Emerald ash borer confirmed in Itasca County for 1st time

GRAND RAPIDS — The Minnesota Department of Agriculture confirmed emerald ash borer in Itasca County for the first time on Wednesday, July 23.

A homeowner on Pokegama Lake south of Grand Rapids reported a suspected infestation of the invasive pest, which a forest health specialist from the state Department of Natural Resources later confirmed. There are now 59 out of 87 Minnesota counties with emerald ash borer.

The agriculture department enacted an emergency quarantine for southeastern part of Itasca County, which will limit the movement of firewood and ash tree materials out of the area. The exact boundaries for quarantines statewide can be found on the state's interactive map.

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 Department of Agriculture. These materials are not allowed in or out of the state without providing written approval and proper documentation to the state agriculture commissioner.

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 ag department will host a virtual informational meeting for Itasca County residents and tree care professionals 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 29, featuring a brief presentation followed by a question-and-answer session. Registration for the meeting can be found on the department's website.

Residents and tree care professionals will also have the opportunity to give input on the proposal to add the county's emergency quarantine to the state's formal quarantine. The state is accepting comments through Sept. 5 and recommends formally adopting the quarantine on Sept. 8.

The public can make comments during the virtual meeting or by contacting MDA director Mark Abrahamson at mark.abrahamson@state.mn.us.