June 12, 2006, Lansing, MI - Race fans packing up for a weekend of camping around the Michigan International Speedway (MIS) in Brooklyn are reminded to not move hardwood firewood to help contain Emerald Ash Borer (EAB).
EAB, a destructive beetle native to Asia, is responsible for the death of approximately 15 million ash trees in Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. EAB larvae live 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 that may appear healthy could be carrying EAB larvae under the bark.
"Race fans are asked to buy their firewood when they reach the track, burn all they purchase, and to not take unused firewood home," said Patricia Lockwood, EAB policy director for Governor Jennifer Granholm. "Most infestations in Michigan, Ohio and Indiana are a direct result of people mistakenly transporting infested firewood."
Because Jackson County is part of the state's EAB quarantine, firewood may be sold and used in Jackson County. It is, however, illegal to transport hardwood firewood out of the quarantine or into other states. Quarantine violators face fines/penalties ranging from $1,000 up to $250,000 and face up to five years in jail.
"MIS and racing fans will continue to be good neighbors by adhering to the state's EAB quarantine," said Brett Shelton, president of the Michigan International Speedway. "We all need to do our part to help stop the spread of this destructive beetle in its tracks."
For more information, visit www.michigan.gov/eab or contact your regional MDA or local Michigan State University Extension office.
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