Province warns of dangers of invasive species

CTV.ca
July 18, 2016

Manitoba Sustainable Development is advising people of the risks that the emerald ash borer poses if introduced to the province’s trees.

"The emerald ash borer is an extremely destructive insect that has destroyed tens of millions of ash trees in North America and has been spreading into the north eastern United States, Quebec and Ontario,” the province said in a release.

The emerald ash borer is introduced to new areas through the transportation of infected ash firewood.

The invasive species has not yet been found in Manitoba, according to the release, but it has been found in Minneapolis and more recently, in Thunder Bay.

The province said it has partnered with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and local communities to install and monitor emerald ash borer traps along highways.

Another prevention method is the enforcement of restrictions on movement of raw ash materials.

“Prevention is the key and the province is working with all levels of government to take additional steps to prevent the introduction of this devastating invasive species,” said the province.

For more information on this and other invasive species, head to the government’s website.