Minnesota State Wire

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has identified the presence of the emerald ash borer (EAB) in new areas within the state. The insect, which damages and ultimately kills ash trees, was recently confirmed in Carlton County and found for the first time in Meeker, Murray, Ottertail, and Wadena counties. This discovery brings the total number of affected counties to 58.

In Carlton County, EAB was detected in rural areas near Holyoke, Sawyer, and Wrenshall by an employee from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. In Meeker County, it was discovered at Round Lake public access south of Litchfield by a Meeker County Soil and Water Conservation District employee. In Murray County, west of Fulda City, another district employee made the find. A tree care company submitted findings confirmed by MDA in both Ottertail's town of Deer Creek and the city of Wadena.

EAB larvae are known for killing ash trees by burrowing under their bark and disrupting nutrient flow. Indicators of infestation include woodpecker activity or bark splitting that reveals S-shaped galleries beneath.

In response to these findings, MDA is implementing emergency quarantines across all newly affected counties: Carlton (excluding Fond du Lac Reservation), Meeker, Murray, Ottertail, and Wadena. These measures aim to limit firewood and ash material movement out of these regions to curb further spread.

A virtual informational meeting is scheduled for July 8 from 10–11 a.m., where MDA experts will present information followed by a Q&A session. Registration is available on the MDA website.

Public input on these emergency quarantines will be accepted until August 8 before formal adoption is recommended on August 11. Feedback can be given during the virtual meeting or directed to Mark Abrahamson at the Minnesota Department of Agriculture via email or mail.

Further details about EAB are accessible on the MDA's official website.