Presence of EAB does not mean that all trees will be removed.
Visitors to the park are reminded that firewood brought to the park must come from within 25 miles of the park, and leftover wood should be left at their campsites.
Where Else Has EAB Been Found in Wisconsin: The tree-killing emerald ash borer has been confirmed in 12 other Wisconsin counties: Brown, Crawford, Kenosha, La Crosse, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Rock, Vernon, Walworth, Washington, and Waukesha.
Quarantined Counties: In addition to the counties above, Fond du Lac and Sheboygan counties are also under quarantine for EAB.
Trempealeau County residents, or residents in any other county known to be infested with EAB, should contact a private arborist or other tree care professional to help determine if ash trees on their property are infested or at risk of being infested by EAB. If a professional suspects EAB infestation, that should be reported to DATCP for confirmation. Information to help sort out EAB from other common ash problems can be found at http://www.emeraldashborer.wi.gov.
