Emerald Ash Borer Quarantine:
The entire states of Indiana, Illinois and Ohio have been added to the Federal Emarald Ash Borer Quarantine. Here is the latest news:
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/newsroom/content/2006/11/eab_fed_order.shtml
One important aspect of this quarantine that may effect many people locally is that no green or air dried hardwood firewood of any species or any ash nursery stock can be transported from any Indiana or Illinois location to a non-quarantine state (ie Kentucky and Missouri).
The emerald ash borer has not yet been detrimental to ash trees or ash timber prices locally. Ash prices are currently weak due to declining markets for upper to mid grade red oak lumber. Ash is often a low-cost substitute for oak in many wood product applications.
Landowners in SW Indiana or SE Illinois should continue to take a wait and see approach. Typically, the outbreak will move outward from the infected locations slowly over time. The rate of natural spread is estimated at 1/2-2 miles per year. It could take 90 years (180 miles/2 miles per year) for the borer to reach Evansville from Marion County, IN.
The current locations of concern in Indiana are in the northern and central portions of the state. In Illinois, the area of concern is around Chicago. Here is a link to the current outbreak map:
http://www.entm.purdue.edu/eab/where.htm
If and when any SW Indiana or SE Illinois outbreak occurs, then the marketability of ash trees and timber could be negatively effected as county level and township level state quarantines have been set-up in the infestation areas. In addition, a higher level of ash timber on the local market would negatively effect ash stumpage and log prices.
I recommend that landowners keep up-to-date with the latest news concerning this devistating insect before making any hasty decisions concerning the sale of immature ash trees (12"-20" in diameter at chest height).
Updated 6-1-10
Over the last 1.5 years, Emerald Ash Borer has spread into NE Dubois County, Orange County, and eastern Harrison County, Indiana. It seems that people have spread this pest, because the witnessed rate of movement is much faster than the natural spread. Based on the current situation, Dwyer Forestry Consulting is now recommending the complete removal of merchantable ash species on forestland in the following counties (Perry, Crawford, Spencer, Pike, Warrick, Martin, Daviess, Green, Owen, Washington, Jackson, Bartholomew, Johnson, Morgan, and other counties immediately adjacent to known outbreak sites). Ideally, such ash trees will be sold as part of a managed timber harvest that takes into account other tree species in the forest that may also need harvesting due to old age, decline, partial defectiveness, off-site, etc.
For Vanderburgh, Gibson, Posey, Knox, Sullivan, Vigo and other counties away from the current outbreak, there should be more time available before the pest arrives (based on distance). Light selective harvesting done today, with the intent of another harvest in 10-20 years, should allow medium sized ash timber time to grow (towards financial maturity) before the pest arrives. Looking further down the road, the Emerald Ash Borer will likely occupy all of SW Indiana in the next 15-30 years.
Copyright 2009, Dwyer Forestry Consulting