By Scout Nelson
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has recently confirmed the presence of the emerald ash borer (EAB) in Pope County, marking the county's first encounter with this destructive pest. The discovery brings the total affected counties in Minnesota to 52.
The identification occurred after a county agricultural inspector noted declining ash trees with typical woodpecker damage on a private property in Glenwood Township. Following investigations by MDA staff confirmed EAB larvae, with samples collected for further analysis.
In response to this new detection, the MDA has declared an emergency quarantine for Pope County to limit the movement of firewood and ash materials, aiming to curb the spread of the insect.
Residents and tree care professionals are invited to a virtual informational meeting on June 20, 2024, from 10–11 a.m., where MDA experts will discuss the situation and answer questions. Interested individuals can register for the meeting at www.mda.state.mn.us/eab.
The MDA is accepting public comments until July 26, 2024, on the proposal to include Pope County in the state's formal EAB quarantine, with plans to implement this on July 29, 2024.
Comments can be submitted during the virtual meeting or directly to Kimberly Thielen Cremers at the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.
Photo Credit -minnesota-department-of-agriculture
Categories: Minnesota, General