Emerald Ash Borer

HELP SAVE ASH TREES

Emerald ash borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire, is an exotic beetle that was discovered in southeastern Michigan near Detroit in the summer of 2002. EAB kills all ash species by larval burrowing under the bark and eating the actively growing layers of the trees.  Since 2002, EAB has spread to numerous states.  Transportation via infested firewood poses the greatest threat for it's spread to our recreation areas and forest lands.

                            **Firewood Alert ** 

On Jan. 13, 2015, positive identification of the EAB was made at Blanding Landing Recreation Area near Hanover, Illinois, in rural Jo Daviess County. EAB larvae were found by Corps of Engineers, Mississippi River project staff while inspecting suspect trees and a positive identification was made by the Illinois Department of Agriculture. Currently this is the only Corps managed recreation area in the Rock Island District confirmed with EAB activity. This was not the first identification of EAB in the county which had already been placed in the state and federal EAB quarantine area.

When camping or picnicking at any recreation area within the Rock Island District, purchase your firewood from a local vendor. Don't bring firewood from home. To help prevent the spread of the EAB and other threats to forest health, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District, is prohibiting firewood if it originates from out-of-state or from a quarantined county. Individual parks within the District may have varying regulations based on state and federal quarantines. Please check with each recreation area before your arrival to ensure proper compliance.

How Can You Help

Help Us Prevent and Slow the Spread of Emerald Ash Borers (EAB): Please Do Not Transport Firewood!

1. Leave your firewood at home – do not transport firewood.

2. Use firewood from local sources.

3. Burn all firewood before leaving the park.

For more information on EAB and quarantine boundary lines, please visit the website www.emeraldashborer.info.