Emerald ash borer in Carlton County prompts new quarantine

WRENSHALL — The Minnesota Department of Agriculture confirmed emerald ash borer in new areas of Carlton County, as well as four other counties, on Monday, June 23.

The invasive pest was found in near Holyoke, Sawyer and Wrenshall. It was also found in Meeker, Murray, Ottertail and Wadena counties for the first time.

The MDA is enacting emergency quarantines in these counties, except in the Fond du Lac Reservation. The agency will accept public comments through Aug. 8 before officially adopting the quarantine Aug. 11.

The discoveries bring the number of Minnesota counties with the insect to 58 out of 87 total counties, including Crow Wing County and Aitkin County, as well as southern parts of St. Louis County and Lake County.

To limit the spread of the insect, ash logs, tree waste, chips and mulch, as well as all firewood, are not allowed in or out of quarantined areas without a certificate from the MDA. These materials are not allowed in or out of the state without providing written approval and proper documentation to the Minnesota Commissioner of Agriculture.

Emerald ash borer 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. The invasive species was first discovered in Minnesota in 2009.

Signs of infestation in ash trees include the bark splitting open and revealing S-shaped trails underneath due to tunneling. Woodpecker holes may also be a sign, given that woodpeckers like to eat the larvae.

The MDA will hold a virtual information meeting on July 8 at 10 a.m. with a brief presentation followed by a Q&A session. Registration and more information can be found on the MDA website.