On June 15, 2012 the U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed an EAB infestation along Market Street, just south of Interstate 74. The Illinois Department of Agriculture continues to designate Champaign County as a quarantine zone. This means that the movement of all “regulated articles” (ash trees and all non-coniferous firewood) outside of the quarantine zoned is prohibited. For a fuller definition of “regulated articles,” a map of quarantined counties, as well as up-to-date information on this pest, visit the Illinois Department of Agriculture Emerald Ash Borer infosite.
Since the spread of this insect has occurred primarily through firewood from infested trees, we are asking homeowners to use caution when purchasing firewood. Do not purchase firewood that has come from infested areas, or move firewood from other states! Since it is difficult to identify firewood sources, limit your purchases to locally obtained firewood.
For additional information on what the City of Champaign is doing to specifically combat the Emerald Ash Borer infestation, please visit our Emerald Ash Borer information Page.