Typical damage done by emerald ash borers.
The Janesville, Wis., City Council was warned in 2009 about the emerald ash borer taking over, but due to budget constraints, nothing was done to stop it, Wclo.com reports. The council cannot be faulted entirely, for there is no known way to stop the spread of this invasive species that threatens to wipe out ask trees.
Signs of emerald ash borers have been discovered in recent weeks in Lake Geneva, Fontana and southwest of Lake Geneva near the state line. On the bright side, the invasion of the insects is likely to move slowly, giving city officials time to prepare.
"It's unlike a flood. A flood happens, and you have to respond immediately," City Manager Eric Levitt said Wednesday, about 24 hours after the announcement that an infestation was confirmed in a tree on the city's east side.
City officials met with DNR experts Wednesday to discuss options. Staff will make recommendations in mid-to-late July, Levitt said.
"This is going be a five-plus year issue, so we're not going to give a 24-hour solution to something we have to address in a very systematic way," Levitt said.
The city is warning the public to take precautions, including avoiding moving firewood, which is one way the insects are transported.
"We don't know if this is in a fairly small area of Janesville at this point or how big an area is impacted," Levitt said.