Forest Resource Protection Forest Health, Insect & Disease Forest Fire Control Staff

Brief Introduction

The Emerald Ash Borer is an exotic, wood-boring insect from Asia that attacks and kills all native ash species.  The larvae feed in the cambium between the bark and wood, producing S-shaped galleries that girdle and kill branches and trees. Ash is one of the ten most common trees in Vermont, so this insect will have a major impact if it becomes established in Vermont.
Where is the pest?

Emerald ash borer was first discovered in the U.S. in Michigan in 2002.  It is now known to be present in nine states and two Canadian provinces.  Firewood movement is the primary means of long distance spread, although it may also be spread through nursery stock from infested areas.  It has already killed more than 40 million trees in Michigan alone. The closest infestation, discovered in 2008, is just 30 miles north of the Vermont border in Carignan, Quebec. 

What’s being done about it?

Infested trees in Carignan are to be removed by the spring of 2009.  All areas within 10 miles of the infestation have been surveyed; so far, this infestation appears to be limited to two city blocks. The U.S. government has recently banned all firewood entering from Canada unless the wood is heat-treated. Regulations also restrict the movement of firewood, ash logs, and nursery stock from infested areas of the US.

What are we doing in Vermont?

• Surveys – The Vermont Dept. of Forests, Parks and Recreation along with USDA APHIS and the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets are surveying for the insect statewide using traps, trap trees and visual surveys to look for signs and symptoms.

• Public Outreach– Public awareness efforts have concentrated on discouraging the movement of firewood and other wood products that are potential routes of entry. 

• Action Plan–An action plan has been developed to improve the ability to respond in the event that emerald ash borer is discovered in Vermont.

Recommendations

Do not move firewood.  Buy firewood from the area you're visiting. Ask your supplier where their wood comes from. It is illegal to move firewood from counties infested with emerald ash borer.
When purchasing trees from other states, check that they have been certified free of emerald ash borer.
Familiarize yourself with the signs and symptoms of emerald ash borer, and inspect your ash trees frequently.  Learn to identify the small, bright green adult beetle and collect any suspect beetles.

For More Information

VT Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation, January 2009

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