Emerald ash borer experts strategize ways to combat the beetle

Emerald ash borer
The emerald ash borer is responsible for millions of dollars of damage to ash trees in Michigan, and it's spreading to other states. The adult borer is a metallic, coppery-green color and one-third to one-half inch long.
Photo by David Cappaert of Michigan State University, courtesy of www.forestryimages.org

National and state experts will attend a summit in Minneapolis on Tuesday centered on ways to combat the emerald ash borer.

The invasive beetle kills ash trees by tunneling into wood and feeding on the tree's nutrients. Ash borer infestations have caused quarantines in Ramsey, Hennepin and Houston counties.

One of the summit's organizers, Shawn Bernick, said it will help local officials learn the newest ways to combat the ash borer.

"The insect has caused a lot of damage in other parts of the county and Minnesotans have the luxury, if you will, of getting to learn from some of the other experiences people have had in other parts of the country," Bernick said.

Bernick said it's important for officials to have the right information about the pest.

"There's a lot of claims that are being made about emerald ash borer that may not be backed by science," he said. "It's important for us to all get aligned on what the effective management options are."

The day-long summit takes place at the Ramada Minneapolis Hotel.

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