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Emerald Ash Borer Forest Service Focus

USDA

The Emerald Ash Borer has killed millions of ash trees in the eastern part of the United States and portions of Canada. 

  A forester says they are keeping vigilant to slow the spread of the invasive insect to this region's national forests.

Kathleen Atkinson...US Forest Service Regional Forester in Milwaukee...says the Forest Service is closely monitoring the spread of EAB....

"....that's a significant threat. So that is something that we had to be thoughtful about and work across boundaries because the Emerald Ash Borer knows no boundaries. (We're working with the state...local governments...to monitor the spread of Emerald Ash Borer. It's very very important..." The adult beetles nibble on ash foliage but cause little damage. The larvae (the immature stage) feed on the inner bark of ash trees, disrupting the tree's ability to transport water and nutrients. Emerald ash borer probably arrived in the United States on solid wood packing material carried in cargo ships or airplanes originating in its native Asia.

Federal and state officials have restrictions on bringing in firewood to campsites from beyond 25 miles. The new rules say buy firewood locally.

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