Our urban forests provide many benefits to our communities, from reduced heating and cooling costs to beautification, but they are vulnerable to the potential impacts of a new pest, Emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis). EAB is a non-native beetle that has destroyed urban ash trees (Fraximus sp.) across the Midwest, costing municipalities millions of dollars in damage.
The destructive pest is now found in many Wisconsin counties. These counties are now under quarantine, with additional counties quarantined due to their proximity to infestations. See a map of current EAB records by clicking here.
Photo above: An adult Emerald Ash Borer beetle (Bill McNee, WI DNR)
What We're Doing
Green Ribbon Campaign:
The 2016 Green Ribbon Campaigns in Stevens Point and Wausau, Princeton, Rothschild, and Spencer highlighted what these municipalities are doing to prepare for EAB and what city residents can do to prepare as well.
Pictured above: Rothschild green ribbon campaign.
Preparedness planning for small municipalities:
To prepare for EAB, the municipalities of Friendship, New Lisbon, Schofield, and Elderon are partnering with Golden Sands to receive an inventory of their ash trees and a complete EAB preparedness plan. We are conducting urban ash tree inventories and writing EAB management plans for each of our partner municipalities.
Without proper planning, cities can find themselves with hundreds of dead and dying street trees, posing safety risks and expensive removal and replanting costs. Proper planning can help.
Preparedness planning includes:
1. Educate the community about EAB
2. Inventory and locate urban and rural ash trees
3. Identify and prioritize the removal of hazardous trees
4. Budget to treat priority trees
5. Plan for disposal of removed trees
6. Replant with a diverse mix of tree species
Photo (right): Two adult EAB beetles emerging from bark of an ash tree. (www.forestryimages.org)
What you can do
1. Learn about EAB and how you can protect your trees using the helpful links below.
2. Share the info with friends!
3. Report symptoms of EAB.
4. Support our work! Donate now to support EAB outreach and planning efforts.
What is emerald ash borer and why is it important? Click here.
Map of EAB in Wisconsin
Identification of the EAB beetle.
Symptoms to watch for.
Is my tree an ash tree? Click here.
Is my tree worth saving? Click here.
Deciding what to do if your tree has EAB.
Report a possible infestation at: DATCPEmeraldAshBorer@wisconsin.gov or call 1-800-462-2803.
Insecticide treatments for homeowners
Toolbox for Communities to prepare for EAB.
EAB University webinars for all the latest EAB info
Cost-sharing for municipalities, available from WI Dept of Natural Resources Urban Forestry Grants.
Order free brochures: What is Emerald Ash Borer? From USDA at this website.
News article: Emerald Ash Borer Found in Stevens Point
News article: Rhinelander has a plan for EAB
News article: Experts: Left untreated, you can kiss your ash good-bye