Emerald Ash Borer
What You Can Do

Early detection and isolation of any current and future emerald ash borer infestations is vital to saving the ash trees in Wisconsin's forestlands and urban areas. The emerald ash borer will attack and kill every ash tree in Wisconsin if given the chance. Thus, it is crucial that we reduce our risk of emerald ash borer spread by taking the following precautions:

1. Purchase and use local firewood. When camping, leave firewood at home and purchase aged firewood near your campsite location. Many parks offer firewood for sale at reasonable prices. Firewood is also often available from private sellers just outside the parks.
2. Firewood purchased at or near your destination should be used during your camping trip. Don't leave any unused wood behind and don't take it with you to another destination.
3. When buying firewood, make sure you receive pieces that are dry and either have no bark or loose bark (a sign that wood is very dry). Not only will this reduce the chance of spreading disease, but your fire will also start more easily.
4. Reduce your need for open fire by cooking over gas or charcoal. Instead of an evening campfire, explore new night-time activities like star-gazing or viewing wildlife by flashlight.
5. For woodland owners, the Department of Natural Resources and other scientists have completed ash management guidelines [PDF, 1.6MB] for Wisconsin. These guidelines aim to minimize the impact of emerald ash borer on our forests.
6. Maintain vigor of yard trees by watering during times of drought. Ash trees are highly sensitive to drought conditions and require adequate moisture throughout the growing season. Please note, though, that the emerald ash borer infests healthy trees as well as stressed ones.
7. Be on the lookout for this pest! Be familiar with the signs and symptoms ash trees display when infested by emerald ash borer. Also, know emerald ash borer identification and other pests that are look-alikes [PDF, 225KB].
8. Report any suspected emerald ash borer infestations (if two or more symptoms or signs are present) to the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection by calling the Emerald Ash Borer Hotline at 1-800-462-2803 or submit a report online.
9. Learn more by visiting Wisconsin's Emerald Ash Borer Information Source (exit DNR).