Pennsylvania Lifts Emerald Ash Borer Quarantine

On Friday, February 18, 2011 the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture announced that it will be lifting the Emerald Ash Borer Quarantine concerning the in-state transport of ash materials and all hardwood firewood will be lifted beginning Aprill 15th.  Teh federal quarantine will remain in effect to help stop the spread into other states.  The wood industry in Pennsylvania will greatly benefit from these changes.

Harrisburg – The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture today announced that the state Emerald Ash Borer quarantine restricting the in-state movement of ash materials and all hardwood firewood will be lifted April 15. However, a federal quarantine remains in effect.

The Emerald Ash Borer is a highly invasive, wood-boring beetle that kills ash trees and poses a threat to the state’s $25 billion hardwoods industry.

“Lifting our quarantine will allow free movement on Emerald Ash Borer-regulated materials within Pennsylvania,” said acting Agriculture Secretary George Greig. “As Emerald Ash Borer has moved rapidly across the state, the in-state quarantine restrictions no longer serve a productive purpose.”

Because of the beetle’s aggressive movement across Pennsylvania, the in-state quarantine – initially intended to slow the pest’s spread – is now unnecessary. 

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For detailed information on the Emerald Ash Borer click here.

(Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, February 18, 2011)