THUNDER BAY – You have probably seen the green markers ash trees across Thunder Bay. These beautiful trees marked with this could be gone in under five years. The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) has devastated ash trees in southwestern Ontario and parts of the United States since its discovery in Detroit, Michigan in 2002.
The EAB is an introduced insect pest from Asia that attacks and kills all species of ash (Fraxinus) trees. Note that the mountain ash tree is not a true ash tree (Sorbus americana) and is not threatened by this pest.
Should the EAB get to the trees, they will be removed from the streets. Many of the streets in Thunder Bay, like Victoria Avenue East by the Victoriaville Centre would sure look a lot different without these beautiful trees.
Keeping the EAB under control is a goal for all residents, and for the provincial and municipal governments.
If you think you have found an EAB beetle please call the CFIA at 1-866-463-6017.
