You Cut, You Haul Firewood Available at State Park

Posted on Author WKVI
 
 

Certain downed, dead trees at Tippecanoe River State Park are available for public cutting and removal through mid-March.

Park staff are dropping hazardous trees and those damaged by the emerald ash borer (EAB) insect and placing them where the public can come in, cut them up and haul them away for use as firewood. The park is charging $10 per pickup load, and all proceeds will be used to enhance the natural areas of Tippecanoe River State Park. Continue reading →

Campers Beware of Emerald Ash Borer

Posted on Author WKVI
Emerald Ash Borer
Emerald Ash Borer

This week marks educational opportunity for conservationists, especially when it comes to handling firewood.

EAB Awareness week was declared by Indiana Governor Mike Pence to help bring more attention to the issue, changing the state’s forest landscape. EAB, otherwise known as the Emerald Ash Borer, is a microscopic beetle that feeds off Ash Trees. Continue reading →

Cold Weather Could Kill Off Significant Emerald Ash Borer Population

Posted on Author WKVI

Emerald Ash Borer
Emerald Ash Borer
The cold weather may be miserable, but it does have some benefits. According to Steve Whitaker, district forester at the Jasper-Pulaski Tree Nursery, prolonged periods of very cold weather has been shown to slow down the population growth of the emerald ash borer, an invasive species that is now considered the most destructive forest pest ever seen in North America.

Continue reading →

Emerald Ash Borer Attacks Winamac Trees

Posted on Author WKVI

Emerald Ash Borer
Emerald Ash Borer
The town of Winamac is preparing to cut down 87 diseased ash trees. They’re victims of emerald ash borer, which is spread by an insect small enough to fit on the head of a penny. Larvae tunnel under the bark of ash trees and destroy the systems that supply the tree with water and nutrients. This eventually kills the tree. Emerald Ash Borer beetles are indigenous to Japan and are believed to have arrived in the United States about 20 years ago on wooden crates carried by ships. They have since infiltrated the northeastern quarter of the United States. The beetles can’t fly very far, but they have been spread by people moving firewood. Experts say you should never move firewood and should always make sure bark is removed. Also, make sure your wood is from local sources, and burn it where you buy it. More information about EAB can be found online at http://stopthebeetle.info/. Winamac Clerk-Treasurer Melanie Berger says the town plans to replace the 87 trees that are being cut down with another type of tree.

Emerald Ash Borer Confirmed at Tippecanoe River State Park

Posted on Author WKVI

Tippecanoe River State Park
Tippecanoe River State Park
An invasive insect that is potentially deadly to ash trees has been confirmed at Tippecanoe River State Park. The emerald ash borer is one of the most destructive wood-boring pests in the United States. Insects can fly a short distance but are more commonly spread to new areas when people move infected trees, logs and firewood. Tippecanoe River State Park Manager Vernon Gillum says the park continues to maintain strong restrictions with regard to firewood that is brought onto the property.

“We’ve already had where we have to be cognizant of what firewood we let into the property. For the most part it has to be de-barked or have a sticker that it comes from an approved vendor,” said Gillum.

Gillum says Tippecanoe River State Park has very few ash trees. Still, he says strict firewood restrictions are necessary to prevent the spread of other pests that may attack the oak, hickory and other trees at the park.