Emerald Ash Borer Detected in Fargo

Second report of the invasive pest in North Dakota

Jan. 27, 2026 at 6:07pm

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Fargo forestry officials have confirmed the presence of the emerald ash borer, an invasive wood-boring insect that has killed hundreds of millions of ash trees across the United States since it was first detected in 2002. This is the second report of the pest in North Dakota, with the first being in LaMoure County in 2024.

Why it matters

The emerald ash borer poses a significant threat to North Dakota's ash tree population, which could lead to widespread tree loss and damage to the state's urban forests if not properly managed. The detection in Fargo is concerning as the city has worked to diversify its tree species and reduce ash tree populations in preparation for the pest's arrival.

The details

Emerald ash borer is an invasive insect originally from Asia that was first found in the U.S. in 2002. It has since spread to 37 states and killed hundreds of millions of ash trees. The insect can travel long distances through the movement of firewood, tree trimmings, and ash nursery stock, though adults typically only fly a mile or two on their own.

  • The first detection of emerald ash borer in North Dakota was in LaMoure County in 2024.
  • The emerald ash borer has now been detected in Fargo in 2026.

The players

Doug Goehring

North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner.

Scott Liudahl

Fargo City Forester.

North Dakota Department of Agriculture

State agency that will collaborate with local partners to monitor the infestation and conduct outreach.

City of Fargo

Has worked to diversify its urban forest and reduce ash tree populations in preparation for the emerald ash borer's arrival.

North Dakota Forest Service

Will collaborate with other agencies to determine the extent of the infestation and continue monitoring ash trees.

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What they’re saying

“This detection is unfortunate, but not surprising, considering the insect was detected in Moorhead in 2023. The North Dakota Department of Agriculture and our partners are prepared and will monitor the infestation. Travelers should leave firewood at home and purchase or gather from local sources, if allowed, to prevent further spread.”

— Doug Goehring, North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner

“The City of Fargo has aggressively diversified the urban forest with other tree species, reducing boulevard ash populations to less than 21%. The City Forestry Department has placed and monitored traps each summer and promoted awareness through outreach events, news releases and neighborhood mailings. We have been preparing for the eventual arrival of emerald ash borer for many years.”

— Scott Liudahl, Fargo City Forester

What’s next

The North Dakota Department of Agriculture will collaborate with the City of Fargo, North Dakota Forest Service, NDSU Extension and others to determine the extent of the infestation, continue to monitor ash trees, and conduct outreach in the coming months.

The takeaway

The detection of emerald ash borer in Fargo highlights the ongoing threat this invasive pest poses to North Dakota's urban forests. While the City of Fargo has taken proactive measures to diversify its tree species and prepare for the insect's arrival, continued monitoring and management efforts will be crucial to mitigate the potential widespread damage to the state's ash tree population.