Friends and Neighbors,
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture announced that Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) has been found for the first time in Itasca County. The infestation was discovered by a homeowner on Lake Pokegama, south of Grand Rapids. A DNR specialist visited the site and confirmed it was EAB.
This makes 59 counties in Minnesota with confirmed EAB.
The Department of Agriculture has instituted a standard emergency quarantine for the southeastern portion of Itasca County, which 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 Itasca 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 September 5.
Comments can be made during the virtual meeting or by contacting:
- Mark Abrahamson, [email protected]
- Minnesota Department of Agriculture
- 625 Robert Street North, St. Paul, MN 55155
You can also read the Department of Agriculture’s announcement here.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
