The Department of Environmental Conservation has confirmed the Emerald Ash Borer has been found in two Upstate New York Counties. The proximity to Canada has officials concerned the infestation may be travelling south across the border.

The new reports come from St. Lawrence and Franklin counties. As of now, the DEC has not restricted the movement of firewood in the North Country, but most campgrounds already have bans on bringing your own firewood.

Because the larvae of the Emerald Ash Borer can survive travelling long distances in firewood, logs, branches, and nursery stock; movement of wood from within the restricted zone to outside of it is prohibited.  The same is true of wood from outside the zones travelling the restricted area.  It's believe the pest made it's way into the US  from China in a shipment that contained wooden pallets travelling down the St. Lawrence River.

Here's the current ban zone:

Emerald Ash Borer Restricted Zones
DEC.gov
loading...

Concerns over the expanding infestation has prompted the development of a multiple state website devoted to the Emerald Ash Borer. You can get more details about the destructive magnitude of the beetle and more detailed maps at DEC.gov

BONUS VIDEO:

More From Big Frog 104