Ash Borer Quarantine Extended To Potter County
1 min readPotter County Today
A forest invader is continuing its march toward Potter County. 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 recently detected in Potters Mills, at the intersection of Rts. 144 and 322. It has also been found 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. Potter, McKean, Cameron and Tioga counties are now under a quarantine intended to restrict the movement of ash nursery, green lumber, and any other ash material, including logs, stumps, roots and branches.
Because it is difficult to distinguish 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.
Courtesy of the Potter County Commissioners.
