The Minnesota Department of Agriculture has confirmed the presence of the Emerald Ash Borer, a potentially harmful tree insect, in Freeborn County for the first time.
Confirmed findings of the insect have now been verified in 28 Minnesota Counties.
A contractor for a local electric cooperative was doing tree maintenance along utility lines near the City of Alden, when he noticed ash trees showing signs of infestation by the insect.
Since this is the first time the insect has been detected in Freeborn County, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture is enacting an emergency quarantine to limit the movement of firewood and ash material out of the County.
Two virtual open houses for residents and tree care professional in the county will be held on Wednesday, August 11th.
Experts from the MDA will give a brief presentation followed by a question and answer session regarding the emergency quarantine of firewood.