Emerald Ash Borer Spreads To Winona

WINONA, Minn. (AP) — Officials in Winona say they have found the devastating emerald ash borer inside city limits.

The Winona Daily News reports that an ash borer-infested tree had been confirmed in the southern part of the city. It's the only known infestation in the city, and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture is now looking for others.

Authorities knew the beetle would make its way to Winona at some point.

As part of an ash borer management plan in 2012, the city preemptively treated about 930 publicly owned trees. About 70 ash trees have been removed and 100 new tree varieties were planted.

The emerald ash borer kills off ash trees. It was discovered in Minnesota in 2009, and is in Houston and Trempealeau counties and the Twin Cities metro area.