PRESENCE OF EMERALD ASH BORER HAS BEEN CONFIRMED IN AKWESASNE

The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne is informing the community that MCA Tehotiiennawakon Environment technicians have confirmed the presence of the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) in Akwesasne. The EAB is an invasive insect native to Asia that is responsible for the devastation of millions of ash trees. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) was informed and recently contacted MCA to confirm the identification and to inform environmental staff that we are located in a regulated area for the EAB beetle.

Now that the presence of EAB has been established in the community of Akwesasne, cost-effective and sustainable management strategies are being developed though an EAB Response Plan. The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe and Mohawk Nation Council of Chiefs have been informed and strategic meetings are going to be held in the near future to begin addressing solutions as this invasive insect has the potential to devastate our ash tree population. The presence of the EAB will have an enormous economical, social and cultural impact on our lands and our people. We will continue to keep the community informed.

For more information please contact MCA Tehotiiennawakon Environment division at (613) 575-2250 ext. 1038.