Emerald Ash Borer Detected on Both Sides Washington

The emerald ash borer, an invasive beetle that has killed more than 100 million ash trees in North America, has continued to spread across the Pacific Northwest. Washington officials confirmed the pest in Walla Walla County, following an earlier detection in Clark County, putting it on both sides of the state; Oregon has also seen it spread beyond its initial 2022 detection in Forest Grove, including into the Portland area. Officials warn that communities could lose most or nearly all of their ash trees within a decade of an infestation, and say eradication has not succeeded anywhere in North America. Since beetles can travel in firewood, authorities urge residents not to move untreated firewood, inspect ash trees and report suspected infestations; meanwhile, Valley City, North Dakota, says the pest has not been found there and is taking preventive steps.