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BARNESVILLE -- Belmont County residents will have the chance to learn a little more about an invasive pest at a forestry program today.
The emerald ash borer is an invasive species from Asia that has had a severe negative effect on the ash trees of the Buckeye State. The small beetle does its damage by laying eggs on ash trees, where the larvae hatch underneath the bark. The larvae then proceed to feed on the living wood of the tree, preventing the plant from getting enough water and nutrients for itself. According to information on the Ohio Department of Natural Resources website, after several years of this even the healthiest of trees will succumb to the damage and die. The ODNR fights back against the beetle by restricting firewood transportation to prevent their spread, as well as using purple sticky traps to try and capture adults before they can lay eggs. Now, a local agency is helping residents learn how they can protect their own property from the beetle.
"There have been many questions regarding emerald ash borers," said Liza Butler, forestry and wildlife specialist for the Belmont County Soil and Water Conservation District, which is holding the program. " It has been here and has had a significant impact on the survival of ash trees."
The program will take place at 6 p.m. today the Barnesville Library Annex, located at 611 N. Chestnut St. in Barnesville. Those who attend will have the chance to discuss the issue with several experts and hear advice on how to manage ash trees around their homes and property. The instructors include Butler, Mark Landefeld and Dan Lima, OSU Extension agriculture and natural resource educators, and ODNR Division of Forestry Service Forester Jeremy Scherf. A release from the Belmont County SWCD states the program will cover a wide variety of subjects to help equip attendees with the knowledge they need to keep back the insect, such as its life cycle, how to properly manage ash on their property and more.
"This program will hopefully answer any questions landowners have regarding emerald ash borers and where to go from this point, whether their ash trees could be harvested or just be used for firewood," Butler said. "Scherf will also let them know what the state is doing for the future of ash trees."
For more information or to register, call the Belmont SWCD at 740-526-0027 or email butlerswcd@att.net.