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Emerald Ash Borer found in Colorado PUBLIC OUTREACH AND EDUCATION REGARDING EMERALD ASH BORER (EAB). What is Emerald Ash Borer? An invasive insect responsible for the death or decline of tens of millions of ash trees in 21 states has been detected in Colorado for the first time. The emerald ash borer (EAB) is a small, green metallic beetle first detected in North America in 2002 in southeastern Michigan. Signs of emerald ash borer infestation include a general decline in the appearance of the tree, thinning of upper branches and twigs, loss of leaves, and serpentine tunnels produced by EAB larvae under the bark. Woodpeckers may often be observed removing the bark of infested trees to access the larvae. What types of ash are affected? The emerald ash borer attacks only ash trees and all ash species (Fraxinus species)– including green, white, black and blue – are at risk. Specific species in Brighton can include but are not limited to…. · Autumn Purple Ash · Marshall Ash · Patmore Ash · Cimmaron Ash · Summit Ash · Black Ash/Fall Gold Ash *It should be noted Mountain Ash (Sorbus species), and Wafer Ash (Ptelea species) are not affected by EAB. What are the potential threats to Brighton’s ash populations? As of September 30th 2013 EAB has NOT been confirmed or sighted in Brighton. For the last five years Brighton has been working with the USDA by setting pheromone traps designed to attract EAB. EAB has yet to be found in Brighton. Where is it? A suspect tree was spotted in Boulder County on September 23rd 2013 by City of Boulder Forestry staff. Insect specimens from the ash tree were collected and sent to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Systematic Entomology Laboratory where the identity of the insects was confirmed. ---PAGE BREAK--- “The confirmation of these specimens as emerald ash borer (EAB) marks the western-most occurrence of this invasive pest in North America,” said Patrick McPherren, USDA State Plant Health Director in Colorado. “To date Colorado is the fourth State to detect EAB in 2013.” What percent of our community forest is made up of ash? 25%-30% of Brighton’s canopy consists of ash species. It is estimated that the Denver Metro area has 1.45 million ash trees. One out of five of the total Metro-area tree population is ash. How can EAB be prevented from coming into Brighton? Do NOT move firewood! EAB more than likely came from out of state firewood movement. It is absolutely crucial to not transport firewood from one region to another. Go to www.dontmovefirewood.org for more information How can I prevent EAB from attacking my ash tree? If you think you have EAB in your ash trees, or if you have any questions or concerns, or would like additional information, please contact the Colorado Department of Agriculture at [PHONE REDACTED] or email [EMAIL REDACTED]. Additional Information: · Colorado specific information can be found at www.colorado.gov/ag/dpi and click on “Emerald Ash Borer.” · http://www.emeraldashborer.info · For more on the EAB and other exotic pest threats, visit the USDA site · A fact sheet on the EAB survey is also available at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/publications/plant_health/2013/faq_eab_survey.pdf. http://www.dontmovefirewood.org · You can also contact Brighton City Forester Kyle Sylvester at [PHONE REDACTED] or email for more information