Wis. Taking the Fight to EAB

The destructive beetle, which feeds exclusively on ash trees, was found in southeastern Wisconsin in August. There are more than 5 million ash trees in the state's urban areas and another 765 million ash trees in the state's forests.

After the Emerald Ash Borer was found in Wisconsin this summer, the state has acted quickly to fight the insect as aggressively as possible.

In September, a budget was approved that adds funding for one full-time employee to oversee state efforts to fight the spread of invasive species.

Then, in October a state government proposal was announced that would hasten the use of a pesticide to control the insect?EUR??,,????'?????<

The move by the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection would permit the department to register pesticide products without prior federal approval for one full year. This would allow the insecticide Tree-age (pronounced like ?EUR??,,????'?????<

Tree-age has shown control of the ash-killing beetle in Michigan State University studies. Injecting the insecticide into ash trees minimizes environmental risks such as water contamination and secondary wildlife poisoning. A preliminary assessment indicates that the proposed registration of Tree-age will not require a full environmental impact statement.

Source: madison.com