The Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) will be stepping up its firewood inspections this weekend intercepting potentially Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) infested firewood being transported out of quarantined areas or into the Upper Peninsula and out of the state.

“Increased firewood inspections ensure that Michigan travelers are adhering to the state’s EAB internal quarantine and preserving our prized ash resource,” said Patricia Lockwood, EAB Policy Director for Governor Jennifer M. Granholm. “If your hunting or winter plans include firewood, help us halt the spread of EAB and buy your firewood from local vendors.”

Beginning Friday, November 11, MDA and U.S. Department of Agriculture regulatory personnel, with the support of the Michigan State Police, will check all firewood at random locations across the state ensuring it’s not in violation of the state’s EAB internal quarantine. All hardwood firewood coming from a quarantined area will be confiscated and properly disposed.

Individuals violating the state’s EAB internal quarantine (21 counties in Southeast Michigan and 31 outlying infestations) are subject to fines ranging from $1,000 to $250,000 and jail time of up to five years for moving regulated ash materials, including hardwood firewood.

Movement of firewood a primary means of artificially spreading this highly destructive pest. EAB larvae live and feed undetected beneath the bark of ash trees, making any piece of ash firewood a potential vehicle for the accidental transport of the insect. Even firewood appearing uninfested could be carrying EAB larvae under the bark and possibly create a new infestation.

Emerald Ash Borer is an exotic, aggressive beetle native to Asia and discovered in Southeast Michigan in 2002. To date, EAB has been responsible for the death or damage of approximately 15 million of the state’s ash trees.

For more information about Emerald Ash Borer, please visit one of these Web sites: www.michigan.gov/eab or www.emeraldashborer.info. You may also contact your regional MDA office, local Michigan State University Extension office or conservation district office.