HACKENSACK — There are more emerald ash borers in Cass County than was previously known.
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture confirmed more infestations were found near Hackensack. This means an expansion of the quarantine area in the county first established in October. This limits the movement of firewood, mulch, and all ash material out of the quarantined areas.
The agriculture department also noted confirmations in Kanabec County for the first time and more of the insect found in Isanti County. There are now 47 counties in the state with emerald ash borers.
The insect larvae kill ash trees by tunneling under the bark and feeding on the part of the tree that moves nutrients up and down the trunk. Often, the trees show several signs of infestation because of this.
Woodpeckers like to feed on the larvae, and woodpecker holes may indicate the presence of emerald ash borer. Also, tunneling by the insect can cause the bark to split open, revealing characteristic S-shaped galleries underneath.
A virtual meeting for residents in these counties will be 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday. Register at mda.state.mn.us/eab.
The public will also have an opportunity to provide input on the proposal to add these county emergency quarantines to the state’s formal quarantine.
The agriculture department is taking comments on the proposed formal quarantines now through Feb. 29, and recommends adopting the quarantines on March 4.