Central ND News

Governor Kelly Armstrong has declared May 19-26, 2025, as Emerald Ash Borer Awareness Week in North Dakota. The emerald ash borer (EAB), native to Asia, poses a significant threat to ash trees by feeding under the bark and disrupting the movement of water and nutrients. This pest has led to the death of hundreds of millions of ash trees across the United States over the past decade.

"EAB was found in LaMoure County last year and is also found in 36 additional states and 5 Canadian provinces, including our neighbors, Minnesota, South Dakota and Manitoba," stated Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring. He emphasized the importance for North Dakotans to take preventive measures against further spread during travel.

North Dakota hosts more than 90 million ash trees. In many communities within the state, ash trees account for between 20 percent to 80 percent of street and park trees. They are also present in rural areas, riparian zones, and native forests.

State Forester Tom Claeys warned that while EAB spreads slowly on its own, it can be transported long distances through firewood and nursery stock. "Please buy your firewood from local sources, and if you are coming from out of the state, please don’t bring firewood with you," he advised.

The North Dakota Department of Agriculture (NDDA), North Dakota Forest Service (NDFS), and NDSU Extension have collaborated on EAB outreach since 2008. They plan to place nearly 300 surveillance traps across cities, parks, campgrounds, rest stops, and other high-risk areas throughout the state in upcoming weeks. These traps are designed to attract emerald ash borers using a specific lure.

Goehring and Claeys requested that any encountered traps remain undisturbed by passersby.

Homeowners can treat their ash trees to prevent EAB infestation if they wish to preserve them; however, treatments are only advised when EAB is detected within a 15-mile radius of the tree's location.

Movement of firewood or other ash materials outside regulated areas is prohibited. Currently, LaMoure County falls under this regulation due to EAB presence.

For further information about EAB or treatment options, individuals can visit www.ndda.nd.gov/eab or report suspect ash trees at https://www.ndda.nd.gov/reab.