Emerald Ash Borer

The "Emerald ash borer probably arrived in the United States on solid wood packing material carried in cargo ships or airplanes originating in its native Asia. As of October 2018, it is now found in 35 states, and the Canadian provinces of Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Manitoba" (Emerald Ash Borer. http://www.emeraldashborer.info.)  In 2020 Mahnomen began it's effort to combat and address EAB. The project was conducted in cooperation with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.”

"On May 14, 2009, emerald ash borer (EAB) was discovered in a South St. Anthony Park neighborhood of St. Paul, Minnesota. Agrilus planipennis or commonly called EAB is a serious invasive tree pest, and consequently, is regulated in an effort to slow the spread of the insect to other areas of the state yet to be impacted. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture's  Plant Protection Division tracks the spread of EAB throughout the state and provides outreach materials, training and management guidelines to affected businesses, communities and land managers" (https://www.mda.state.mn.us/eab.)

For updates on the Emerald Ash Borer in the state of Minnesota  go to: https://extension.umn.edu/tree-and-shrub-insects/emerald-ash-borers.

 What the City of Mahnomen is doing in our area:  the city has known for several years now about the damage of the Emerald Ash Borer insect, and because of this has reached out to Bemidji State University to come to Mahnomen and conduct a tree count.  This project was conducted in cooperation with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. 

The tree count was completed in the fall of 2021. Trees were marked that were dead or diseased, the city took steps to remove dead/diseased trees and replanted trees the spring of 2022.  The trees are a variety recommended by the DNR, chosen by the Mahnomen Tree Board Committee, and City Tree Expert, Scott Zortman. 

In the spring of 2022 residents saw new trees, shrubbery, and plants sprout up around Mahnomen in an effort to make a healthier, greener city for our residents, businesses, and visitors to our wonderful city.  more importantly is we will be giving our best effort to stop the spread of this invasive insect and boast beautiful healthy trees!  What can you do as a resident? Become informed, Know what to look for and make a conscious effort to inspect your trees this spring and if you find the EAB report it!