State Agriculture Department Stepping Up EAB Firewood Inspections This Weekend

Beginning Friday, November 11, MDA and U.S. Department of Agriculture regulatory personnel, with the support of the Michigan State Police, will check all firewood at random locations across the state ensuring it’s not in violation of the state’s EAB internal quarantine. All hardwood firewood coming from a quarantined area will be confiscated and properly disposed.

Individuals violating the state’s EAB internal quarantine (21 counties in Southeast Michigan and 31 outlying infestations) are subject to fines ranging from $1,000 to $250,000 and jail time of up to five years for moving regulated ash materials, including hardwood firewood.

Movement of firewood a primary means of artificially spreading this highly destructive pest. EAB larvae live and feed undetected beneath the bark of ash trees, making any piece of ash firewood a potential vehicle for the accidental transport of the insect. Even firewood appearing uninfested could be carrying EAB larvae under the bark and possibly create a new infestation.

For more information about Emerald Ash Borer, please visit one of these Web sites: www.michigan.gov/eab or www.emeraldashborer.info. You may also contact your regional MDA office, local Michigan State University Extension office or conservation district office.