Invasive Pest Discovered in Cass County Earlier this Year
Cass County Extension is hosting an informational meeting this month for local residents who want to learn more about the invasive Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) pest. In mid-February, the presence of EAB was confirmed for the first time in Cass County, on a private property site in rural Massena. Since the first Iowa detection in 2010, the invasive, tree-killing pest has spread to 66 Iowa counties.
EAB is a small, metallic green beetle native to Asia that attacks ash species. In its larval stage, the insect feeds just beneath the bark disrupting the movement of water and nutrients within the tree. Infested trees usually die within two to four years.
The meeting will be held on Thursday evening, April 18th, from 6:30 to 8 PM at the Cass County Community Center, 805 West 10th St., Atlantic. There is no cost to attend the meeting, and no pre-registration is required. The meeting is for any interested home/land owner and other concerned citizens.
This meeting will focus on identifying susceptible ash trees, the EAB insect and signs of infestation. Tree safety, treatment options, methods of spread for EAB and options to replace ash trees will also be covered. Presenters for the event are Dr. Donald Lewis, ISU Professor and Extension Entomologist; Mike Kintner, IDALS Entomologist and EAB Coordinator; and Lindsey Barney, District Forester with the Iowa DNR. Time for will also be allowed for questions and discussion.
For more information about the workshop, visit www.extension.iastate.edu/cass, stop by the Cass County Extension Office, or call (712) 243-1132.