PIERRE, S.D. (KELO) — The South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources has confirmed an infestation of emerald ash borer in Brookings.
The DANR said in a news release that Brookings County is now considered part of the state Plant Pest Quarantine area because of the newly discovered infestation. The updated quarantine area now includes all of Brookings, Minnehaha, Lincoln, Turner and Union Counties.
Emerald Ash Borer has been positively identified in the communities of Baltic, Brandon, Brookings, Canton, Crooks, Dakota Dunes, Lennox, Sioux Falls, and Worthing.
The year-round quarantine prohibits the movement of firewood and ash materials in the effected counties. Movement of firewood of any hardwood species is restricted.
“We all need to work together to slow the spread of EAB. Firewood is the most common way EAB is moved from one location to another. Please, follow the quarantine restrictions and buy it where you burn it!” said DANR Secretary Hunter Roberts in a news release.
Treatments made early in the season can kill the young larvae before they are able to injure the tree. Property owners within a 15-mile radius of Brookings wanting to save their ash trees should contact a commercial applicator as soon as possible.
For more information about emerald ash borer or to report a suspected sighting click here.
