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How Do We Fight Emerald Ash Borer? Let Us Count the Ways

Earlier this week on Lake Effect, the U.S. Forest Service’s regional forester said that invasive species are one of the agency’s most significant issues today. One of them - Emerald ash borer (EAB) continues to spread throughout southeastern Wisconsin.

The creature kills ash trees – a cornerstone species of the Midwest landscape. And millions of trees are at risk.

Communities are faced with tough decisions – treat ash trees to stave off disease or remove them altogether.

In the meantime, researchers continue to explore ways to control EAB’s penetration to unaffected forests – for example – by releasing wasps that prey on the beetle during its early development.

WUWM Environmental Reporter Susan Bence takes a look at the issue – starting 30 miles northwest of Milwaukee at Riveredge Nature Center.

Wisconsin’s first EAB infestation was discovered on a property adjacent to the Center in the summer of 2008.

She speaks with Matt Smith, Land Steward Manager at Schlitz Audubon Nature Center; Ian Brown, the City of Milwaukee Urban Forestry Technical Services Manager; and Todd Johnson - Research Assistant in the Raffa Lab in the Department of Entomology University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Susan is WUWM's environmental reporter.<br/>