A purple panel trap being used by the DNR and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) as part of a detection survey has found the invasive insect emerald ash borer (EAB) to be present in Kosciusko County.

The traps, which are hanging in trees throughout Indiana, are lined with glue and baited with manuka oil, which attracts nearby EABs.
“This is exactly why Indiana participates in the EAB trapping program,” said Purdue University entomologist Jodie Ellis. “Now we know for sure that emerald ash borer is there and we can begin efforts to keep it from spreading beyond Kosciusko County.”

The latest find was detected near Warsaw in Plain Township, which is now under quarantine. The quarantine means no regulated ash products - including ash nursery trees, ash logs and all types of hardwood firewood - can be transported out of the township. In addition, all of Kosciusko County is under quarantine; ash products may move within the county, but not outside of it.

“The purple panel traps have helped us to more accurately pinpoint where EAB is located so we can have the proper areas quarantined to help slow its spread,” Ellis said.

Kosciusko is the 18th Indiana county with confirmed EAB infestation and is part of a cluster of counties in the state’s northeastern corner now under quarantine. Other quarantined counties include Adams, Allen, DeKalb, Elkhart, Hamilton, Huntington, LaGrange, Marion, Noble, Porter, Randolph, St. Joseph, Steuben, Wabash, Wells, White and Whitley.

In addition to the latest find in Indiana, the purple panel trap detection survey also has been instrumental in recently detecting infestations in Virginia and Bloomington-Normal, Ill.

“It’s important to note most of the infestations we’re finding are not the result of natural spread of the beetle, but rather the result of people moving infested ash products,” Ellis said. “Most seemingly new infestations are actually several years old. It is our hope that the purple panel trap survey will allow us to detect this devastating pest in a more timely fashion.”

The public’s role in keeping the EAB contained remains crucial to success, Ellis said. Campers everywhere, not just in quarantined counties, should avoid moving firewood.

“We continue to stress buying firewood at the camping destination and burning it completely before leaving the site,” she said. “Much of the spread of emerald ash borer has been the result of unsuspecting campers moving firewood.”

For tips on protecting forests when camping, go to dontmovefirewood.org

For more information about EAB, including quarantines and identification materials, can be found online at entm.purdue.edu/eab or by calling 866-NO-EXOTIC (663-9684). Questions regarding emerald ash borer should be directed to Ellis at 765-494-0822, ellisj@purdue.edu

Interlake DNR property to open for ORV use

Interlake, one of only two Indiana Department of Natural Resources-owned properties permitting off-road vehicle (ORV) use, will officially open for year-round use on Aug. 23.

The property located in Warrick and Pike counties in southern Indiana, near Lynnville also can be used for horseback riding, mountain biking, boating, hiking, fishing, hunting, trapping dog training and other activities. Operating hours will be sunrise to sunset.

Property rules will be posted at four entrances: South entrance (main entrance) - S.R. 68 (east of Lynnville); North entrance - C.R. 1200 South (Pike County, south of Spurgeon); West entrances – C.R. 1300 South (Pike-Warrick county line) and Clutter Road (Warrick County).

Parking is permitted along roadsides and at the Marion parking lot (adjacent to the north entrance road). No on-site amenities will be offered at the opening; however, a master planning process is in progress to identify opportunities for future property development. Public meetings on the subject will be announced soon.

Persons who visit Interlake are required to follow all DNR-property rules. Vehicles and horses are not permitted on marked reclaimed areas. Camping and open fires are prohibited. The Carry In/Carry Out trash policy is required.

All off-road vehicles must be properly registered.

Equestrians must comply with bridle tags rules. Interlake is for day-use only and is an at-your-own risk property.

Information about Interlake is at www.in.gov/dnr/outdoor/2915.htm
Specific questions can be directed to Nila Armstrong at narmstrong@dnr .IN.gov or via phone at 317-232-4029.

Indianapolis business donates
to Turkey Run State Park

Cool Ponds, an Indianapolis business, has made two donations to help improve Turkey Run State Park.

This summer, Cool Ponds owner Steve Wicker sent a crew to the state park to remove the concrete pond and install a water feature with a waterfall and stream, a donation worth around $4,000.
The crew included David Wicker, crew supervisor; Rodrigo Hernandez; Rudolfo Velazquez; and Jose Garcia.

Last year at the Indiana State Fair, Cool Ponds built and auctioned off a mini covered bridge, which brought in more than $700. The state park used that money to purchase new bird feeders and several hundred pounds of birdseed for its wildlife observation living exhibit.

Readers with questions or comments can contact Jack Spaulding by e-mail at jackspaulding@hughes.net or by writing to him in care of this publication.