Emerald ash borer confirmed near Canton

PIERRE – The South Dakota Department of Agriculture (SDDA) has confirmed that an infestation of emerald ash borer (EAB) has been discovered near Canton, South Dakota. In 2018, the first confirmed infestation was identified in Sioux Falls. Emerald ash borer is an invasive insect that has killed millions of ash trees in at least 32 states.

On May 1, 2020, Secretary Kim Vanneman expanded the area subject to EAB quarantine regulations that are currently in place. The current regulated area of Minnehaha County and a portion of Lincoln and Turner counties is expanded to include all of Lincoln and Turner Counties in order to slow the spread of EAB.

The quarantine regulations restrict the movement of firewood and ash materials at all times from Lincoln, Turner, and Minnehaha Counties. These regulated ash materials include: ash nursery stock; ash logs, lumber, wood chips or mulch, including trimmed ash tree branches; and pallets made out of ash. Movement of firewood from any hardwood species, whether intended for commercial or private use, is also restricted within the quarantine area.

The City of Canton recommends ash trees within the quarantine area not be pruned or removed unless necessary until after Labor Day to prevent spread of EAB. As a precautionary measure, residents within the quarantine area should consider treating their ash trees that remain in good condition. Treatment information, as well as more information on EAB and response efforts, can be found by visiting the SDDA’s dedicated EAB website.

The SDDA, South Dakota State University (SDSU) Extension, and the City of Canton are hosting an online EAB workshop webinar on Thursday, May 7 at 7 p.m. Central Standard Time. This workshop will provide important information for residents in the quarantine area on EAB and current efforts to limit the spread. Dr. John Ball, Forest Health Specialist for the SDDA and SDSU Extension Forestry Specialist, as well as officials from the SDDA and the City of Canton, will present information and answer questions. More information about the workshop can be found here or by going to the SDDA’s EAB website, City of Canton’s website or Facebook page.

Questions regarding EAB in Canton should be submitted to cityhall@cantonsd.org or by calling 605.987.2881.