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Emerald ash borer confirmed in Rock County

JANESVILLE — An emerald ash borer (EAB) beetle was collected Friday from residents in Janesville, according to a news release from the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. Residents removed the partially emerged beetle from one of their ash trees during the previous day. Identification of the beetle was confirmed as EAB on Monday, June 25. At least one tree on the property was confirmed by a DATCCP specialist as being heavily infested.

Emerald ash borer has also been confirmed for the first time on state-owned lands. EAB adults were captured on two separate survey t raps in the Richard Bong State Recreation Area in Kenosha County and confirmed as EAB last Friday. Infested trees were also discovered on the property. Survey efforts in that state park and many others are happening this year under the direction of DNR forest health specialists. Visitors to RBSRA will no longer be allowed to remove firewood form the property.

The tree-killing emerald ash borer has now been discovered in 12 Wisconsin counties: ;Brown, Crawford, Kenosha, La Crosse, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Rock, Vernon, Walworth, Washington and Waukesha.

Rock County will soon become quarantined for EAB. Kenosha County has been quarantined since 2009. EAB quarantines also currently exist in Brown, Crawford, Fond du Lac, Kenosha, La Crosse, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Sheboygan, Vernon, Washington and Waukesha counties. The quarantine on Walworth County is pending.

The EAB quarantine affects some businesses that use certain sash products. For the vast majority of people the quarantine means that hardwood firewood, regardless of tree species, cannot leave the quarantine area.

Residents of Janesville and Rock County in general (and any other known infested county) should contact a certified arborist or other tree care professional or help in determining if their ash tree is at risk and a course of action to undertake is warranted.

Information on EAB can be found on the web at www.emeraldshborer.wi.gov