May 25, 2006, Lansing, MI - No hitchhikers allowed to travel this Memorial Day weekend!  The hitchhikers ? the devastating Emerald Ash Borer (EAB).  Their mission ? eat their way through Michigan's ash resource one tree at a time until none are left.

Beginning today, EAB Response Project personnel will inspect all motorists' firewood at targeted locations around the state to ensure it's not in violation of Michigan's EAB quarantine.  Staff will also answer questions about EAB and distribute informational material.  All hardwood firewood coming from a quarantined area or attempting to leave the Lower Peninsula will be automatically confiscated and disposed of according to quarantine specifications.

"When making your travel plans remember to help protect Michigan's ash trees and leave your hardwood firewood at home," said Patricia Lockwood, EAB policy director for Governor Jennifer Granholm.  "Michigan is actively working to contain this pest and we will be out in full force this holiday weekend ensuring travelers are not transporting hardwood firewood."

Twenty-one counties and 31 isolated infestations are under a statewide EAB quarantine prohibiting the movement of hardwood firewood to help contain EAB.  Quarantine violators face fines/penalties ranging from $1,000 up to $250,000 and face up to five years in jail if found guilty of transporting hardwood firewood out of the Lower Peninsula into the Upper Peninsula or surrounding states.

EAB, an exotic 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 hardwood firewood, travelers could be spreading the pest to other areas of the state, and are breaking the law. 

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