Beginning Thursday, May 26, 2005, Cooperative Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Response Project personnel will inspect all motorists’ firewood at several targeted locations around the state to ensure its not in violation of Michigan’s EAB quarantine. Staff will also answer questions about EAB and distribute informational material. Ash firewood infested with a life stage of EAB or coming from a quarantined area will be automatically confiscated and disposed of according to quarantine specifications.

Twenty counties and 19 areas of outlying infestation in Michigan are under a statewide EAB quarantine prohibiting the movement of non-coniferous (hardwood) firewood to help control and contain EAB. Also, a recent revision of the state’s EAB quarantine makes it unlawful to take non-coniferous (hardwood) firewood out of the Lower Peninsula into the Upper Peninsula or surrounding states – regardless of its origin.

“If your travel plans include camping, please help protect Michigan’s ash trees and leave your firewood at home,” said Patricia Lockwood, EAB Policy Director for Governor Jennifer Granholm. “Michigan is actively working to contain this pest and minimize damage to the state’s ash resource and we will be out in full force this holiday weekend ensuring travelers are not transporting non-coniferous firewood.”

EAB, an exotic and aggressive beetle native to Asia, is currently responsible for the death or damage of approximately 15 million ash trees in the Lower Peninsula. During the fall and winter months, EAB remains hidden under the bark until the adult beetles emerge in the summer. By transporting firewood, travelers could be spreading the pest to other areas of the state, and could be breaking the law.

The Cooperative EAB Response Project partners include: Michigan Departments of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Michigan State University, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Michigan State Police and the Michigan Department of Transportation.

For more information, visit www.michigan.gov/eab or www.emeraldashborer.info, or by contact your MDA regional office or Michigan State University Extension Office.