Emerald Ash Borer discovered in Morrison County; quarantine put in place on wood transport

St. Cloud, MN (KNSI) – Officials with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture say emerald ash borer has been found in Morrison County for the first time.

A suspected EAB infestation was reported at a campground in Genola. 

Larvae were later found and a sample was sent to ag department staff for further testing, confirming the discovery. Other areas around Morrison County and the Little Falls area were also tested.

Because this is the first time EAB has been identified in Morrison County, the MDA is enacting an emergency quarantine of the county. 

The quarantine limits the movement of firewood and ash material out of the area.

This brings the number of counties with an EAB infestation in Minnesota to 46.

EAB was first found in the state in 2009. It kills ash trees by tunneling under the bark and feeding on the portion of the tree that moves nutrients up and down the trunk. The pest is spread by the transfer of firewood from county to county. The MDA recommends burning only firewood from the county you are in and not taking firewood from where you live to where you’re camping or staying.

Story by Jennifer Lewerenz / KNSI