The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is placing Nobles County under an emergency quarantine after emerald ash borer (EAB) was found in the city of Worthington.

Because this is the first time EAB has been identified in Nobles County, the MDA will be enacting the emergency quarantine to limit the movement of firewood and ash material out of the county. This will reduce the risk of further spreading the tree-killing insect.

A total of 19 Minnesota counties, including Nobles County, are now under a full or partial quarantine to prevent the spread of this highly destructive tree pest.

“Many of our recent emerald ash borer finds have been along major roadways, such as this find along Interstate 90 in Worthington,” said Mark Abrahamson, Director of MDA’s Plant Protection Division. “We can see how this insect and other destructive pests are often moved through human assistance. To protect our ash trees, Minnesotans and visitors to our state must continue to be vigilant and obey quarantines limiting the movement of firewood and other ash products around the state.”