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Doniphan County

Environment

Environmental issues apply to everyone. Whether referring to water  
and air quality or soil and water conservation, the concern is not only ours, but also future generations.

K-State Research and Extension is committed to doing its part to protect the Kansas environment.

 


 

Emerald Ash Borer

The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) was identified in Doniphan County in April 2017.  This puts the county in a quarantine along with some of our neighbors - Atchison, Douglas, Jefferson, Johnson, Leavenworth, and Wyandotte.  An information session was held on June 7 to inform municipalities, businesses, and the public about the threat.  Representatives from the Kansas Forest Service and Kansas Department of Ag spoke.

The EAB is an insect that targets only ash trees.  The larvae burrow under the bark, disrupting the tree's ability to transport water and nutrients, and leaving characteristic S-shaped galleries under the bark.  After pupating, adults emerge through the bark, leaving 1/8" D-shaped exit holes.  While there are other native ash boring insects, the EAB is particularly devastating.

Infested trees will start to show thinning canopies, will die off from the top down, will show increased woodpecker activity, and may grow extra shoots from the bottom of the tree.  There are treatments available, but the best protection is through preventative management.

The quarantine in place limits the type of wood material that can be moved out of the county to non-quarantined counties (for instance, Brown and counties west).  Articles that may NOT be moved include: hardwood firewood (of any species), any live or dead ash plants or parts, mulch (unless treated/processed properly).  There is a process to ensure safety of wood articles that are leaving and a permit system is in place to allow movement of certified 'clean' products.

Below are links to some information provided at the meeting; more is available at the Extension Office.  Please contact Margaret with concerns about EAB - or other issues - in your trees.