Emerald Ash Borer in Minnesota
Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is an invasive insect that has killed millions of Ash trees throughout the Eastern U.S. and Canada. Since 2009, EAB has spread through 46 Minnesota counties. EAB is present throughout Anoka County and the Twin Cities Metro. Our state is home to over 1 billion Ash trees, all of which are vulnerable to EAB infection.
Trees affected by EAB dry out and rot quickly, creating public safety hazards. If allowed to decay, these conditions can cause trees to become dangerous to cut. Removing ash trees in high traffic areas including along public trails and neighborhood streets is a top safety priority.
Help Stop the Spread!
You can help contain the spread of Emerald Ash Borer throughout the state. Avoid cutting and pruning Ash trees from May 1 through September 31 as EAB insects are most active during this time. Do not transport firewood off the site where it was collected. The Twin Cities metro and much of Eastern MN is within an EAB quarantine zone. Transporting firewood out of this area risks spreading this forest disease.
Current Projects & Volunteer Opportunities
ACD was a recipient of the MN Dept of Natural Resources "ReLeaf 2023" grant to replace Ash trees at King's Island in Anoka. Trees close to trails and the accessible duck blinds were removed in early 2024. New trees will be planted in 2025 and 2026 with the help of volunteers.
A public tree planting event will be hosted on October 24, 2026 from 9AM-12PM at Anoka Nature Preserve. For more details and to sign up, visit our tree planting event page.
Resources
Emerald Ash Borer Identification
MN DNR: EAB Identification & Impact
Invasive Species Center: Identifying Emerald Ash Borer Infection (Video)
UMN Extension: Signs of Infestation; Ash Tree Treatment, Removal, and Replacement
Stop the Spread!
MN Emerald Ash Borer Quarantine Map
EAB Network: Information for Homeowners
Broader EAB Impacts
Ash Trees, Indigenous Communities, and EAB
Black Ash: A Foundational Wetland and Cultural Keystone Species
Recursos en Español
