Michigan Department of Agriculture Director (MDA) Mitch Irwin reminds Labor Day travelers that stiffer fines and penalties are effective Thursday, September 1, 2005 further protecting Michigan’s natural resources from the devastating effects of invasive, exotic species such as the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) and Asian Longhorned Beetle.

“These new laws demonstrate how seriously Michigan views stopping the spread of foreign insects and diseases and our commitment to pursue violators,” said Irwin. “Invasive species pose a threat to both Michigan’s economy and environment, and these new laws aim to minimize that threat.”

Invasive species such as EAB often have no natural predators in their new environment allowing them to wreak havoc on native species and causing great harm to the eco-system. Since its detection in Michigan in 2002, EAB has been responsible for the death or damage of approximately 15 million of the state’s ash trees.

“The economic impact of combating these foreign pests and plant diseases can be massive,” said Patricia Lockwood, EAB policy director for Governor Jennifer M. Granholm. “The new plant laws enhance our response efforts to these invasive and nuisance species in Michigan and holds violators accountable for their actions.”

House Bill 4560 (Public Act 52 of 2005), House Bill 4562 (Public Act 53 of 2005), House Bill 4613,
(Public Act 51 of 2005) and House Bill 4567 (Public Act 54 of 2005) establish criminal penalties, increase fines, and give MDA regulatory staff, as designated by the MDA director, the authority to write tickets to quarantine violators.

Individuals violating the state’s EAB quarantine (20 counties in Southeast Michigan and 19 outlying infestations), for example, would be subject to fines ranging from $1,000 to $250,000 and jail time of up to five years for moving regulated ash materials, including firewood. The new penalties are a progressive series of fines, based on the seriousness of the violation as well as knowledge and intent. MDA will continue education and outreach efforts about EAB, other exotic pests and diseases, and quarantines. The increased fines and civil authority goes into effect immediately except for felony violations where penalties take effect on September 1, 2005.

“Residents and visitors to our state have a responsibility to protect the natural resources they enjoy,” said Lockwood. “These new laws offer greater assurance that Michigan’s natural heritage will be around for future generations to enjoy.”

For more information about Emerald Ash Borer and other invasive species, please visit the MDA Web site at www.michigan.gov/mda.