Laserfiche WebLink
<br /> <br /> STAFF REPORT <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />TO: Mayor Keis and Members of the City Council <br /> <br />FROM: Bryce Shearen, CPRP, Parks & Recreation/Community Services Manager <br /> <br />DATE: June 23, 2021 <br /> <br />RE: Emerald Ash Borer <br /> <br /> <br />ACTION TO BE CONSIDERED: <br />Authorize staff to publish a Request for Proposals (RFP) for professional services <br /> <br />BACKGROUND: <br />Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) was first discovered in the United States in 2002 near Detroit, <br />Michigan and the first case of EAB in Minnesota was 2009. Like many other Minnesota cities, <br />EAB has now become infested in ash trees in Little Canada. EAB is an insect that attacks and <br />kills ash trees by eating the inner bark. <br /> <br />Over the winter of 2020-2021, staff noticed a dramatic increase in signs of EAB in ash trees on <br />public property. Ash trees were a very common tree to be planted 25+ years ago and are the <br />predominant tree species in parks and other public properties. <br /> <br />After noticing signs of EAB, staff worked with a certified arborist to determine how serious the <br />EAB infestation is and to learn about the process of treating trees and the fate of an ash tree that <br />is not treated. After a preliminary discussion with a certified arborist, it was confirmed that trees <br />are infected with EAB and that some trees are past the recommended point of treatment while <br />others are still within the window of treatment. <br /> <br />A majority of the ash trees identified could be treated and extend the life of the tree. Since the <br />spread of EAB happens at an extremely fast rate, the trees identified this year may not be <br />treatable next year. <br /> <br />Treating of EAB requires an injection into the tree ever y two years for the remaining life of the <br />tree. This would require ongoing costs that would need to be budgeted for but would buy some <br />time to maintain some areas of shade while new species of trees are planted and established. For <br />example: <br />18-inch Diameter at breast height (DBH) ash tree. Approximately $4.50/in at DBH to <br />treat. +/- $81 to treat the tree for the remainder of life. If the tree has a 20-year <br />expectancy the cost to treat the tree would be 10 treatments totaling $810 (not factoring <br />in any cost increases). <br />