BISMARCK, N.D. – The emerald ash borer (EAB) was detected this week in Bismarck by city forestry staff while removing declining ash trees. This detection marks the first time the invasive wood boring insect has been found in central North Dakota.
Following this confirmation, Burleigh County will now be added to the list of quarantined counties in the state. This quarantine restricts the movement of specific regulated materials out of Burleigh County without a permit. These materials include all hardwood firewood, ash logs and branches, ash nursery stock, and wood chips. Individuals found moving regulated materials from a quarantined to a non-quarantined area without a permit may face civil penalties of up to $5,000. Information on other quarantined counties in North Dakota and other states is available on the North Dakota Department of Agriculture (NDDA) website.
The emerald ash borer, originally from Asia, was first discovered in the U.S. in 2002. Since then, it has spread to 38 states and is responsible for the death of hundreds of millions of ash trees. While adult EABs typically fly only one or two miles on their own, their long-distance spread often occurs through the human movement of firewood, tree trimmings, and ash nursery stock. Prior to this detection in Bismarck, EAB had also been found in Cass and LaMoure counties in North Dakota.
Ash trees are a significant part of North Dakota's landscape, with over 90 million ash trees in native and rural forests. In cities like Bismarck, ash trees can comprise between 20% to 80% of trees along streets and in parks. Untreated, infested ash trees can be killed within a few years.
Bismarck City Forester Christy Ames-Davis stated that the city has been preparing for the eventual arrival of the emerald ash borer for many years. Since 2008, the city has reduced its boulevard ash population from 36% to 22% by removing ash trees in poor condition and diversifying the urban canopy through ongoing planting efforts. The city of Bismarck also maintains a list of licensed arborists who may be available to assess or treat trees for the emerald ash borer.
Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring advised landowners on the importance of vigilance, stating that "landowners should be diligent in monitoring ash trees for indicators of emerald ash borer." Signs of infestation include a thinning tree canopy, leafy sprouts shooting from the trunk or main branches, S-shaped galleries under the bark, bark splitting, woodpecker damage, and D-shaped exit holes. The North Dakota Department of Agriculture's Emerald ash borer webpage offers more information on what to look for.
Treatment for ash trees is not recommended until EAB has been detected within 15 miles of a property. Residents who choose to treat their ash trees are strongly urged to select a reputable tree service company with a certified applicator qualified to perform these treatments. A list of licensed Bismarck-area arborists can be found on the city of Bismarck website.
Suspect infestations can be reported directly to the North Dakota Department of Agriculture. Reports can be submitted via their website, by leaving a voicemail at 701-328-5110 (option 2), or by emailing [email protected]. State or local personnel will follow up with submitters.
