November 3, 2011

LANSING - Today, the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD) announced its annual survey results for the emerald ash borer (EAB).  In 2011, surveys were conducted in the non-quarantined counties of the western Upper Peninsula (U.P.), which included Baraga, Dickinson, Gogebic, Iron, Menominee, Marquette, and Ontonagon counties; and the southern portion of the quarantined county of Houghton. The survey showed no new EAB infestations. 

"The movement of EAB-infested firewood is the number one way that the insect has artificially moved throughout the state," said Gina Alessandri, MDARD's Pesticide and Plant Pest Management Division Director. "So, when you are out enjoying Michigan's recreation activities, please buy your firewood from a local source near your destination."

Through a partnership with the Dickinson, Houghton/Keweenaw, and Marquette Conservation Districts, staff installed and inspected more than 2,000 baited panel traps.  Although EAB remains active in several areas of the U.P., the pest has yet to be detected within the extensive ash resource of the western UP. Locations with active populations include Brimley, Calumet/Laurium, Garden Corners, Munising, Sault Ste. Marie, and St. Ignace. 

Additionally, MDARD conducted EAB surveys on Beaver Island; and at a suspect location in and around Newberry in Luce County - neither of which revealed any infestation.

The ban on moving non-coniferous (hardwood) firewood from the Lower Peninsula in to the U.P. remains in effect. Through a collaborative effort with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, there is a firewood disposal operation located in the Mackinaw City Welcome Center so travelers with firewood can dispose of it before crossing north over the Mackinac Bridge. Also, hardwood firewood cannot be moved from the quarantined counties of the U.P. into the non-quarantined counties of the UP.

The DNR continues to have a Director's Land Use Order in effect banning the possession of ash firewood on all DNR managed lands anywhere in the state. The ban is in place for all State Parks & Campgrounds, State Forests & Campgrounds, Recreation Areas and Game Areas and helps to reduce the artificial spread of the emerald ash borer, establishment of new infestations and damage to the ash resource.

Hunters hoping to bag a whitetail deer this firearm season may be breaking the law if they are bringing hardwood firewood from home to their hunting camps. Hunters are reminded to not move hardwood firewood this hunting season to help stop the spread of the EAB

"Hunters are urged to use local sources of firewood, burn all they purchase, and not take any unused firewood back home or to their next location," said Alessandri. "EAB and numerous other invasive pests hitchhike on firewood. This is a simple way people can help us preserve our forest landscape for future generations to enjoy."

EAB, an exotic beetle native to Asia, is responsible for the death or damage of approximately 30 million ash trees throughout Michigan. 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. Firewood that may appear un-infested could be carrying EAB larvae under the bark.

Individuals or businesses found violating the state's EAB quarantine are subject to fines ranging from $1,000 to $250,000 and jail time of up to five years for moving regulated materials, including firewood.

Additional information about EAB and a map of the quarantine boundaries are available at www.michigan.gov/eab or www.emeraldashborer.info.

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