Emerald Ash Borer Alert

Emerald ash borer, a destructive insect that has killed over 30 million ash trees in the Midwest, has been detected in northern Illinois, and most recently near Loda, Illinois in March, 2010. Since the spread of this insect has occured primarily through firewood that has come 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 more information please go to http://www.emeraldashborer.info. This web link provides up to date information on this pest.

Please note that there is a native ash borer, as well as many emerald ash borer look-alikes. Check the emerald ash borer information page for positive identification, and also to determine if the tree you are examining is an ash tree.

If you think you have found an emerald ash borer, please call the local University of Illinois Extension office at 333-7672, or call the City of Champaign Forestry Section at 403-4770 and we will forward the information to the Extension office.

The City has put all species of ash on our unapproved species list, no longer permitting the planting of ash on City-rights-of ways.