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Topic Description:
The purpose of the work
session is to describe the
Emerald Ash Borer Quarantine, the current situation, its
importance, and history. Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is an
invasive insect from central Asia. It was first identified
in Detroit, Michigan, in 2002 and is thought to have been
introduced in untreated wooden packing crates in the 1990s.
It has spread through natural movement and has been
transported by humans throughout Michigan, Ontario, Ohio,
Indiana, Illinois, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland,
and now Virginia. White Ash and Green Ash are common trees
in our forests and residential areas, and both trees are
host to the insect. They possess no resistance to the
Emerald Ash Borer and there are no known natural controls.
Infested trees typically die within three years. The
quarantine has been put in place because of two infestations
in Fairfax positively identified during the week of July 14,
2008. The quarantine restricts movement of Ash wood,
nursery stock, and all hardwood firewood.
Cooperation from the Board
of Supervisors would be appreciated to make County employees
aware of the presence of the Emerald Ash Borer, and ask them
to contact the Virginia Department of Forestry if they see
something suspicious. It is requested that the following
departments be made aware of the possible presence of
Emerald Ash Borer, of the quarantine, and of the conditions
to look for in affected ash trees so they can assist with
monitoring for Emerald Ash Borer while performing their
regular duties:
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Agricultural Development
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Community Development
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John Marshall Soil and
Water District
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Parks and Recreation
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Environmental Services
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No money is requested from
the Board of Supervisors. County staff time spent
monitoring for the Emerald Ash Borer is minimal and can be
performed in conjunction with their regular duties. The
exact economic impact of this quarantine is unknown at this
time. The movement of firewood, harvested ash timber, and
nursery stock out of the quarantine area is restricted.
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