Kentucky has joined the ranks of states with emerald ash borer. The spread of EAB into this state, with many infested neighboring states, is not unexpected- but it is disappointing. Why does emerald ash borer spread so fast? Mostly firewood moved by citizens. Occasionally contaminated trees sold by nurseries. But really, the problem lies largely with firewood. Kentucky is the home of Louisville Slugger, maker of all-american baseball bats out of ash trees. The ash mostly comes from Pennsylvania (which already is known to have emerald ash borer), but some comes from other forests, too. Without ash, these iconic pieces of American culture will be gone- perhaps we’ll import ash from Asia? It isn’t clear.
Learn more about current regulations in Kentucky by visiting our Firewood Map at dontmovefirewood.org/map/kentucky