Even though it hasn't been found in our province yet, the Saskatchewan government is taking the steps to fight the Emerald Ash Borer, an Asian beetle that is deadly to all species of Ash tree.

So far, it's only been found as far west as Winnipeg but the Ministry of Environment has listed it as an insect pest which they say is a key step in addressing the potential threat. The designation allows the province to put bans or restrictions in place for transporting firewood and wood products, similar to the ban on Elm trees in the fight against Dutch Elm Disease.

The Emerald Ash Borer will lay eggs on the bar of the tree and then the young will bore into the trunk, where they will live until they mature.  The full grown beetle will then finish cutting through the other side, leaving a "D" shaped hole as they look for other trees to continue the cycle.