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Home > What's New > Emerald Ash Borer in Steuben, Co., NY

Emerald Ash Borer Detected in Steuben and Ulster Counties, New York

Emerald ash borer on leafAssociated Press - July 23, 2010 3:05 AM ET

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - An invasive beetle that has killed tens of millions of ash trees in the Midwest and Canada has been found in two more upstate New York counties.

State officials say the emerald ash borer has been detected on private properties in the Town of Bath in Steuben County and in Saugerties in Ulster County.

Emerald ash borers were discovered last summer in Cattaraugus County. Since that first New York sighting, state and federal officials have started a monitoring effort that includes the deployment of about 7,500 traps in ash trees in high-risk areas.

State environmental officials believe the pest might be spreading through firewood. They are asking campers not to haul firewood to campgrounds and instead buy it locally.

New York has more than 900 million ash trees, representing about seven percent of all trees in the state. All the trees are at risk.