Regulatory activities

Quarantines have been imposed in infested areas to restrict the interstate movement of regulated materials and prevent the spread of the insect to un-infested areas. Materials regulated by the quarantines include firewood, nursery stock, green lumber, and other living or dead ash material. In addition, eradication efforts have been employed to eliminate the insect from new infestations once they are found outside of quarantined areas. Unfortunately, eradication of EAB appears to be a losing battle as the high cost and difficulty in detecting the beetle early before it spreads has hindered this effort.

Activities in North Dakota

The North Dakota Forest Service and the North Dakota Department of Agriculture have coordinated EAB detection surveys since 2005. EAB detection surveys are targeted toward areas where the likelihood of introduction is greatest. As expected, EAB was not detected during any surveys.

Education and outreach efforts directed at city foresters, state agencies, decision makers and the general public have begun and will continue as an important component of the state’s preparation for this potential threat. These outreach efforts have focused on firewood movement and nursery shipments from out of state. In addition, diversification of community forests and rural tree plantings continues as an important message.

Examples of materials created for EAB education and outreach.