Friends and neighbors –
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture announced that Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) has been found in a grove of trees east of Hutchinson. An Agriculture Department employee spotted signs of EAB in the trees and was able to locate larvae and collect samples. Federal identification confirmed emerald ash borer.
It is the first presence of EAB in McLeod County, which makes 42 counties in Minnesota with EAB.
Since this is the first time EAB has been identified in McLeod County, The Department of Agriculture instituted a standard emergency quarantine. This limits the movement of firewood and ash material out of the area to reduce the risk of spread.
The Agriculture Department will also be hosting a virtual meeting for residents to discuss the discovery of EAB. There will be a brief presentation by Ag Department staff and tree care professionals followed by a Q&A:
Dept of Ag Emerald Ash Borer virtual meeting:
The public will also have an opportunity to provide input on the proposal to add McLeod County’s emergency quarantine to the state’s formal quarantine, which can be found here at www.mda.state.mn.us/eab. Public comments will be accepted through October 2nd.
Comments can be made during the virtual meeting or by contacting:
Kimberly Thielen Cremers
Minnesota Department of Agriculture
625 Robert Street North
St. Paul, MN 55155
[email protected]
You can read the Department of Agriculture’s announcement here.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me.
God Bless,
Glenn
