Minutes - Environmental Policy Board - 02/02/2009

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Environmental Coordinator Anderson advised that there is only a very narrow window of time in the spring when a treatment may be useful. He explained though that many of the trees are beyond the point of saving. Additionally, many of the declining trees are going to be prime breeding grounds for pine bark beetles, which could make this situation exponentially worse. He explained that he would be working with his counterpart in Andover and members of the DNR on this project. He advised that the focus would remain on landowners that are most seriously affected by this issue. Board Member Max thought that the workshops could be taped and kept on hand for educational purposes, as this item is not new and will continue to come up in the future. Chairperson McDilda advised that the Board has been against developers coming in and clear cutting the land because nature has a way of thinning things out on its own. He advised that the tree illnesses can take a large section of trees in a short time period. Board Member Freeburg questioned how to tell the difference between red pine and Norway pIlle. Environmental Coordinator Anderson advised that the two are the same tree, just different names. Board Member Stodola questioned how much public land is affected. Environmental Coordinator Anderson advised that there would be some issues with right-of-way and explained that the County Highway department would need to be involved. He advised that, luckily, most of the parkland does not appear to be affected by this problem. Chairperson McDilda questioned if the public were to ask, is the recommendation to remove the full tree. Environmental Coordinator Anderson advised that it should not necessarily be to remove the tree. Rather, they should contact himself or a tree care company to assess the situation because it really depends on the severity. Normally, in situations where there are not a number of factors stressing a tree, the recommendation likely would be to try pruning out the disease limbs rather than complete removal. Board Member Max encouraged the workshops to be taped, as he thought it would be a good addition to the City library of materials. Case #3 Discussion on the Environmental Expo Board Member Max advised that one item moved from the consent agenda to the regular agenda for that Council meeting was the Sunfish Lake Park project. He thought that if irrigation was going to be installed that it would be a good opportunity to turn that irrigation project into an education event for the public. Chairperson McDilda questioned if possibly Parks Supervisor Riverblood could be available at the next meeting for the EPB to discuss this item. Environmental Policy Board / February 2, 2009 Page 4 of8