State escalates fight as ash borer spreads north
Minnesota officials announced an expanded campaign to combat the emerald ash borer as the invasive beetle pushes north, saying the infestation now threatens more than 1 billion ash trees across the state.[1]
The state reported the beetle has been confirmed in 60 counties and that its spread has accelerated in recent years.[1] Officials said they will step up monitoring, quarantine enforcement and biological controls to try to slow the pest and protect urban and forested ash.[1]
Since 2010, Minnesota has released roughly 700,000 parasitoid wasps at 56 infested sites as a biological control tactic against the emerald ash borer.[1] State leaders say those long-term efforts will intensify as the beetle moves into previously less-affected northern counties.[1]
Show source details & analysis (1 source)
📌 Key Facts
- Minnesota has more ash trees than any other state, with over 1 billion at risk from emerald ash borer.
- Emerald ash borer has now been confirmed in 60 Minnesota counties, with spread accelerating and moving north in recent years.
- Since 2010, the state has released roughly 700,000 parasitoid wasps at 56 infested sites as biological control against the beetle.
📰 Source Timeline (1)
Follow how coverage of this story developed over time