EAB invades Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture imposed a quarantine for Butler, Lawrence, Allegheny and Beaver counties after the discovery of the emerald ash borer (EAB) this summer. It’s the first detection in the state.

Adult beetles were found on an ash tree in Butler County by USDA surveyors, but the state does not know if it’s an isolated incident or a more widespread problem.

State and federal officials continue to conduct surveys for the pest near the detection site.

Pennsylvania’s quarantine restricts the movement of ash nursery stock, green lumber and any other ash material, including logs, stumps, roots and branches, and all wood chips.

It also restricts the movement of all hardwood firewood including ash, oak, maple and hickory. Similar quarantines are in place in Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Maryland and Michigan.

“We knew the day was coming when EAB would enter Pennsylvania, and we have been preparing for it,” said Ed Copenhaver, chairman of Pennsylvania Landscape and Nursery Association. “We do place a high premium on environmental stewardship within our association, and we are committed to working with state and federal authorities to respond effectively to this new challenge.”

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For more: PLNA, (800) 898.3411; www.plna.com.