Spooner Officials Consider Emerald Ash Borer Prevention Options

The Spooner City Council is considering potential treatment options to prevent further spread of the invasive emerald ash borer.

The invasive species has been spreading across Wisconsin for years. The Department of Natural Resources confirmed an infestation in Burnett County last year, meaning the troublesome beetles can now be found in all 72 counties.

DNR officials expect that the emerald ash borer will eventually kill over 99% of the white, black and green ash trees in the state. Infested trees show signs of overall decline as well as visible damage to the outer bark caused by woodpeckers trying to get to the beetles and larvae.

DNR officials also estimate that emerald ash borer infestations kill 99% of the trees they infect. Some municipalities like Eau Claire have started removing infected ash trees from city streets entirely.

At their meeting earlier this month, the Spooner City Council began considering potential prevention treatment options. According to a Spooner Advocate report, city officials say the emerald ash borer has not yet reached the area.

The proposal shared at the July 1st meeting would cost about $200 per tree. A motion to treat just five trees failed on a split vote. City officials say they’re hoping to get more information about the treatment before informing residents as to what their plan is.

The Department of Natural Resources is also encouraging residents to do their part in preventing further spread. Invasive species like the emerald ash borer and spongy moth commonly spread when residents take firewood from an infected area to an uninfected area. Residents should also lookout for trees that show signs of woodpecker damage and report them to the agency.