11.1 SR 03-04-2024 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Signs/symptoms of EAB that can help detect an infestation include: Increased woodpecker activity/damage Bark splitting (vertical slits) D-shaped exit holes created by adult insects as they emerge from the tree Epicormic branching/shoots near base of tree Canopy dieback Serpentine (s-shaped) larval galleries that are packed with frass Making early detection even more difficult is that initial attacks on an ash tree tend to be in the uppercanopy. For this reason, increased woodpecker activity is becoming a more reliable early indicator of a possible infestation. The City does not have an inventory of existing boulevard and/or park trees and therefore, it is unclear what the true impacts of EAB will be upon public land within the community. Nonetheless, the City will implement the following steps to try and slow the spread of EAB and allocate the costs of managing the tree loss and replacement over multiple budget cycles. Ash Management Plan: Complete an inventory of all boulevard trees and trees in maintained park areas. At a minimum, an inventory of all ash trees in boulevard areas and maintained park areas should be completed. However, since the City has no inventory data at all, a complete inventory of trees would be beneficial for a number of reasons including: o Determining the percentage of boulevard trees that consist of ash species, which street tree program as well as the urban forest as a whole. o Better budget estimation for maintenance (trimming, removing, planting) o Developing a master street tree plan to ensure a species rich landscape (diversity is the best defense to insect/disease outbreaks) o Replanting efforts Education. The City will continue to educate the citizenry and elected officials concerning EAB. Tools that can and will be utilized include newsletter articles, segments on QCTV, the website and presentations to various groups/organizations. Education will emphasize the importance of monitoring and early detection as well as management strategies including removal and disposal of infested wood and appropriate times of year to complete such work to avoid inadvertently spreading EAB. Boulevard Trees: 1. The City will institute a new policy that prohibits the inclusion of planting any ash species (Fraxinus spp.) on public property and boulevards. 2. The City will discourage the inclusion of planting any ash species (Fraxinus spp.) as a part of any proposed development, whether commercial, residential or industrial.