Gov. Scott Walker proclaims May 20-26 EAB Awareness Week in Wisconsin

Gov. Scott Walker announced that Wisconsin will observe Emerald Ash Borer Awareness Week, May 20-26.

Through a proclamation, Gov. Walker urged Wisconsin residents and visitors to educate themselves about the growing problem of emerald ash borer (EAB) and to be careful about transporting firewood over long distances - one of the most common ways this ash-killing pest is spread.

"Ash is a valuable resource in Wisconsin and is worth protecting," said Gov. Walker. "By taking a moment to learn about this harmful pest and the ways to slow its spread, we can all be part of the solution to this growing problem."

Since 2008, EAB infestations have been confirmed in the following counties: Brown, Crawford, Kenosha, La Crosse, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Vernon and Washington. Those counties and three others - Fond du Lac, Sheboygan and Waukesha - are currently under quarantine.

"A number of communities in the affected counties are already feeling the impacts of EAB," Gov. Walker said. "While ash trees are dying, municipal leaders and homeowners are looking for ways to fight back. If we all pitch in and follow a few simple guidelines, Wisconsin may not suffer the same fate as some other Midwest states infested with EAB."

The beetle attacks all species of North American ash trees.

In Wisconsin, ash species comprise an average of 20 percent of municipal trees and number approximately 765 million in the state's forested areas.

The EAB larvae kill ash trees by destroying the soft layer of wood just under the bark that moves water and nutrients throughout the tree.

Emerald ash borer is native to Asia. It was discovered near Detroit in 2002. Since then, it has spread to 15 states and two Canadian provinces, primarily through infested firewood. The beetle has killed millions of trees.