Emerald ash borer spreads

In a continuation of the news first reported on December 16, 2004 the Iosco News has a followup today regarding the spread of the Emerald Ash Borer into Iosco county:

Oscoda Township resident Harry Scullon received confirmation Tuesday morning that the grub (larvae) discovered last month on one of his ash trees was indeed an emerald ash borer.

He said that the latest findings are expected to more than double the number of ash trees which must be removed from lands located between Lake Huron and Cedar Lake in Iosco and Alcona County. MDA representatives told Scullon they now estimate 100,000 trees must be destroyed, creating havoc with their budget.

Each time MDA confirms an emerald ash borer has infested a tree, the agency policy calls for removal of all ash trees within a 200-yard radius. When an exit hole is found, the radius is increased to one-half mile.

The confirmed infestation and exit holes in Scullon's trees will move the cutting operation and future quarantine well into the Lakewood Shores Subdivision, he predicts.