RANDOLPH -- The Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation (FPR) and the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets (VAAFM) announced today that the emerald ash borer (EAB) has been detected in two additional Vermont counties. Samples were collected in Washington County and Caledonia County on March 16th during a survey for the insect. Samples collected from three Vermont counties have now been confirmed to be emerald ash borer by USDA taxonomists.
State and federal officials have been conducting a geographically-targeted survey following the initial detection of EAB in northern Orange County late last month. The survey is focused on determining the scope of infestation in the state. Results from the survey will assist government officials in making informed decisions including management recommendations and the implementation of a pending quarantine.
In general, management in areas infested with EAB focuses on slowing the spread of the insect. Eradication of the pest itself is not considered to be a viable option. Citizens can help mitigate the spread of EAB by limiting the movement of potentially infested material such as firewood. Vermont currently prohibits bringing untreated firewood into the state. Learn more about the Vermont firewood rule at firewood.vt.gov.
Citizens are encouraged to look for signs and symptoms of the emerald ash borer and report suspicious findings on VTinvasives.org. Detailed information about the pest and what to look for may be found at the same website. Vermonters can also learn more about what EAB damage looks like how to report a potential sighting by visiting http://agriculture.vermont.gov/Emerald_Ash_Borer. Video and pictures of EAB damage in Vermont can be found there. Private land owners looking for information about managing ash in woodlots and UVA (current use) plans should contact their county forester, contacts for which can be found at http://fpr.vermont.gov.
(Image caption & credit: Evidence of emerald ash borer infestation; Credit: Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets)