(Washington, DC) The District of Columbia has been added to the list of domestic areas that are under federal quarantine for the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis. This quarantine was issued by the United States Department of Agriculture Domestic (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) in order to prevent the spread of EAB.

The APHIS added District of Columbia, Baltimore City, and nine additional counties to the quarantine area because of their proximity to EAB infestations and known movement patterns of regulated articles. Specifically, the interstate movement of EAB-host wood and wood products is regulated, including firewood of all hardwood species, nursery stock, green lumber, waste, compost, and chips of ash species.

The EAB is an invasive wood boring beetle that is native to China and eastern Asia. Since its first US detection in Michigan, EAB has been responsible for the death and decline of tens of millions of U.S. ash trees. The interstate movement of firewood from quarantine areas is an especially high-risk pathway for spreading EAB. APHIS works with State cooperators and foresters to raise public awareness about this pest and the potential threats associated with long distance movement of firewood.

For more information please visit stopthebeetle.info  or ddot.dc.gov/trees.