Forest Grove, Cornelius trying to slow down invasive emerald ash [Video]

FOREST GROVE, Ore. — A beetle species described as the most destructive forest pest in the country are killing ash trees in Washington County. Now, both cities of Forest Grove and Cornelius are trying to slow the spread of the invasive emerald ash borer.

Dr. Max Ragozzino is an entomologist, a person who studies insects, with the Oregon Department of Agriculture. He said the beetle was first detected in Forest Grove back in June of 2022, since then they’ve killed at least 200 ash trees locally.

“Today, we are working on removing some infested emerald ash borer trees,” said Dr. Ragozzino. “We are working as part of the Slow Ash Mortality Strategy program in order to slow the spread of emerald ash borer out from Forest Grove.”

On Wednesday, several local, state and federal agencies were in Washington County …