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First invasive elm zigzag sawfly detected in Michigan in St. Clair County
By ABC Detroit at WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News
· June 23, 2026
· 2 min read
The invasive elm zigzag sawfly has been detected in St. Clair County, the first detection in Michigan, according to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD).According to the state, the invasive insect was identified by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Pl...
Key takeaway Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS).
Why this matters in The Detroit
The detection of the invasive elm zigzag sawfly in St. Clair County has implications for Detroit 's urban forestry efforts. As the insect can defoliate elm trees, city officials may need to monitor the health of these trees in local parks and green spaces. Detroit's tree canopy is already vulnerable due to factors like climate change and disease, so the introduction of this invasive pest could exacerbate existing challenges. Residents in Detroit can play a role in tracking the spread of the elm zigzag sawfly by reporting suspected sightings through the Midwest Invasive Species Information Network. By staying vigilant, Detroiters can help protect the city's tree canopy and prevent the spread of this invasive insect. The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development's encouragement of public reporting suggests that community involvement will be crucial in managing the impact of the elm zigzag sawfly in Southeastern Michigan, including Detroit.
About this story
Original reporting by WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News . The Detroit surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 23, 2026 ·
Source: WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The invasive elm zigzag sawfly has been detected in St. Clair County, the first detection in Michigan, according to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD).According to the state, the invasive insect was identified by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Pl...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 23, 2026 by WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News and curated for The Detroit readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by ABC Detroit at WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News. To learn more about how The Detroit selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
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