A New Threat to Oregon Ash Trees: Resources & FAQ Regarding Emerald Ash Borer in Oregon
The threat created by the presence of Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) in the Willamette Valley extends within and beyond the Luckiamute and Ash Creek watersheds. Statewide agencies such as the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA), Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF), Oregon Invasive Species Council (OISC), and OSU Extension are taking action to monitor and respond to the reports of EAB in Oregon. There has never been an invasive threat as dire as the EAB. We created this page as a starting resource for community involvement in fighting to protect the Oregon ash and its important role in watershed health. We will continue to update this page as we learn more and we welcome resources and feedback that could help us improve.
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Listen to Wyatt Williams, Invasive Species Specialist for the Oregon Department of Forestry, speak about Emerald Ash Borer, its potential effect on Oregon Ash habitat, and what people can do to stop the spread of this invasive insect. (aired on October 19, 2022 on KMUZ Willamette Wake Up's Conservation Spotlight program)
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What's the big deal about the Emerald Ash Borer?
It's a HUGE deal. In 2018, the Oregon Invasive Species Council created the Readiness and Response Plan to prepare for its arrival. This is an all-hands-on-deck moment for everyone to deal with an existential threat to Oregon ash (Fraxinus latifolia), and potentially to two susceptible related species, olive (Olea europaea) and white fringetree (Chionanthus virginicus). Everyone can help look out for infested ash trees and report EAB if its found. Unfortunately, research and experience with EAB in other parts of the United States indicate EAB has the potential to devastate Oregon’s ash tree populations in the coming years. Oregon ash is important in urban, residential, and streamside forests to provide habitat and keep local waterways shaded and cool. The loss of significant numbers of Oregon ash trees will affect communities, fish and wildlife, and water quality on a large scale. This short general-audience segment from KPTV news in Portland covers the basics of what the arrival of EAB means for the sub-basins of the Willamette River. Watch the video to the left, or read the transcript here. |
What should I look for?
EAB isn't always directly visible, but it leaves some pretty clear calling cards. Even if you don't see a beetle, if you see these signs, you should report them to the Invasive Species Hotline, where the report will be evaluated and a determination made about whether that sign was created an emerald ash borer or a different insect. For more details and examples, the Canadian Forest Service published an excellent 20-page Visual Guide to Detecting EAB Damage.
D-shaped exit holes are bored out by emerging adult beetles in May-June.
Image credit: Daniel Herms, The Ohio State University, Bugwood.org
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Curving grooves under the bark are larval galleries where the cambium layer has been eaten away, preventing the flow of water and nutrients. Bark has cracked and peeled around the dead areas.
Image credit: USDA NRCS South Dakota
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Thinning and dead branches around the crown are a sign that this tree is well into an infestation.
Image credit: Nebraska Forest Service
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Click on the image to view full-size.
I saw a shiny green beetle! Is it EAB?
Not every shiny green beetle is EAB - thank goodness! The species most commonly confused with EAB is the golden buprestid, an native wood-boring insect that is an important part of the Douglas fir life cycle. The feeding larvae break down dead and dying trees, and adult beetles create entry points for important fungal species to further decompose and return carbon and nutrients to the soil. A golden buprestid is larger and wider than EAB and has conspicuous coppery wing margins. When in doubt, collect a specimen to have it positively identified by a specialist. If you are able to collect a specimen, contact ODA’s Insect Pest Prevention and Management office for assistance with identification.
I'm SURE I saw an EAB - what now?
Photograph the insect, note its location, and submit it to the Oregon Online Invasive Species Hotline, where volunteer experts will evaluate the image and positively identify the species. Browsing existing reports is a great way to familiarize yourself with identified look-alikes.
Not every shiny green beetle is EAB - thank goodness! The species most commonly confused with EAB is the golden buprestid, an native wood-boring insect that is an important part of the Douglas fir life cycle. The feeding larvae break down dead and dying trees, and adult beetles create entry points for important fungal species to further decompose and return carbon and nutrients to the soil. A golden buprestid is larger and wider than EAB and has conspicuous coppery wing margins. When in doubt, collect a specimen to have it positively identified by a specialist. If you are able to collect a specimen, contact ODA’s Insect Pest Prevention and Management office for assistance with identification.
I'm SURE I saw an EAB - what now?
Photograph the insect, note its location, and submit it to the Oregon Online Invasive Species Hotline, where volunteer experts will evaluate the image and positively identify the species. Browsing existing reports is a great way to familiarize yourself with identified look-alikes.
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How can I do more?
The Oregon Invasive Species Council has launched an information hub to learn about all invasives. The Oregon Department of Agriculture has a range of EAB resources as well. Aside from vigilant monitoring, the most important thing we can do is learn good wood hygiene habits to avoid spreading EAB or other invasive pests. Teach your community: Don't Move Firewood! and learn how to buy it where you burn it. |
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OSU Extension Service is a great resource for learning more about EAB. They even provide a free self-paced online course to become an Oregon Forest Pest Detector volunteer, so you can learn how to watch for signs wherever you go. OSU Extension also released this excellent video of a 10-Minute presentation by Dr. Gail Langellotto, Professor of Horticulture at OSU, at a recent Clackamas County Master Gardener Association meeting. |
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What is the Luckiamute Watershed Council doing about EAB?
For the past few years, the LWC has been preparing for the arrival of EAB by decreasing the proportion of Oregon ash planted within our restoration areas and continuing to monitor our project sites for any sign of this pest. Additionally, we are helping to get the word out about EAB and working on the development of a rapid response protocol in the event that we do identify EAB within any of our project sites and need to remove them and replant with another species. We will continue to update this page as we get more information about verified local EAB sightings and the best ways to respond to and prevent EAB from infesting ash trees on your property.
