SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — So far the insects have infested trees in the extreme eastern part of the state. They are small emerald-colored insects that came from China more than 20 years ago.
The South Dakota infestation is centered in Sioux Falls and the surrounding communities like Brandon, Baltic and Canton. The bugs have also been discovered as far north as Brookings and as far south as Dakota Dunes. Cities like Aberdeen and Huron have yet to see the EAB, as it’s often referred to. Aberdeen’s city forester says they are trying to get ahead of the problem by getting rid of unwanted ash trees.
“Our goal is five percent every year. For us it is difficult to reach that because of the quantity of ash that we have, along with just the other work that we have if we didn’t have to deal with the future epidemic of the Emerald Ash Borer,” said Aberdeen City Forester Aaron Kiesz.
In Huron Parks and Recreation Director Chad Schroder says there is a focus on treatment.
“We feel like we have some ash trees that are within our golf course and a lot of our public areas that are specimen ash tree, like trees at our golf course that could change the dynamics of the play on our course so we are looking into some treatment options,” said Schroder.
He says Huron is a prime candidate for the spread of the bug through firewood.
“Once we noticed it moved up into Brookings County, we know that it is out of the southeast section of the state and we know it is on the move in the state of South Dakota, we know we are a little bit higher risk area. because we have an abundance of campers that come into our area for the state fair,” said Schroder.
Both Schroder and Kiesz know it’s not a matter of “if” the Emerald Ash borer arrives in their communities, it is a matter of when.
“We thought it would probably encroach from the Sioux Falls – Brookings area, but now they did find a small pocket up near Ellendale and so its only about 60 miles away from Aberdeen at this point instead of 160,” said Kiesz.
The cities are working to make sure they are as prepared as they can be. Huron has an estimated 2,100 ash trees on city property and close to that number on private property. Aberdeen has an estimated 18,000 ash trees, almost 6,000 on city property and 12,000 on private property.
