The emerald ash borer (EAB) has been located in Baltic, South Dakota, according to the state's Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR). To stop the future spread of this devastating beetle, quarantine measures have been put in place in the impacted areas, including Minnehaha, Lincoln, Turner, and Union Counties.
To curb the spread of EAB, a year-round quarantine has been imposed, prohibiting the transportation of firewood and ash materials out of the quarantined counties. Moreover, the movement of firewood, irrespective of the hardwood species, is strictly regulated, whether for commercial or private use. EAB has been positively detected in three counties—Lincoln, Minnehaha, and Union—and seven communities, including Baltic, Brandon, Canton, Crooks, Dakota Dunes, Sioux Falls, and Worthing.
DANR Secretary Hunter Roberts emphasized the need for collective efforts in slowing down the spread of EAB, especially during the summer camping season when firewood becomes a common carrier. It is essential to adhere to the quarantine restrictions and ensure firewood is purchased and burned in the same location to mitigate the risk.
It is crucial to note that even if an ash tree is infested with EAB and subsequently cut down, the wood may still harbor EAB larvae. Each individual split piece of ash firewood can potentially release five or more adult beetles during the summer.
Emerald ash borers are beetles that tunnel into and feed on various North American ash species. They were first discovered in the United States in 2002 and were identified in South Dakota in 2018.
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Categories: South Dakota, General