Emerald ash borer invades South Dakota

An infestation of the

has been discovered in northern Sioux Falls, according to a release from the South Dakota Department of Agriculture.

This is the first confirmed infestation in South Dakota. Emerald ash borer is an invasive insect that has killed tens of millions of ash trees in at least 32 states.

An emergency plant pest quarantine plan was started in an effort to prevent or at least reduce the spread of the bug.

The quarantine restricts the movement of ash materials in all of Minnehaha County, as well as in areas of Lincoln and Turner counties.

These regulated ash materials include: ash nursery stock; ash logs, lumber, wood chips or mulch, including trimmed ash tree branches; and pallets made out of ash. Movement of firewood from any hardwood species, whether intended for commercial or private use, is also restricted within the quarantine area.