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 fifteen 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 tens of millions
of trees. The closest infestations are in New York's Hudson Valley, and just 30 miles north of the Vermont border in Carignan, Quebec.  In 2011, infestations were detected in Albany County, New York and in Montreal.

What’s being done about it?

Chemical treatments can temporarily protect valuable shade trees. Infested trees may be removed to slow the spread of the infestation. Quarantines restrict the movement of host material outside of the regulated area.  The U.S. government has 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 U.S.

What are we doing in Vermont?

The Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation is collaborating with the Agency of Agriculture, Food, and Markets to help detect emerald ash borer. These projects are supported by USDA APHIS and the U.S. Forest Service. 

• Surveys – We have conducted visual surveys of 133 federal, state, and private campgrounds, and in high-risk areas. Vermont also participates in a national survey using purple sticky traps and a regional girdled trap tree survey. We will also continue our biosurveillance surveys, looking for emerald ash borer around nests of a wasp that would gather the beetle for food. Forestry staff is on constant alert for symptoms and signs of emerald ash borer attack.  We follow up on any inquiries about potential sightings or infestations.

• Public Outreach – We are continuing public awareness efforts through presentations and press releases, with special focus on discouraging the movement of firewood and other wood products that may be routes of entry. We welcome volunteers in our survey and outreach activities.

• 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. The Green Mountain National Forest and Vermont State Parks restrict the use of non-local firewood. 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, February 2012