Ash Borer Moves Closer; Now In Centre, Cattaraugus Co.

From Potter County Today

A forest invader is continuing its march toward Potter County. Officials last week confirmed that the emerald ash borer – which is the target of those bright purple boxes found throughout the region – has migrated into three more counties, including Centre. The beetle was found in Potters Mills, at the intersection of Rts. 144 and 322. It has also been detected in Cattaraugus County near Randolph, N.Y. Foresters believe it’s just a matter of time before it reaches the local area. This wood-boring beetle is dark green, one-half inch long and one-eighth inch wide. Over the past three years, it has been found in the Pennsylvania counties of Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Bedford, Butler, Centre, Fulton, Indiana, Juniata, Lawrence, Mercer, Mifflin, Somerset, Washington and Westmoreland and probably Union.

State and federal quarantines restrict moving ash nursery stock, green lumber, and any other ash material, including logs, stumps, roots and branches, from the quarantine area. However, due to the difficulty in distinguishing between species, all hardwood firewood and wood chips — including ash, oak, maple and hickory — are considered quarantined. Since its detection in 2002, the insect has destroyed an estimated 70 million ash trees in North America. Ashes are valued for their hardwood potential.

People who suspect they have found emerald ash borer beetles should call 1-866-253-7189.

Article courtesy of the Potter County Commissioners.