Emerald Ash Border Found in Cass County

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture says that they have confirmed emerald ash borer in Cass County for the first time. The MN Department of Agriculture says that it was discovered after a department employee noticed a cluster of ash trees near Remer with suspected signs of Emerald Ash Border. The employee was able to find Emerald Ash Border larvae and collect samples.

Emerald Ash Border is an insect larvae that kills ash trees by tunneling under the bark and feeding on the part of the tree that moves nutrients up and down the trunk. Often, the trees show several signs of infestation because of this.  

There are now 45 counties in the state that have confirmed cases of Emerald Ash Border 

The MN Department of Agriculture is enacting an emergency quarantine for an eastern portion of Cass County which will limit the movement of firewood and ash material out of the area.

A virtual informational meeting for residents and tree care professionals in Cass County will be held on November 9, 2023, from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. A map of the quarantine area can be found on the Depart of Agriculture website www.mda.state.mn.us.