Environmental Threats
emerald ash borer
Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire (Emerald Ash Borer). 2010. Forestry Archive, PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
The emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire) is an invasice beetle from Asia believed to have been introduced to North America from imported wood packaging material. First discovered in southeast Michigan in 2002, the emerald ash borer (EAB) is estimated to have killed millions of black ash trees in the Great Lakes region. The most devistation has occurred in southeast Michigan with 30 million trees dead. Without control of the EAB, Michigan's remaining 700 million black ash trees are in jeopardy.
Options appear to be limited in stopping the destruction caused by the EAB. Some government entities are developing black ash seed collection programs for future reforestation efforts. In 2006, the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan collected 18,000 blak ash seeds that are being stored long-term (10-20 years) until the threat of the EAB has bassed, If the EAB is not eradicated and black ash tree reforestation fails, the cost to Great Lakes Anishinaabe basket-makers could be devestating. Black ash basketry is already a rare art form due to the low number of prime trees available and the laborious process used in making them. The threat of the EAB ould eliminate this ancient lifeway forever.