Here are some tips for managing your woods for the the future of ash trees

We can reduce damage from emerald ash borer by continuing to learn and applying best practices.

  • Not all is lost! There are ways that landowners, foresters, loggers, conservation organizations and community leaders can address the loss of ash from our forests and help ash species survive. We joined with other groups to create this publication, Managing Northeastern Forests Threatened by Emerald Ash Borer.
  • Don’t listen to advice to cut all your ash trees now. Recent research shows white ash can survive at much higher rates than previously thought. If you are wondering how to react to the news of EAB in VT, have a look at these recommendations.
  • If you live in an area with a known infestation, contact your county forester for advice on 1) what to do about the insect and 2) to make sure any actions you take in your woods will keep you in compliance with the Current Use Program (should you be enrolled). Find you local county forester.
  • If you are within the infested area, and your forest is being logged, be sure to follow these recommendations for the movement of forest products harvested within the infested area to other locations within the federal quarantine boundary, which includes the rest of Vermont.
  • Although the emerald ash borer kills all species of ash trees it infests, trees don’t die immediately; rather they will shows signs of infection for some time. Learn how to detect signs of emerald ash borer and, if you think you’ve found some, report it here.
  • Do not move firewood. This is so important to slowing the spread. Buy or harvest your firewood as close to where you burn it as possible. Moving wood between locations can transport the insect or its larvae, speeding its spread.