03-14-2022 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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WS — Item 2 WORK SESSION STAFF REPORT Work Session Item No. 2 Date: March 14th, 2022 To: City Council From: Andy Nelson, Environmental Coordinator Re: Oak Wilt Abatement Order Background Oak wilt is a fungal disease that kills large numbers of oak trees every year in Minnesota. The disease is transmitted to new sites by beetles that are attracted both to the fungus itself and to wounds on oak trees. Without proper management, the disease can then spread to other oaks in the vicinity of an infected tree, ultimately resulting in the loss of many more trees. The impact of this disease can be minimized through proper management techniques. Minnesota Statute 18G addresses local pest control and grants the authority to local governments to adopt and enforce regulations to control and prevent the spread of plant pests and diseases. These regulations authorize entering and inspecting public and private places that might harbor plant pests, requiring owners to destroy or treat diseased plants, or providing for the work at the expense of the owner. Chapter 902 of the City Code addresses tree disease management. The city forester is authorized by this chapter to enter private property to inspect and diagnose tree disease. If infection exists, the tree is marked and a letter is sent to the owner outlining action steps required with a deadline to abate the nuisance. If the tree has not been removed by the deadline, the tree may then be removed by a contractor working for the city, at the homeowner's expense. A majority of the 47 trees marked for oak wilt last fall have been removed. There are, however, a few properties that have failed to meet the deadline. The removals are time sensitive, and must be accomplished by the end of March to ensure that spread of the disease is minimized. Impacted residents that have not met the removal deadline will be receiving a follow-up notice informing them that the contracted removals will be occurring later in March. Requested Council Direction Information only. Staff will be available for any Council questions or concerns.