Hello,
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture announced that Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) has been found in a cluster of trees near Remer, in Cass County. 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 Cass County, which makes 45 counties in Minnesota with EAB.
"I ask everyone to be vigilant and take precautions to help limit the spread of this destructive pest,” Senator Justin Eichorn (R-Grand Rapids) said. “Make sure to properly dispose of ash wood, follow wood quarantine guidelines, and report any signs of infestation to the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. Let’s do everything we can to keep it contained and limit the impacts of EAB in our community."
Since this is the first time EAB has been identified in Cass 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 south and east side of the quarantine is the county border. The northern edge of the quarantine follows Minnesota Highway 200 west to County Road 129, County Road 129 south to County Road 7, and County Road 7 west to Minnesota Highway 84. The western border of the quarantine is Minnesota Highway 84 to County Road 79 and east to the county line (SEE MAP).
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 Cass County’s emergency quarantine to the state’s formal quarantine.
The Department of Agriculture is taking comments on the proposed formal quarantine now through November 27, 2023, and recommends adopting the quarantine on November 29, 2023. The proposed quarantine language can be found at www.mda.state.mn.us/eab.
Public 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]
