The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is reporting that the emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) has been found in Quebec, the first record for that province. The insect was apparently spotted in the Montérégie region, in Quebec's Southwestern corner, close to the border with Ontario (currently home to several infestations) and close to the US border as well. The CFIA is planning to ramp up surveys of ash trees where the beetles were found, and will likely institute some kind of a quarantine to prevent the movement of ash products away from the infested area.
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I recently attended a paper presentation by the USFS on the spread of EAB. Maps showing dates of infestation were overlaid with two concentric shaded circles, representing one and two-day drives from the current infestation zones.
There it was in plain sight: people continuing to transport the insects in firewood, with campgrounds and events like NASCAR being common destination points.
As someone who lives in ground zero, believe me, this is devastating and really changes forest ecosytems and streetscapes.
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