Emerald Ash Borer in Thunder Bay
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. 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.
Adobe PDF, 1 page, 315KBCurrently there is no evidence of the EAB in the Thunder Bay region. However, with over 25% of our community’s municipal trees (and an unknown number of private trees) being ash, the invasion of this pest is of great concern.
The City of Thunder Bay is working with regional partners to develop a management strategy for the potential arrival of EAB to the Thunder Bay region.
Help keep Thunder Bay and region EAB free by not moving firewood into the region.
The second saturday in May has been proclaimed Emerald Ash Borer awareness day by tHunder bay's mayor
Proclamation Adobe PDF, 1 page, 150 KB
Questions and Answers regarding Emerald Ash Borer Awareness Day Adobe PDF, 3 pages, 167 KB
What you can do
The most important action citizens can take is to ensure that ash firewood is NOT transported into or out of the region. Any movement of wood that could potentially contain EAB will spread the beetle and cause expansion of the infestation and subsequent ash mortality. For more information, please visit the Canadian Food Inspection Agency website (CFIA). If you suspect having found the EAB beetle please call the CFIA at 1-866-463-6017.
