Emerald Ash Borer Press Release

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IslandFellow
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Joined: Wed Oct 18, 2017 3:57 pm
Location: Beaver Island

Emerald Ash Borer Press Release

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Emerald Ash Borer Detected on Isolated Beaver Island
October 2017, Beaver Island Michigan
Beaver Island, Michigan has long been recognized for its clear blue waters and pristine, healthy forests. The islandâ??s isolation in Lake Michigan (17 miles from the mainland) has offered a refuge to ash trees from the metallic emerald insect that is killing millions of ash trees across the US and Canada. Nearly a decade ago, concerned islanders reached out to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) for help in protecting the islandâ??s ash trees from the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). The transportation of infested firewood from the mainland was identified as the biggest threat to the islandâ??s ash species. This led to MDARD adding language to the Stateâ??s internal quarantine that made it illegal to transport firewood to the Beaver Island Archipelago as well as to several other remote islands. Personnel of the air service and ferry companies that serve the island have been watchful and have turned away firewood destined for the island on more than one occasion. Islanders have volunteered over the past 8 years to hang, monitor, and remove purple EAB traps. Each year, these EAB traps, made available by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), hung for months in strategic locations collecting insects. In late October, MDARD staff confirmed that one of the traps had captured a lone female EAB. MDARD's Pesticide and Plant Pest Management Division has offered suggestions and insights about the finding along with their agencyâ??s continued support. It has not been determined if the EAB was an isolated hitchhiker from the mainland or the first sign of a larger problem. It is hoped that EAB traps and lures will be available from the USDA to again be placed in strategic locations on the island in early summer 2018. At present, the firewood quarantine to the island will remain in place. Next yearâ??s trapping data will give islanders and the MDARD further information to assist in managing the forests of Beaver Island.

For more information contact:
Beaver Island Association Contact: Pam Grassmick, 231-448-2314
MDARD EAB Program Contact: John Bedford, 517-284-5650
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