Emerald Ash Borer Legislation
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Emerald Ash Borer Legislative Initiatives
ACTION NEEDED NOW FOR EAB RESPONSE FUNDING!
As you have likely read, seen or heard through media reports, Emerald Ash Borer was found in St. Paul, MN on Wednesday, May 13, 2009.
In response to the EAB threat, the Minnesota House of Representatives Cultural & Outdoor
Resources Finance Division included $2 million for a reserve fund to address terrestrial invasive
species. H.F.1231 is the bill that allocates the new sales tax revenue from the outdoor heritage
fund. Whether or not this allocation will make it all the way through the House and then be agreed
to by the State Senate is unknown. Your help is needed to make this happen! Legislators
must hear from the friends of the trees!
The Minnesota Shade Tree Advisory Committee, the Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association and others have worked behind the scenes to inform legislators about the need for a state appropriation as a critical component of slowing ash mortality in the state. The funds will be used by MDA, DNR and others to identify, prevent and respond to EAB including working with local units of government. Public information and greater efforts to restrict the movement of firewood will be a part of the equation.
If you suspect a possible EAB infestation, call the MDA "Arrest the Pest Hotline" at 651.201.6684 Metro Area, or 1.888.545.6684 Greater Minnesota or send an e-mail to Arrest.The.Pest@state.mn.us - and/or - Contact an ISA certified arborist (click here) |