By Scout Nelson
The South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) has confirmed that the emerald ash borer (EAB) has now been found in Milbank. This discovery has led officials to expand the existing quarantine area to include Grant County.
The emerald ash borer is a destructive insect that targets ash trees. It has already killed millions of trees across the United States since it was first discovered more than 20 years ago. In South Dakota, the insect was first confirmed in the southeastern part of the state in 2018.
To help contain the spread, firewood and ash materials are now prohibited from moving out of the newly quarantined area. This restriction is already in place for Brookings, Minnehaha, Lincoln, Turner, and Union Counties.
"We all need to work together to slow the spread of EAB," said DANR Secretary Hunter Roberts. "With the summer camping season here, firewood is the most common way EAB is moved from one location to another. Please follow the quarantine and embargo restrictions to buy it where you burn it."
The emerald ash borer is known for spreading quickly and silently, especially through firewood transportation. Forest officials are urging residents and campers to only use firewood bought locally to avoid unknowingly spreading the pest.
Residents and property owners within a 15-mile radius of Milbank are encouraged to act quickly if they have ash trees on their land. Preventative treatment is possible, but it must be applied by a professional commercial applicator.
Officials stress the importance of community cooperation in slowing the spread of EAB to protect remaining ash trees and forest health across the region.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-paul-hartley
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