Invasive Plants & Pests

Emerald Ash Borer

Emerald ash borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire, is an exotic beetle that was discovered in southeastern Michigan near Detroit in the summer of 2002. The adult beetles nibble on ash foliage but cause little damage. The larvae (the immature stage) feed on the inner bark of ash trees, disrupting the tree's ability to transport water and nutrients. 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. Emerald ash borer is also established in Windsor, Ontario, was found in Ohio in 2003, northern Indiana in 2004, northern Illinois and Maryland in 2006, western Pennsylvania and West Virginia in 2007, Wisconsin, Missouri and Virginia in summer 2008, and Minnesota and New York in the spring of 2009. Since its discovery, EAB has:

• Killed tens of millions of ash trees in southeastern Michigan alone, with tens of millions more lost in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, Ohio, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Quebec, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
• Caused regulatory agencies and the USDA to enforce quarantines (Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Minnesota (Eastern), Missouri, Ohio, New York, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Quebec, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin) and fines to prevent potentially infested ash trees, logs or hardwood firewood from moving out of areas where EAB occurs.
• Cost municipalities, property owners, nursery operators and forest products industries tens of millions of dollars.
  
  

What Can You Do to Help Prevent the Spread of Emerald Ash Borer?

• Do your part to stop the artificial spread of EAB by purchasing firewood at your campsite.
  Within the State of North Dakota, it is now prohibited to bring out-of-state firewood onto any lands managed by the USDA Forest Service.
  
• Don't move firewood unless you can positively identify the wood as a species other than ash.
  Fact Sheet: Distinguishing Ash from Other Common Trees *This is an external link.
  
• Be informed! For more information on Emerald Ash Borer visit, www.emeraldashborer.info
  

North Dakota State University Extension Service- Integrated Pest Management Program
IPM is a sustainable approach to managing pests by combining biological, cultural, physical and chemical tools in a way that minimizes economic, health, and environmental risks.

Weeds of North Dakota

ND Department of Agriculture
Catalog of invasive species. *This is an external link.

ND Weed Control Association
An association whose mission is to provide the vision and leadership necessary to increase a commitment to effective weed management. *This is an external link.

North Dakota Invasive Weeds
A North Dakota State University hosted website with information on identification and control.
*This is an external link.

North Dakota 2008 Weed Control Guide
A North Dakota State University guide on invasive weeds and control methods for various situations.
*This is an external link.

North Dakota NOXIOUS and TROUBLESOME Weed List
A list of noxious and troublesome weeds compiled by North Dakota State University.
*This is an external link.

Noxious Weeds of North Dakota
(click picture for larger view and information)
Photos Courtesy of North Dakota State University

Absinth Wormwood	Canada Thistle	Field Bindweed	Leafy Spurge	Musk Thistle
Purple Loosestrife	Russian Knapweed	Salt Cedar	Spotted Knapweed	Yellow Star Thistle