Why Can't I Bring Firewood into HAH?

"Why on earth can't I bring firewood from home to my cabin in Hide-A-Way Hills?"

This is a question that is posed very often which has a surprising answer. The answer? The Emerald Ash Borer

The Emerald Ash Borer is a very small insect native to Asia. They are so small that 5 ash borers could fit on a penny with room to spare. They are metallic green in colour and cause nearly 1 billion dollars in damage in Ohio every year.

Why?



The Emerald Ash Borer larvae live in the soft wood beneath the bark of the Ash Tree. This poses a slight problem as nutrients to the rest of the tree are transported from the roots through the thin layer of wood beneath the bark. Adult trees usually die within 2-5 years after the infestation. Unfortunately, the Emerald Ash Borer has no natural enemies in this area and have been difficult to manage.

Quarantines are in effect for Auglaize, Delaware, Defiance, Erie, Franklin, Fairfield, Fulton, Hancock, Henry, Huron, Lorain, Lucas, Miami, Ottawa, Sandusky, Williams, Wood and Wyandot Counties.

You may notice that Hocking County is NOT on the quarantine list. Interestingly enough, it is technically illegal to take firewood from the Fairfield County side of Hide-A-Way Hills to the Hocking County side.

United State Department of Agriculture Pest Alert - Emerald Ash Borer

Photo:
http://www.erie-county-ohio.net/eswcd/wildlife/nuisance.htm