EAB Quarantine Expanded
Concerned about the widespread impact of a full blown outbreak, the federal government has expanded its emerald ash borer (EAB) quarantine to cover the entire states of Illinois, Indiana and Ohio. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has also expanded restrictions in Michigan by doubling the previously quarantined area which includes the entire lower peninsula of Michigan. The new measures went into effect last week.
The quarantine bans all interstate movement of ash lumber and wood products that originate within the quarantine area. Regulated articles include ash nursery stock, green lumber, and any other ash material such as logs, pallets, dunnage, stumps, roots, branches, and wood chips.
Due to the difficulty in distinguishing between species of hardwood firewood, all hardwood firewood, including ash, oak, maple and hickory are regulated articles. There are no restrictions on the movement of coniferous species of firewood.
According to Craig Kellogg, APHIS’ program coordinator for the EAB, firewood and nursery stock are the major concerns at this time although the federal government is looking at pallets and wood packaging.
Pallets tend to be more of a problem if the wood has bark on it. The EAB doesn’t bore more than ½ inch into the hardwood. As a result, the primary focus is bark and the outer cambium layer not the center of a log where cants come from. Pallet stock made from outer slabs and some scragg material would be more of a problem.
Kellogg reported having visited pallet companies within the quarantine area where EAB larvae were found on manufactured pallets. The U.S. government is looking to work with companies in the quarantine areas to develop workable solutions.
There are opportunities for wood industries to continue interstate commerce by participating in official USDA compliance programs. The government will issue certificates and limited permits on a case by case basis. Contact the local EAB authorities in your state for more information.
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3
