John Mason is reporting in the Register-Star ash trees in the city of Hudson could soon be in trouble if they are not watched closely, say members of the city’s Conservation Advisory Council. The city lies in a quarantine zone for the emerald ash borer. The ash borer has killed tens of millions of ash trees in the United States since it was first discovered near Detroit in 2002. Hudson and Greenport are on the northeastern edge of a quarantine area for the pest. Germantown, Clermont and part of Livingston are within the infested core area, which includes Catskill and parts of Athens, Hunter and beyond. Conservation Advisory Council member Holly Gardner said the council now has plans to put together an emerald ash borer task force. The task force will monitor the public ash trees, and identify other ash trees on private property. An information session is planned for the spring and the group is also seeking funding for treatments to kill the infestation, should that occur. Gardner said people buying or selling firewood need to be cautious about not providing free transportation for the pest. Gardner said, “If it’s not heat-treated, be careful where you’re moving it.” Anyone in Hudson interested in being emerald ash borer monitors are asked to contact the Conservation Advisory Council through City Hall. Read the full story in the Register-Star.