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Sunday, May 19, 2013
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Environment
EMERALD ASH BORER
(Agrilus Planipennis)The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is a highly destructive insect pest of ash trees. Native to eastern Asia, this pest was first discovered in Canada and the U.S. in 2002. The EAB has killed millions of ash trees in Southwestern Ontario, Michigan and surrounding states, and poses a major economic and environmental threat to urban and forested areas in both countries. The EAB attacks and kills all species of ash (except Mountain ash which is not a true ash). How does the EAB spread?
While the EAB can fly up to several kilometres, another significant factor contributing to its spread is the movement of firewood, nursery stock, trees, logs, lumber, wood with bark attached and wood or bark chips. Signs of infestation
Tree decline, including: • thinning crown • diminished density of leaves • evidence of adult beetle feeding on leaves • long shoots growing from the trunk or branches • vertical cracks in the trunk • small D-shaped emergence holes • S-shaped tunnels under the bark filled with fine sawdust Contact the CFIA
If you see suspected signs of infestation on your ash trees or if you plan on moving firewood (e.g., when camping, relocating or managing a woodlot), contact the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) for more information.
TRANSPORTING FIREWOOD CAN DESTROY MILLIONS OF TREES
Invasive insects and diseases can live in cut wood. Moving untreated firewood, even just a few kilometres to or from a campground or a cottage, is a common way for invasive insects and diseases to spread. These pests kill trees in our forests, cities, streets and parks. This affects air and water quality. It deprives animals of habitat. It damages private property and reduces land value. It can also have devastating effects on Canada’s forestry industry and on our ability to trade with other countries that want to keep these pests out. The emerald ash borer, for example, has killed millions of ash trees in Canada since it first arrived from Asia. On its own, it doesn't move very far. Hiding in firewood, though, it can travel vast distances when that wood is moved by people. Then it kills more trees in new areas to which it has been moved. Moving firewood from places where invasive insects and diseases have been found can be a violation of the Plant Protection Act, with penalties up to $50,000 and/or prosecution. Be aware of restrictions that may be in place before you move wood or wood products. If you want more information about these restrictions, contact your local Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) office. The CFIA plays an important role in protecting Canada's plant resource base from invasive insects and diseases. HELP PROTECT CANADA’S TREES AND FORESTS.
Canada 1 866 463 6017 Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. www.inspection.gc.ca/pests
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Last update:
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
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