Emerald ash borer found in state

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Ozaukee and Washington counties are expected to get a quarantine on ash products, now that the tree-killing emerald ash borer has been found there.

We’ve been told for four years that it’s probably here, after the bug’s presence was confirmed close the state’s borders in Illinois and Upper Michigan.

But state Agriculture Secretary Rod Nilsestuen said Monday it’s still disappointing to get the official news.

Don and Sue Geier of rural Newburg said two dozen of their ash trees died quickly – and lab results from both Washington, D.C., and Michigan confirmed the presence of the dreaded beetle.

At first, the state was planning to have all ash trees cut within a half-mile of a diseased tree.

But other states found that it didn’t work in stopping the spread of the ash borer. In the meantime, more pesticides appeared to do the trick.

So the state scrapped its tree-cutting policy.

Wisconsin has 727 million ash trees. Officials still have no idea how the bug arrived, or if it’s more widespread.

The quarantine would prohibit ash products from leaving Ozaukee and Washington counties until their owners get state approval.

No other place in Wisconsin will be affected unless another state puts an embargo on all of the Badger State’s ash products.

Wisconsin is the 10th state to confirm the emerald ash borer.

Missouri confirmed it just last week.

Tags: wisconsin news, ash, borer, ound