Attention Lennox Residents: Emerald Ash Borer Confirmed in Our Community, Quarantine Measures in Place

The South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) has confirmed the presence of the emerald ash borer (EAB) in Lennox, South Dakota. This announcement was made by Dana Munyon, the department's media contact, on April 3, 2024. Lennox is within the existing quarantine area, which includes Minnehaha, Lincoln, Turner, and Union Counties. The quarantine aims to slow the EAB spread, a beetle that feeds on North American ash species.

The EAB presence in Lennox was confirmed after an arborist reported a suspected infestation. State Forester Marcus Warnke confirmed the EAB presence in an infested ash tree after an inspection. The beetle has been identified in three counties and seven communities, including Baltic, Brandon, Canton, Crooks, Dakota Dunes, Lennox, Sioux Falls, and Worthing.

The year-round quarantine restricts the movement of firewood and ash materials from the quarantined counties. This includes all hardwood species firewood, for both commercial and private use. The DANR has also prohibited untreated firewood from entering South Dakota from all states east of South Dakota and counties where EAB is known to exist.

DANR Secretary Hunter Roberts stressed the need for cooperation to slow the EAB spread. He noted that firewood is the primary way EAB is transported, particularly during the summer camping season. He urged the public to follow the quarantine and firewood restrictions and to purchase firewood at the location they plan to use it.

The EAB, a beetle that was first detected in the United States in 2002 and in South Dakota in 2018, infests ash trees. If a tree is infested before being cut, the wood may contain EAB larvae. A single piece of split ash firewood can produce five or more adults in the summer. For more information about EAB or to report a suspected sighting, the public is encouraged to visit the dedicated website.

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