Emerald ash borer discovered in Sherburne County
Emerald Ash Borer are a threat to Minnesotans more than 1 billion ash trees. (Minnesota Department of Agriculture / FOX 9)
SHERBURNE COUNTY, Minn. (FOX 9) - The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) confirmed they have found emerald ash borers in Sherburne County, the 36th county in the state where the invasive insect has been located.
As a result, the MDA announced a ban on moving any wood out of the county. The MDA issues quarantines for all areas known to have emerald ash borer to reduce the risk the insect spreading further.
A tree company working in Elk River recently found a tree they believed was infested with EAB and called to state to confirm. MDA found larvae in the tree and confirmed emerald ash borer.
Emerald ash borer larvae kill ash trees by tunneling under the bark and feeding on the part of the tree that moves nutrients around.
Sherburne County will hold a public meeting to discuss the next steps and whether to join the state’s formal quarantine.