While the problem of dead and dying trees at Marion County Park is being dealt with, county personnel are monitoring other areas which may be threatened by the emerald ash borer.

An infestation of these tiny insects has killed off a bout 40 trees at the park; the staff with Marion County Conservation has cut down those trees, and will be replacing them with other species.

Park Ranger Dave McKinney tells KNIA/KRLS News they are also watching other more remote areas of the county such as Roberts Creek where ash trees may be affected; but priority had to be given to sections which are used by the public most often.

“At Roberts Creek, we just haven’t addressed that yet. Here at the County Park we noticed that the trees were dying; kind of a hazard over the top of campers and people camping, so it’s time to remove them. Out there in some of the areas, it’s not so essential to get them down right now,” McKinney says.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources says the emerald ash borer is prevalent in several Midwestern states, including Iowa; the insects are usually brought into a county via firewood.

All 99 Iowa counties are quarantined, which means those building fires may only use wood cut and sold within the county where they are.