An adult emerald ash borer (EAB) beetle was collected in June 2012 near a tree that displayed signs of EAB infestation on a private woodlot in Linn Township. EAB surveyors with the Dept. of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection were notified of the possible infestation by a colleague with the Illinois Dept. of Agriculture. The specimen was sent to federal identifiers and subsequently confirmed as EAB.
Also in June 2012, the Lake Geneva city forester, working with DNR forest health personnel, submitted photographs of an unhealthy tree located in the downtown area of Lake Geneva. DATCP staff confirmed that the tree is infested with EAB.
The tree-killing emerald ash borer has been discovered so far in 10 Wisconsin counties, including the recent addition of Walworth County. The other counties are Brown, Crawford, Kenosha, La Crosse, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Vernon and Washington.
Walworth County will be quarantined soon. Neighboring counties may be added to the quarantine pending further review. EAB quarantines currently exist in Brown, Crawford, Fond du Lac, Kenosha, La Crosse, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Sheboygan, Vernon, Washington and Waukesha counties.
The EAB quarantine affects some businesses that use certain ash products. For the vast majority of people the quarantine means that hardwood firewood, regardless of tree species, cannot leave the quarantine area.
Residents should contact a certified arborist or other tree care professional for help in determining if their ash tree is at risk and a course of action to undertake if warranted.
Information about EAB can be found at www.emeraldashborer.wi.gov.