Since this pest is highly destructive, the Michigan Department of Agriculture placed a quarantine on all ash trees, ash wood products, and all non-coniferous firewood (hardwoods), in the affected counties to prevent and control its spread.  Under this quarantine, it is illegal to move ash trees, ash branches, hardwood wood chips larger than one inch in diameter, and non-coniferous firewood outside these counties. 

Not moving firewood out of the affected counties is particularly key to preventing this pest's spread.  While firewood may appear healthy and not visibly infested, it may carry the Emerald Ash Borer larvae beneath the bark.  Don't further the spread of Emerald Ash Borer by moving ash trees and products outside of these affected counties or by taking non-coniferous firewood on vacation with you.  Imagine how your neighborhood or favorite vacation spot would look with some or all of the ash trees gone.  Anyone who realizes they have inadvertently moved non-coniferous firewood out of this area, is advised to burn it completely, and report it via the state's toll-free Emerald Ash Borer hotline (866/325-0023)!

Michigan also has an active Emerald Ash Borer Task Force in place working to control and eradicate this new exotic pest and minimize its damage.  Members include the Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA), the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR), Michigan State University (MSU), and the U.S. Service, in cooperation with local units of government and various industry groups, associations, and universities.