State To Survey 44 Counties This Winter For Invasive Beetle
Officials Concerned About Ash Borer
Updated: 12:47 pm CST January 2, 2008
MADISON, Wis. -- State officials plan to survey 44 counties this winter for signs of an exotic beetle that destroys ash trees.Mick Skwarok, of Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, said no reports of the emerald ash borer have been confirmed within Wisconsin's borders.But, Skwarok said, it's reasonable to assume the beetle is in Wisconsin, given the state's proximity to known areas of infestation. He also called the beetle "an expert firewood hitchhiker."So far, nearly 300 trees in Brown, Dane and Kenosha counties have been cut down, and more than 10 dozen have had their bark peeled back to check for signs of the burrowing larvae.Skwarok said a quarantine and containment plan will go into effect immediately as soon as the beetle is found in the state.
Previous Stories:
- January 1, 2008: State To Survey 44 Counties This Winter For Invasive Beetle
- December 27, 2007: Ag Officials Survey Counties For Ash Borer
- November 12, 2007: DNR Advises Hunters Not To Transport Firewood
- May 8, 2007: Marathon County Bans Out-Of-State Firewood
- April 10, 2007: City Ash Trees Inspected For Borer Insect
- March 28, 2007: Some Search For Ways To Defend Against Ash Borer
- March 27, 2007: Wisconsin Trees Chopped To Avoid Ash Borer Beetle
- February 28, 2007: Crews Step Up Plans Against Ash Borer
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