In order to slow the artificial spread of the emerald ash borer (EAB), the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has added Middlesex County to the list of regulated areas in southwestern Ontario. A Ministerial Order restricts the movement of the following from Middlesex County: ash (Fraxinus species) nursery stock, trees, logs, wood, rough lumber and other wood packaging materials, bark, wood chips or bark chips, and firewood of all tree species. The restrictions are intended to prevent the artificial spread of the emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) to areas of Canada where this quarantine pest is not believed to be present. Anyone who violates these orders may be subject to a fine and/or prosecution.EAB is an invasive species which poses a threat to our forests and forest industries.
The three Ministerial Orders regulating the movement of ash and firewood in the adjacent counties of Essex and the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, Elgin and Lambton will remain in effect.
In addition, the CFIA has issued Notices of Quarantine to property owners in the city of London, western Lambton County and in Dutton-Dunwich and West Elgin Townships in Elgin County to prevent the movement of certain regulated materials from areas known to be infested with EAB. The Agency is asking the public to help by not removing any firewood from EAB regulated areas.
Additional information on emerald ash borer is available by clicking here.
