Emerald Ash Borer found in Pennsylvania

An adult emerald ash borer (EAB) was found on a green ash tree in a commercial landscape in Butler County, Cranberry Township, PA, this summer. On June 27, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture issued a quarantine for Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, and Lawrence Counties in western Pennsylvania.

Ground surveys were conducted throughout the area by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, U.S. Forest Service, APHIS, and Penn State University Cooperative Extension staff immediately. Within 2 days, emerald ash borer was confirmed in Allegheny County, Marshall Township.

Pennsylvania has been expecting EAB and preparation has been underway. The Pennsylvania Emerald Ash Borer Action Plan of March 2006 addresses government actions and the authority for taking action related to EAB control. The plan includes the following specifics:

1) it delineates responsibility for surveys and protocols, and outlines the roles of various agencies;

2) it covers potential control operations, procedures for treating EAB with insecticides, and ash management as a mitigating strategy once the beetle has been discovered;

3) it addresses public relations and outreach, both before and after the beetle has been found; and

4) it looks at restoration and funding options. All of these are presented in considerable detail to minimize lag time due to decision making. To learn more about EAB status in Pennsylvania and to assess the complete action plan, go to http://www.ento.psu.edu/.