The emerald ash borer: Public Enemy Number One for ash trees. (Photo credit: emeraldashborer.info)
In 2002, a destructive pest known as the emerald ash borer was discovered in the United States. In the last ten years, these insects have killed millions of ash trees. The U.S. is facing economic losses of up to $60 billion because of the damage they've caused. Though the emerald ash borer has not yet been found in Kansas, experts say it's just a matter of time. They're now asking for the public's help in stopping the pest before it can get a foothold in the Sunflower State. KPR's Laura Lorson spoke with Nicole Ricci (RICH-ee), a forest specialist with the Kansas Forest Service at Kansas State University. Ricci explained exactly why this tiny pest poses such a big problem.
That was forest specialist Nicole Ricci with the Kansas Forest Service. She spoke with KPR's Laura Lorson about the emerald ash borer and the threat it poses to trees in the state of Kansas. To see a picture of the emerald ash borer and get more information on how to spot it, go online to emeraldashborer.info, or visit the Kansas Ag Department website and search for "plant protection." More information is available at KansasForests.org and the website for the U.S. Forest Service.