March 28, 2017 - Since the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) was detected in Thunder Bay in 2016, the Northwestern Ontario EAB Task Force has taken additional steps to increase awareness of the invasive insect's arrival. The "˜Emerald Ash Borer is Here! Now What?' regional workshop and public information session in Thunder Bay are the culmination of this multi-stakeholder group's communication efforts.

The full-day workshop and the evening public information session, took place today at Lakehead University's Bora Laskin Theatre. It was hosted by the Northwestern Ontario EAB Task Force with the help of numerous supporters and donors. Topics included monitoring for the pest, management options and associated costs, and methods of slowing EAB spread in the region. Through formal presentations, informative resources and interactive examples, attendees learned about EAB identification, ash identification, signs and symptoms of infested trees, restrictions and regulations, and tree treatment options.

Regional and national experts on EAB shared expertise and experience on the effects this pest will have on our urban and natural forests. Key messages included the coordinated management efforts required to counter invasive species such as EAB, and the scope of necessary resources and funding.

Over one hundred attended the workshop, including regional citizens engaged in the urban and natural forests threatened by EAB. The evening session was attended by dozens of members of the public interested in finding out more about what to do now that EAB is here.

"The arrival of the Emerald Ash Borer, in Northwestern Ontario is a huge issue as this invasive bug kills all untreated ash trees," said Rena Viehbeck, City of Thunder Bay Urban Forest Program Specialist  and Chair of Northwestern Ontario's EAB Task Force. "Learning, discussing and sharing monitoring efforts and management options allows us to be prepared. Working together is our region's best defense"

Residents and visitors also play a vital role in preventing the spread of EAB by not transporting firewood. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) prohibits the movement of any ash wood from the City. Wood should be burnt with appropriate permits on-site, or disposed of at the Solid Waste Management Facility on Mapleward Road.

For more information, visit: thunderbay.ca/eab 

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Contact:          Gaspar Horvath - Workshop Coordinator, NWO EAB Task Force member, 519-835-1010