Emerald Ash Borer Stopped at the State Line

The spread of the emerald ash borer has become so serious in some regions that holiday travelers crossing the state line between Michigan and Ohio will have to clear a checkpoint to prevent the transportation of firewood.

Firewood is partially to blame for the spread of the emerald ash borer into Ohio where it has killed thousands of trees in Toledo and surrounding areas, according to Ohio Agriculture Department officials.

Michigan has banned the transportation of firewood out of 18 counties.  Penalties for found firewood at the state line checkpoint could be as much as $10,000, though the Associated Press reports that police only plan to give verbal warnings and confiscate the firewood.

The tree-destroying beetle arrived in the US from Asia about a decade ago and has been wreaking havoc since.