7 CFR part 319 (Docket No. APHIS-2006-0125) Importation of Emerald Ash Borer Host Material
From Canada
Proposed action: amends regulations to prohibit or restrict the importation of emerald ash borer host
material from infested areas of Canada consistent with those imposed by Canada on the materials
from infested areas of the United States. I support the prohibition of importation into the United
States of all ash trees, regardless of size, that originate in regions regulated by the CFIA for
emerald ash borer. A concern is that the regulations might not be updated frequently enough. It
would be better to include infested areas of Canada. Wood or bark chips less than 1 inch in
diameter are allowed since larval growth are apparently not supported by chips this size or smaller.
However, adults could be within that size of wood and carry emerald ash borer to the U.S. I do not
support this inclusion of wood chips greater than 1 inch as an allowable imports.
Counties bordering ones quarantined for emerald ash borer may have populations not yet detected
since it is difficult to survey reliably for this pest. Even in official surveys, reliable techniques are
not available to detect early infestations in an area. I would not allow firewood or ash wood and logs
in neighboring counties to be enterable with only an import permit; again official surveys are not
reliable to detect early infestations. Stronger regulation and tracking of firewood would be helpful.
Preventing long distance shipment of firewood would help to slow the spread of invasive wood borer
and other wood associated insects. At the least even though importer documents may be required
to accompany some shipments, prior notification of receiving states that shipments from infested
states are on their way would be more helpful and should be required.
Kathleen Johnson, Insect Pest Prevention & Management Program Supervisor
I have concerns that debarking and cambium removal to only 1.27 cm would be inadequate to
ensure absence of EAB larvae. The cambium in large logs can be quite thick. Josh said that he
found larvae at the cambium/sapwood interface of some logs, at depths exceeding 1 inch (2.54
cm).
Jim LaBonte, Entomolgist
Comment from Kathleen Johnson & Jim Labonte, Oregon Dept. of Agriculture
This is comment on Rule
Importation of Emerald Ash Borer Host Material From Canada
View Comment
Related Comments
Public Submission Posted: 07/27/2007 ID: APHIS-2006-0125-0002
Jul 31,2007 11:59 PM ET
Public Submission Posted: 08/01/2007 ID: APHIS-2006-0125-0003
Jul 31,2007 11:59 PM ET