Emerald Ash Borer in Monroe County
Emerald ash borer (EAB) is a beetle native to Asia that attacks and destroys ash trees. The beetle has been found in the Hoosier National Forest in Monroe County. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) discovered the pest in the Hardin Ridge Recreation Area located in Polk Township.
National EAB infestation
Quarantine procedures are being implemented in Monroe County to help manage the spread of this pest. The quarantine regulates the movement of ash products, including ash nursery trees, ash logs and all types of hardwood firewood. Once the quarantine is implemented, it will not be legal to transport these items out of Polk Township without a compliance agreement provided by the DNR.
While EAB has not been confirmed in Bloomington, the positive trap located in the Hoosier National Forest has begun a township quarantine of Ash wood logs. Urban Forestry will be using our tree inventory data scouting Ash trees this winter. Extensive woodpecker activities on older trees is what we will be looking for.
Links
To learn more about the quarantine or the Emerald Ash Borer, visit the DNR's site: http://www.in.gov/dnr/entomolo/5817.htm.
More information found at http://www.entm.purdue.edu/EAB/index.shtml.
Local Contact for Questions
Contact Amy Thompson
Extension Educator Agriculture and Natural Resources
Purdue Cooperative Extension Service - Monroe County
812-349-2575, afthompson@purdue.edu