Quarantine issued to prevent spread of balsam woolly adelgid
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EmailAn internal Michigan quarantine looks to prevent spread of balsam woolly adelgid.
Balsam woolly adelgid (BWA) is an invasive insect that can cause significant destruction to true fir species (Photo 1) in Christmas tree fields or native balsam forests. In the fall of 2023, active BWA infestations were found at several forested locations over a small geographical area. In response, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) has issued an interior quarantine to prevent the spread of BWA from these known infestations. The quarantine is specific to areas in the 11 townships in northern Michigan where BWA infestations were located. The quarantined areas include Aetna, Clam Union, Holland and Riverside townships in Missaukee County; Freeman, Greenwood, Lincoln, Redding, Summerfield and Winterfield townships in Clare County; and Marion Township in Osceola County (Photo 2).
Regulated articles originating within these areas cannot be moved within or outside of the quarantine zone unless exempt or under a compliance agreement. Regulated articles include all true fir (Abies spp.) nursery stock, twigs or branches including boughs, logs, lumber, firewood and any other forest products bearing bark.
Some common questions Christmas tree growers may consider are as follows.
Will this affect my ability to sell Christmas trees?
Christmas tree production within the quarantine zone is exempt from these restrictions when moved from Nov. 15 through March 15. During these months of the year, BWA would not be in their mobile phase and therefore would not pose a risk of spreading.
Are other Christmas tree-related products exempt?
Yes. Wreath boughs and grave blankets are also exempt from the quarantine zone when moved from Nov. 15 to March 15.
Are there any shipping requirements or documentation when moving Christmas trees from within the quarantine area to outside from Nov. 15 to March 15?
No. Growers looking to move any Christmas trees (or related plant material) from the quarantine area from Nov. 15 to March 15 will not need to receive certification paperwork through MDARD.
What if I want to move Christmas trees or other regulated articles outside of the exemption window of Nov. 15 to March 15?
Reach out to MDARD via email at MDARD-NurseryCE@michigan.gov and an inspector can help you set up a compliance agreement that includes stipulations to help minimize the risk of spreading BWA.
