Photo By: Richard Lamoureux
EMERALD ASH BORER
Emerald ash borer is a highly destructive invasive pest that arrived from Asia, most likely in untreated ash wood used for packing material. Emerald ash borer attacks all species of true ash (Fraxinus spp.) found in North America, no matter the size, age, or health status. Emerald ash borer does not attack or kill mountain ash (Sorbus spp.).
In North America, the beetle was first detected in Windsor, ON, and Detroit, MI in 2002. Outbreaks of emerald ash borer have been confirmed in Barrie in 2014 and the invasive beetle has moved towards the Muskoka forest.
Muskoka Conservancy worked with BioForest Technologies Inc. and the Town of Bracebridge, Town of Gravenhurst, and the Township of Muskoka Lakes to hang and monitor green prism traps throughout Muskoka that are used for early detection of emerald ash borer. Muskoka Conservancy has been worked in partnership with local municipalities on this project from 2016 to 2021.
In September 2018, two emerald ash borer beetles were found on two different traps, one in Bracebridge and one in Gravenhurst.
In July 2019, nineteen green prism traps were hung in Gravenhurst and Bracebridge. Traps were taken down in September and were assessed for the presence of Emerald ash borers. Two separate populations were found in Muskoka. The location in Gravenhurst was the same as in 2018, but the spot in Bracebridge was a different location.
This program ended in 2020 with the rise of Covid-19.
Scroll down to read the full report from 2019.
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If you have any questions about the program or are interested in becoming more involved, please contact Aaron Rusak at info@muskokaconservancy.org or call 705-645-7393 ext 200.
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