A quarantine has been placed on the Dane County wood supply to contain the recently confirmed presence of an invasive species of East Asian beetles, Emerald Ash Borer, in northern Madison.
According to a press release, the State of Wisconsin Department of Agriculture confirmed the activity of Emerald Ash Borers on the ash tree population near Warner Park Nov. 22 based on evidence the Madison Parks Forestry submitted.
Emerald Ash Borers do not pose a threat to human health but can exterminate ash trees that are native to the Midwest. The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection website reports an estimated 50 million Midwestern ash trees are either dead or dying due to the pest.
Madison Mayor Paul Soglin said in the release it is “unfortunate” to receive confirmation of Emerald Ash Borer in the area. However, he said it is something the city foresaw and planned for.
The city Council approved the EAB plan in September 2013, which will now go into effect. The plan includes continued sampling of local ash trees to hopefully pinpoint the “epi-center of the infestation,” as well as preventative measures such as beginning a chemical treatment program for healthy trees.
The city estimates there are an average 21,700 ash trees on public land.
