12-18-86 Agenda & Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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-2- • GYPSY MOTH CONTROL PROGRAM Selected parts of southwest Mounds View underwent a massive gypsy moth trapping program as a result of last year's concen- tration of multiple catches of the male gypsy moth. It is hoped that the scale of the 1985 trapping would reveal the source of the potential problem within the City limits. The federal and state authorities • charged with the execution of the program were mildly surprised when only six moths were trapped in the entire area, a noticeable decline ( 60 percent) from the 15 trapped last year. As no spraying efforts were carried out it is speculated that the existing population underwent some weather-related or natural fluctuation of sorts. This was further borne out by results in some other cities where no chemical or biological controls were institut- ed. :tir:3 What these results mean for the gypsy moth threat in Mounds View is uncertain. It can only be said that the state and federal monitoring, trapping and aerial spray controls will continue through 1986. Beyond next year, responsibilities for the problem might shift as a result of budget constraints at the federal and state levels. • JOINT POWERS PROGRAM The fifth year of the forestry joint powers agreement between the Cities of New Brighton and Mounds View has been completed . As in other years, the specified 60/40 allocation of time and equipment usage was attained. However , a priority shift of program emphasis to landscape and tree maintenance seemed to be taking place . CONTRACTED REMOVAL OF TREES The 1985 City tree and stump removal contractor was Gorecki Tree Service of Anoka. The firm removed 75 diseased elm and oak trees, 4 excess stumps and 185 cubic yards of brush. The average removal cost for diseased trees was $96.40 compared to $89 . 12 for 1984 . The consistency of service from the above mentioned firm was erratic with removal deadlines often extended beyond the allowed 20 days. Slow response to the odd damage claim and conflict of interest in private bidding practices also added to the performance problems of this firm. Slight changes in removal specifications will hopefully prevent similar occur- rences of removal delays in the future. TREE AND SHRUB PLANTING ON PUBLIC LAND New evergreen and shade trees planted in Mounds View parks and on public land totaled 179 . Fifteen ( 15 ) different species were represented . Donations to the parks totalled but five trees with scores of other trees declined because of size, species or location. The tree spade was used to relucat" about a dozen trees in the parks. Shrub planting in parks; totalled 149.