Minnesota is looking for volunteers to join the hundreds of citizens who already have stepped-up to help keep an eye out for new infestations of emerald ash borer and other destructive invasive pests. These volunteer "first detectors" form part of the state's early warning system for invasive tree pests, making it more likely that infestations will be found in early stages when they are easier to control. 

The six one-day workshops will be conducted by experts with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA), University of Minnesota Extension and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The sessions will provide in-depth information on identification of invasive tree pests. After completing the training, participants are qualified to serve as volunteers in the state's First Detector Program. The role of these first detectors is to serve as public contacts for information about these pests and to help investigate reports of potential infestations.  

Forest Pest First Detector training sessions are scheduled as follows:

• February 22 - Chaska - 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. - U of M Landscape Arboretum, Snyder Auditorium  
• February 28 - Altura - 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. - Whitewater State Park, Visitor Center/Park Office  
• March 1 - Grand Rapids - 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. - U of M Northwest Research and Outreach Center, Multipurpose Room  
• March 6 - St. Paul - 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. - TIES Building (Larpenteur and Snelling Aves.), Larpenteur Room  
• March 9 - Duluth - 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. - Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center  
• March 14 - Alexandria - 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. - Alexandria Technical and Community College, Room 211

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Still Illegal to Move EAB and  

EAB Materials out of Quarantines

All regulated articles are legally required to be accompanied by a compliance agreement and a certificate if the articles leave a quarantined county, even if the articles are treated. A reminder to all that regulated articles are as follows:

1. The emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis),
2. Ash trees (Fraxinus sp.), ash limbs and branches, ash stumps and roots, ash logs, ash lumber, ash chips and ash bark chips, and
3. Firewood of any hardwood (deciduous) species

Quarantine violations are subject to regulatory action and penalties. A parallel federal quarantine is also in place.

For more information regarding upholding the quarantine regulations, either go to MDA's regulatory webpage, or contact Katy Longen at katy.longen@state.mn.us or 651-201-6245.

By Mark Abrahamson

With all of the attention devoted to emerald ash borer in recent years, it is easy to forget that there are other tree killing pests we don't want in Minnesota. At the top of the list is the Asian longhorned beetle (ALB), an accidental import that first showed up in New York City in 1996 and more recently has been found in Massachusetts and Ohio. While ALB prefers maples, it has a long list of other trees it will attack in a pinch. This insect does not spread as quickly as emerald ash borer, and if we are lucky we will never see it in Minnesota. However, the only thing worse than finding ALB in Minnesota, would be to not find an existing population until it became so widely established it couldn't be eradicated. The MDA has published a new factsheet on ALB with some tips for identification.

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Brown Marmorated Stink Bug

The brown marmorated stink bug has been found in three new counties this winter. Carver, Chisago, and Hennepin Counties were all confirmed to have this stinky pest.  

Native to Asia, brown marmorated stink bug is a relatively new invasive insect pest that has spread to 33 states since it was first detected in Pennsylvania in 2001. While not yet common in Minnesota, it previously has been found in Ramsey, Anoka, Washington and Winona counties. The adult bugs are a half-inch long, mottled brown, and shaped like a shield. The species is distinguished from other brown bugs by an alternating black-and-white color pattern on the margins of its abdomen, and dark antennae with light-colored bands.

The bugs feed on the fruits, leaves, stems and seeds of a wide variety of plants including fruit trees, vegetables and soybeans. In addition to their impact as a plant pest, the bugs can become a nuisance to homeowners when they enter homes in the autumn to escape the cold. The stink bugs release a foul-smelling odor when disturbed. 

See brown marmorated stink bug webpage

MDA Certified Firewood

This certificate shows MDA has tested and certified the facility responsible for heat treating firewood. This firewood is safe from emerald ash borer and is allowed to move throughout Minnesota.

If certified firewood dealers would like to advertise using MDA's certified logo or have questions about advertising, please contact Liz Erickson at liz.erickson@state.mn.us.