Emerald Ash Borer Detected in Bismarck

By Scout Nelson

Emerald ash borer has been detected in Bismarck, marking the first known detection of the damaging insect in central North Dakota.

City forestry staff find the pest while removing declining ash trees. The insect has also been found in Cass and LaMoure counties.

“As emerald ash borer continues to spread, landowners should be diligent in monitoring ash trees for indicators of emerald ash borer,” Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring said. “Suspect infestations can be reported by going to our website. State or local personnel will follow up with the submitter.”

Emerald ash borer is originally from Asia and is known for damaging and killing ash trees. Adults usually fly only a short distance, but the insect can travel much farther when people move firewood, tree branches, logs, wood chips, or nursery stock.

Common signs include thinning tree canopies, new leafy shoots on trunks, S-shaped marks beneath bark, bark splitting, woodpecker damage, and small D-shaped exit holes.

Bismarck has prepared for the pest for many years. Since 2008, the city has reduced its boulevard ash population from 36% to 22% by removing unhealthy trees and planting different tree species.

“The city of Bismarck has been preparing for the eventual arrival of emerald ash borer for many years. Since 2008, the city has reduced its boulevard ash population from 36% to 22% by removing poor condition ash trees and diversifying the urban canopy through ongoing planting efforts,” Bismarck City Forester Christy Ames-Davis said. “Bismarck maintains a list of licensed arborists that may be available to assess or treat trees for emerald ash borer.”

North Dakota has more than 90 million ash trees. Infested trees can die within a few years without treatment. Officials recommend treatments only when EAB is detected within 15 miles.

Burleigh County is now being added to the quarantine list. Regulated materials cannot leave the county without proper permission. Violations may result in civil penalties of up to $5,000.

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