An invasive forest pest
Muskoka Conservancy is working to hang and monitor green prism traps for early detection of the Emerald Ash Borer
Emerald ash borer is a highly destructive invasive pest that arrived from Asia, most likely in untreated ash wood used for packing material. Emerald ash borer attacks all species of true ash (Fraxinus spp) found in North America, no matter the size, age or health status. Emerald ash borer does not attack or kill mountain ash (Sorbus spp). In North America, the beetle was first detected in Windsor, ON, and Detroit, MI in 2002. Outbreaks of emerald ash borer have been confirmed in Barrie in 2014 and the invasive beetle has moved towards the Muskoka forest.
Muskoka Conservancy is working with BioForest Technologies Inc. and the Town of Bracebridge, Town of Gravenhurst, and the Township of Muskoka Lakes to hang and monitor green prism traps throughout Muskoka that are used for early detection of emerald ash borer. Muskoka Conservancy has been working in partnership with local municipalities on this project since 2016.
In September 2018, two emerald ash borer beetles were found on two different traps - one in Bracebridge and one in Gravenhurst.
In July 2019, nineteen green prism traps were hung in Gravenhurst and Bracebridge. Traps were taken down in September and are being assessed for the presence of Emerald Ash Borers. In 2020, we hope to add 10 more sites to detect Emerald Ash Borers within the Township of Muskoka Lakes.
Scroll down to read a full report from 2019.