Wisconsin Ag Connection - Next Week is EAB Awareness Week in Wisconsin

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Next Week is EAB Awareness Week in Wisconsin
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 05/11/2012

Governor Scott Walker announced that Wisconsin will observe Emerald Ash Borer Awareness Week between May 20-26. Through a proclamation, Walker urged Wisconsin residents and visitors to educate themselves about the growing problem of emerald ash borer and to be careful about transporting firewood over long distances, which is one of the most common ways this ash-killing pest is spread.

"Ash is a valuable resource in Wisconsin and is worth protecting," Walker said. "By taking a moment to learn about this harmful pest and the ways to slow its spread, we can all be part of the solution to this growing problem."

Since 2008, EAB infestations have been confirmed in the following counties: Brown, Crawford, Kenosha, La Crosse, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Vernon and Washington. Those counties and three others--Fond du Lac, Sheboygan and Waukesha--are currently under quarantine.

The state's agriculture department says people can help slow the spread of EAB and learn more about the pest in many ways, such as following all quarantine guidelines,

buying firewood at your destination instead of transporting it over long distances, and by reporting ash trees that show signs of infestation by calling the EAB hotline toll-free at 800-462-2803.

The emerald ash borer is native to Asia. It was discovered near Detroit in 2002. Since then, it has spread to 15 states and two Canadian provinces, primarily through infested firewood.

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