FORT PIERRE, S.D.(KCCR)- One of the nation’s leading experts on Emerald Ash Borer was in Fort Pierre Thursday night to give a crash course on the ash tree devouring insect.  State Forester Dr. John Ball says without a doubt E-A-B will end up in South Dakota’s Twin Cities.

Ball says ash trees can be saved with treatment if they are large and healthy.

For smaller ash trees, 10 inches or less, Ball says removing the tree is cheaper,  But he says treatment doesn’t have to start until E-A-B is confirmed in the area.

Ball says he expects Emerald Ash Borer to reach central South Dakota by 2028 to 2030 and commended Fort Pierre for it’s proactive approach to addressing the issue.