OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ) – The Wisconsin DNR says it has positively identified emerald ash borer (EAB) in Oshkosh for the first time.
The invasive species was found on a private property July 28 near the intersection of US 26 and I-41.
EAB has been found to be 100% fatal to untreated ash trees.
The DNR says this is a significant concern because there is a large number of ash trees within the community.
In August of 2013, presence of the EAB was found in the Town of Black Wolf and the Town of Nekimi, which prompted a quarantine of wood for Winnebago County.
Oshkosh says it has been proactive by systematically treating trees that are in good structural condition and removing others that are in poor condition.
The city says property owners can treat EAB by calling several local certified arborists in the area who can perform treatments to protect trees from the invasive species.
Since 2008, the city has not planted ash trees in preparation for EAB arrival.
