The emerald ash borer has been confirmed in a thirteenth Wisconsin county. A single adult was captured in a trap in Perrot State Park, and confirmed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. The area is directly across the Mississippi River from an EAB infestation in Minnesota, and north of previously discovered infestations in Wisconsin counties along the river.
As a result of the find, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection will place Trempealeau County under EAB quarantine. The EAB quarantine impacts some businesses which use certain ash products. For most people the quarantine means that hardwood firewood, regardless of tree species, cannot leave the quarantine area.
The Department of Natural Resources will identify areas of the park that will require EAB monitoring and management. Some infested trees may need to be removed to assure visitor safety and to maintain forest health. Presence of EAB does not mean that all trees will be removed. Park visitors are reminded that firewood must come from within 25 miles of the park, and leftover wood should be left at campsites.
The tree-killing emerald ash borer has been confirmed in 12 other Wisconsin counties: Brown, Crawford, Kenosha, La Crosse, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Rock, Vernon, Walworth, Washington, and Waukesha. In addition, Fond du Lac and Sheboygan counties are also under quarantine for EAB.
Trempealeau County residents, or residents in any other county known to be infested with EAB, should contact a private arborist or other tree care professional to help determine if ash trees on their property are infested or at risk of being infested by EAB. If a professional suspects EAB infestation, that should be reported to DATCP for confirmation. Information to help sort out EAB from other common ash problems can be found at http://datcpservices.wisconsin.gov/eab/index.jsp.