Ash borer quarantine will give state chance to prepare for bug

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. (WWLP) - A small beetle continues to cause big problems in Massachusetts. The emerald ash borer, already in parts of western Massachusetts, is moving east. 

A quarantine of all hardwood, firewood, and untreated ash lumber has been imposed on Berkshire County in an attempt to slow down the spread of the pest; which can destroy ash trees.

Chris Boultz of Southfield said that the beetle has already caused a lot of damage.

“It’s really devastating the ash trees in the area. I’m not sure how it’s going to affect the loggers in this area now, seeing as we can’t export what they cut down,” Boultz said.

“A lot of times, people don’t really realize until an area is completely infested and you cant always help the trees,” Bessie Johnston of Mill River said.

The Department of Conservation and Recreation has found the beetles in the Dalton and Pittsfield area so far.