GENOLA, Minn. — Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) officials say an emergency quarantine is now in effect in Morrison County after emerald ash borer was discovered, the first time the invasive pest has been detected in that county.
Morrison is now the 46th county in the state to be invested in emerald ash borer, which was first detected in Minnesota back in 2009. The insect larvae kill ash trees by burrowing under the bark and feeding on the part of the tree that moves nutrients up and down the trunk.
State ag officials say the emerald ash borer infestation was first reported at an unspecified campground in Genola, which is just east of Little Falls. Officials later confirmed it was an invasive and destructive pest. Subsequently, emerald ash borer was found in other areas within Morrison County.
Because this is the first time emerald ash borer has been identified in Morrison County, Minnesota Department of Agriculture officials are enacting an emergency quarantine that limits the movement of firewood and ash material out of the county to prevent further spreading of the tree-killing insect.
MDA officials say trees with the invasive pest infestation show signs such as wood splitting because of the larvae burrowing under the bark. Also, the tunneling creates an S-shaped mark under the bark's surface.
Another sign is that woodpeckers like to feed on the larvae and "woodpecker holes may indicate the presence of emerald ash borer," according to the MDA news release.
The public and tree care professionals who work in the county are invited to attend a virtual informational meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 13 from 10 to 11 a.m. MDA officials will give a brief presentation followed by a question-and-answer session.
To register for the meeting, go to the MDA website.
