Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) regulations took center stage at the recent informational meeting held by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, focusing on Cass, Isanti, and Kanabec Counties. The meeting highlighted the critical quarantine measures in place to combat the spread of this destructive pest, which threatens ash trees across the state.

Officials outlined two primary types of quarantines: internal and external. The internal quarantine restricts the movement of ash materials and firewood between infested and uninfested counties, while the external quarantine prevents the import of regulated articles from other states or Canada unless they meet specific compliance agreements. This dual approach aims to minimize human-assisted pest movement while allowing businesses to operate normally.

Key items under quarantine include all ash materials, any life stage of the emerald ash borer, and hardwood firewood. The regulations are designed to protect non-infested areas, as the average person cannot easily identify wood species in mixed firewood piles. The meeting emphasized the importance of compliance agreements for businesses needing to transport regulated materials, ensuring they do not inadvertently spread the pest.

Participants were reminded that firewood cannot be brought into Minnesota from Canada or other states and cannot leave quarantine areas. However, it can move freely within quarantine zones and between non-quarantine areas, provided it meets state certification standards.

The meeting concluded with a call for community engagement, encouraging residents and businesses to reach out for assistance with compliance and to stay informed about quarantine areas through the Minnesota Department of Agriculture's interactive map. As the fight against the emerald ash borer continues, these regulations play a vital role in protecting Minnesota's forests and maintaining ecological balance.