Wis. officials expand ash borer quarantine

The State Department of Agriculture enacted a quarantine on wood in Minnesota's Houston County in hopes of containing the spread of the emerald ash borer.

The invasive beetle, which feeds on the bark of ash trees, has not been found in Houston County, but it has been confirmed just across the river in Wisconsin.h

Minnesota is banning the movement of firewood and other wood products through the area.

The spread of the beetle could be devastating to Minnesota's 900 million ash trees.'

DNR officials urge all Minnesotans to take several steps to help stop the spread of ash borer: -Don't transport firewood, even within Minnesota. -Don't bring firewood along on a camping trip. -Don't buy or move firewood from outside Minnesota. -Watch for signs of infestation in your ash trees. If you suspect your ash tree could be infested, visit http://www.mda.state.mn.us/plants/pestmanagement/eab.htm and use the "Do I Have Emerald Ash Borer?" checklist.