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Ash Free Zone Regulations

June 17, 2004 - The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has taken another step to control the spread of an invasive pest, the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) in Southwestern Ontario. 

In March 2004, work was completed on the Ash Free Zone (AFZ), an area on the west end of Chatham-Kent, Ontario, from which all ash trees were removed in order to control the natural spread of EAB to other areas of Canada currently free of the pest. In support of this, the Canadian government has passed the Ash Free Zone Regulations.

In addition to defining the boundaries of the area included in the zone, the regulations will restrict ash forest products, including nursery stock and firewood from entering, leaving or transiting the zone. This includes planting and movement of this material.

These regulations will also require property owners to remove any ash trees from their property that manage to re-establish from sprouts or seedlings. For the zone to be effective, it must remain free from any ash material that can act either as a food source or as breeding material for the beetle.

Throughout 2004, the CFIA will work with property owners to ensure that their properties remain ash-free. The CFIA is asking that property owners assist it in controlling the further spread of this very serious pest and help save Canada’s trees.

The CFIA and its partners have been working to protect Canada’s trees and forests from EAB since it was discovered in 2002. In addition to establishing the Ash Free Zone, a regulated area was established by the CFIA which restricts the movement of all ash forest products such as nursery stock, logs and debris as well as firewood of all species from infested areas. At present, all of Essex County is included in the regulated area.

The unauthorized removal of firewood and other ash forest products from regulated areas is illegal under the Plant Protection Act and is subject to legal action by the CFIA, including prosecution. Throughout the remainder of 2004, CFIA will continue with its public awareness campaign and we ask that persons please contact the CFIA before moving any of these items.

The Agency continues to work closely with cooperating agencies to combat the spread of the EAB.

For more information on the Ash Free Zone Regulations, please see our website at www.inspection.gc.ca