The quarantine is intended to restrict the movement of ash trees, ash products and firewood from all wood species. It was announced in a news release by State Agriculture Commissioner Patrick Hooker and Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Pete Grannis.

"It is quickly becoming evident that the Emerald Ash Borer, which was first detected in New York State last year, is more widespread than originally hoped," Hooker said.

The destructive beetle infests and kills ash trees, estimated to make up seven percent of all trees in the state.

"The movement of untreated firewood and other wood products is a direct pathway by which the Emerald Ash Borer and other invasive species are able to infect new regions," Grannis said. "Quarantines are one of the tools New York is using to prevent the spread of Emerald Ash Borers from the areas where the insect's presence has been confirmed."

The expanded quarantine affects Allegany, Chautauqua, Chemung, Erie, Niagara, Ontario, Orleans, Schuyler, Wayne, Wyoming and Yates counties. The insect has been confirmed in seven counties: Cattaraugus, Genesee, Greene, Livingston, Monroe, Steuben and Ulster