Illinois Governor Announces Emerald Ash Borer Action Plan

SPRINGFIELD – On Sunday, Aug. 6, Gov. Rod Blagojevich announced a plan of action to help control emerald ash borers (EAB) in Illinois. The plan will utilize a $7.6 million commitment from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), earmarked for Illinois and Wisconsin to fight the destructive insect.

The governor has also created a management and science advisory team charged with providing advice to the Illinois Department of Agriculture on EAB surveys, regulatory action, control and removal, as well as outreach and education. The emerald ash borer is a small, metallic-green beetle native to Asia that can invest and eventually kills ash trees. Illinois is home to 130 million ash trees.

Federal funds will be used to hire additional staff, continue EAB surveys in infested areas, remove trees and conduct outreach and education. The advisory committee, comprised of experts from the Illinois Department of Agriculture, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, USDA Animal Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA Forest Service, University of Illinois and the Morton Arboretum will refine action plans and guide control and removal efforts as well as work with local communities battling the emerald ash borer. This team is an extension of the EAB Readiness Team that has been preparing for the emerald ash borer for the last two-and-a-half years.