EAB found in Colorado

 

Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) was found in Boulder, Colo., in September. As a non-native insect, EAB lacks predators to keep it in check. EAB only attacks ash trees, and is responsible for the death of millions of ash trees in the midwest.

 

Colorado has many ash in the urban forest (we estimate about 15 percent of trees are ash). Ash trees are popular in Colorado with an estimated 98,000 in the city of Boulder alone; the Denver Metro area has an estimated 1.45 million ash trees. 

   

If you think you have EAB in your ash trees, or if you have any questions or concerns, or would like additional information, please contact the Colorado Department of Agriculture at 888-248-5535 or email CAPS.program@state.co.us.

 

The Colorado Nursery and Greenhouse Association sent out an update to members with information.

 

Two ash trees in the landscape in the City of Boulder have been confirmed to have EAB. It is estimated that the pest has been present for about three years at the location.

 

A delimitation survey to identify if there are other infestations will be conducted. The survey will be conducted by City of Boulder Forestry staff Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA), and other agency volunteers. The primary method the pest is moved is through firewood, hardwood products like mulch, and live plant material.

 

CDA is taking the lead on the situation which results in the ability to quarantine locales rather than the entire state. Laura Pottorff is the operations chief for the agency. CDA is identifying a number of public information officers to provide information.

USDA/APHIS is involved to the degree they are able; they are furloughed due to the government shut down.

An emergency quarantine will be implemented for Boulder County. Adoption of the quarantine will take place on October 31 and will be for 120 days. A permanent quarantine of Boulder County will overlap with the emergency one. Based on the survey results the quarantined area will be adjusted as needed.

Products under restriction in the quarantined area are: Ash live plant material, mulch, green lumber, stumps, roots, branches and firewood. Ash nursery stock will not be able to move outside of the quarantine area once the quarantine is adopted.

CDA is planning to meet with nurseries in the quarantined are to discuss the restrictions and answer questions. This will happen in late October or early November.