There has recently been confusion among some of our members as to the implications of the latest regulations that have been introduced to control the spread of the Emerald Ash Borer (l'agrile du frêne). The April news release from the CFIA (ACIA) is below. In summary, it is prohibited to move firewood, of all wood species, out of the regulated area. There is a link to a map showing the regulated area at the end of this bulletin. Be aware, however, that this regulated area is likely to increase over time. HPBAC is fully supportive of the Agency's efforts to control the spread of this most damaging invasive species and would encourage all owners of wood heating appliances to source their wood locally wherever possible.

News Release Article from CFIA 

CFIA takes further action to protect trees from Emerald Ash Borer

Larger regulated area as of April 1, 2014

April 1, 2014 - Ottawa, ON - Canadian Food Inspection Agency

As of today, most of the areas currently regulated to control Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) in Ontario and Quebec are now consolidated into one large regulated area. This will enable authorities to better protect Canada's forests by focusing on preventing EAB from spreading into new parts of Canada.

It is prohibited to move firewood of all species, as well as ash trees, ash nursery stock or ash wood (including wood chips, wood packaging or dunnage), out of this area without written permission from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). These materials could be infested and spread EAB. Moving these materials from the regulated area without permission could lead to fines and/or prosecution.

The CFIA will continue its surveillance, regulatory, enforcement and communications activities across Canada to contain EAB.

Quick Facts

• This large area will include Highways 400, 401, 416 and 417 in Ontario and Highways 15, 20, 40 and 50 in Quebec.
• The CFIA establishes regulated areas to restrict the movement of potentially infested wood items to new areas where the pest has not been found.
• As of the 2013 survey season, EAB has been confirmed in 10 counties/districts in Ontario, and in 10 municipalités régionales de comté (MRC) in the province of Quebec.
• Since being first discovered in North America in 2002, EAB has killed tens of millions of ash trees in Canada and the United States and has cost tens of millions of dollars to home owners, levels of government, and industry.

 Below is a link to a map showing the latest regulated area:

http://www.inspection.gc.ca/plants/plant-protection/insects/emerald-ash-borer/areas-regulated/eng/1347625322705/1367860339942