The list of quarantined areas in the state is growing due to the Emerald Ash Borer, (EAB), an invasive pest targeting ash trees. The prohibition on the movement of ash trees and ash tree products is now effective in 59 counties.
Bedford, DeKalb, Lincoln and Van Buren were added due to the recent finding of EAB in traps placed by a USDA contractor. Cannon, Coffee, Grundy, Moore, Sequatchie, and Warren are quarantined because regulatory officials believe EAB is most likely present but hasn’t been detected so far.
EAB is a destructive forest pest that was introduced from Asia into the United States in the 1990s.
It was first detected in Tennessee in July 2010. EAB beetles can kill an ash tree within three years of the initial infestation.
Humans tend to contribute to the spread of EAB, unknowingly transporting the insects through infested nursery stock, firewood, unprocessed saw logs, and other ash products.
Citizens should report any symptomatic ash trees to TDA and follow these simple rules:
· Don’t transport any firewood, even within the state.
· Use firewood from local sources near where it will be burned.
· If you purchase firewood, make sure that it is labeled and certified to be pest free.
· Watch for signs of infestation in your ash trees.
Visit
www.tn.gov/agriculture/topic/ag-businesses-eab for a symptoms checklist and a map of quarantined counties.
TDA’s Division of Forestry estimates that there are 261 million ash trees on public and private land in Tennessee, potentially valued as high as $9 billion.
For more information about EAB and other destructive forest pests, as well as tips for infestation prevention, visit
www.protecttnforests.org.