5D, Motion to Approve Emerald Ash Borer Management Plan

Home Browse Search

� EN HILLS MEMORANDUM DATE: July 30, 2012 TO: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers Patrick Klaers, City Administrator CC: Terry Maurer, Public Works Director FROM: Michelle Olson, Parks and Recreation Manager � SUBJECT: Emerald Ash Borer Management Plan Approval Background At the May 21, 2012 Work Session, the City Council reviewed and commented on the draft Emerald Ash Borer Management Plan (EAB). The purpose of implementing a management plan is to attempt to mitigate the disruption to the City's urban forest caused by the infestation of the EAB. Taking a proactive approach to the potential infestation enables the City to address both public and private impacts in an efficient and effective manner. Council had few changes to the draft management plan. Staff received direction from Council on dealing with the threat of EAB and this was incorporated into the attached �merald Ash Borer Management Plan. At the July 25, 2012 City Council meeting, the suggestion was made for changes to number 5 below. The concern was if the City is giving the resident/business a choice to treat the tree, marking the tree would not be necessary. Staff made changes to the wording and the edits are indicated in bold italic below. 1. The City will remove declining ash trees on public property, even when EAB has not been identified. No significant pruning or methods to save a declining ash tree will be attempted. Council is not interested in removing healthy ash trees at this time. 2. Ash trees removed will be replaced on a case by case scenario, not a one to one basis. 3. Ash trees that become diagnosed with EAB in the public forested areas will not be removed unless they pose a threat to surrounding property. 4. The City has no plans to chemically treat ash trees at this time. 5. The City will allow chemical injections in private trees. However, the City will strongly discourage soil drenching. If EAB is discovered in a resident's tree, the City will notify the residentlGusiness of the tree that was P: IPR&PWIParkslMemoslCouncil Memos107092012 EAB plan. doc