The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has confirmed emerald ash borer (EAB) has been discovered for the first time in several new counties, including Murray. The other counties are Meeker, Ottertail and Wadena, which means EAB is now in 58 counties in the state.
Locally, EAB was discovered by a Murray County Soil and Water Conservation District employee west of the city of Fulda.
According to the MDA, the insect larvae kill ash trees by tunneling under the bark and feeding on the part of the tree that moves nutrients up and down the trunk. Often, the trees show several signs of infestation because of this. Woodpeckers like to feed on EAB larvae, and woodpecker holes may indicate the presence of emerald ash borer. Also, EAB tunneling can cause the bark to split open, revealing characteristic S-shaped galleries underneath.
The MDA is enacting emergency quarantines in several counties, including Murray. The quarantines limit the movement of firewood and ash material out of the area.
A virtual informational meeting for residents and tree care professionals will be held on Tuesday, July 8, from 10–11 a.m. Experts from the MDA will give a brief presentation followed by a question-and-answer session. Register at mda. state.mn.us/emerald-ash-borer-quarantine The public will also have an opportunity to provide input on the emergency quarantines before the quarantines become formal. The MDA is taking comments on the emergency quarantine now through August 8, 2025, and recommends adopting the quarantine on August 11, 2025. The proposed quarantine language can be found at the MDA website.
