DES MOINES, Iowa  – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Iowa State University and the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship today asked Iowans to help fight the spread of the Emerald Ash Borer, a new pest that feeds on ash trees and eventual kills them.

The movement of out-of-state firewood to and through Iowa poses the greatest threat to spread Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) to Iowa’s ash trees.  Areas currently suffering from an infestation are under federal and state quarantines, but unknowing campers or others who transport firewood can spark an outbreak.

“Prevention is still our best defense against a potentially devastating infestation,” said Richard Leopold, director of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.  Leopold said he is confident that if citizens are diligent in preventing the spread of EAB, damage can be minimized in Iowa.

“Emerald Ash Borer is the most serious threat to Iowa’s tree population since Dutch elm disease more than 30 years ago,” said Bill Northey, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship.  “It’s important that all citizens are aware and do what they can to slow the spread of this pest.”

“ISU Extension insect and tree experts have been working with the Iowa forestry industry and Iowa citizens through surveillance and educational activities to prepare Iowans to quickly recognize this pest and the signs that it has infested a tree,” said Gerald Miller, Iowa State University College of Agriculture associate dean and ISU Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources program director.

Emerald Ash Borer Awareness Week runs from May 20 -26 and is being used to reach out to Iowans about what they can do to help fight the spread of the pest.

EAB has already been found in Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, Maryland and in Canada. In Michigan alone 25 million ash trees are dead or dying from EAB. Emerald Ash Borer has not yet been found in Iowa, but at risk are approximately 15 million urban ash trees and 50 million rural ash trees.

The potential worst case scenario for removing and replacing trees in Iowa’s urban areas is estimated as high as $7.5 billion.
Signs and other informational materials will be put up at campgrounds across the state to educate campers about the danger posed by EAB and educate them on steps they can take to help fight this destructive pest.

For more information Iowans can visit www.emeraldashborer.info or contact Iowa State University Extension at (515) 294-5963, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship at (515) 725-1470 or the Iowa Department of Natural Resources at (515) 242-5966.

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