Emerald ash borer found in Sherburne County for 1st time, firewood quarantine in place

Times staff report
·1 min read
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ELK RIVER ― The Minnesota Department of Agriculture has confirmed a report of emerald ash borers in Elk River, the first time the invasive insect has been detected in Sherburne County.

The discovery has led the MDA to enact an emergency quarantine of the county that limits the movement of firewood and ash material out of the area. This is to reduce the risk of spreading the invasive wood-boring beetle, according to the MDA.

A tree care company contacted the department with suspicions an Elk River tree was infested. MDA and city staff found live larvae and collected samples, which were confirmed as emerald ash borer through federal identification.

A sample of damage caused by the emerald ash borer.
A sample of damage caused by the emerald ash borer.

More:Volunteers help Stearns County keep eye out for emerald ash borers

Including Sherburne County, there are now 36 Minnesota counties with emerald ash borers. The invasive insect was first discovered in Minnesota in 2009, according to MDA.

Sherburne County residents and tree care professionals can attend a virtual information meeting at 10 a.m. Sept. 7 by registering here: www.mda.state.mn.us/eab.

This article originally appeared on St. Cloud Times: Emerald ash borer found in Elk River, Sherburne Co. under quarantine