Agenda - Environmental Policy Board - 11/02/2009

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Economic Impact As noted above, there are an estimated 210,000 Ash trees on both private and public property in the City of Minneapolis. This means that when Ash trees begin to die, the biggest financial burden will be felt by private property owners. Utilizing a simple formula for removals, stumping and replanting helps demonstrate the magnitude of this cost. For example, consider an average removal cost of $150, an average stumping cost of $75 and an average replanting cost of $150. At these rates, the economic impact of losing 210,000 trees would be about $152,000,000.00. Because of diminishing federal funds, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture's (MDA) EAB management plan is likely to include fewer eradication projects. Cities in Minnesota will probably need to address the EAB invasion with limited local funds. This is why it is important to establish state funded assistance as soon as possible. Without eradication projects, efforts will be put towards monitoring and regulatory activities. Recognizing this reality, Jim Hermann and Ralph Sievert have become regular participants on the MDA EAB Strategic Planning Team. "Beat the Beetle" - 15 steps to prepare for the arrival of EAB The MPRB's Forestry Division has recognized the serious threat posed by EAB. As a result, a fifteen step plan has been developed to proactively implement procedures that will lessen the aesthetic, environmental and economic impact of EAB's arrival. Nicknamed the "Beat the Beetle" campaign; this plan was endorsed by the Minneapolis Tree Advisory Commission in 2006. It was unveiled on March 15, 2007 during an educational session of a meeting of the Minnesota Shade Tree Advisory Committee. Step #1: Ordinance Revisions Much of the success that the MPRB has experienced in controlling the spread of Dutch Elm Disease (OED) has resulted from the legislative authority prescribed in local ordinances. Article II of Chapter 10 addresses OED control by declaring OED to be a public nuisance. The ordinance then details the prohibition of the nuisance, the right to enter all premises for inspection, abatement procedures for public and private property, collecting assessments and not interfering with performing the duties that the ordinance imposes. Because the current ordinance deals only with OED, a revision will be needed to prepare for the arrival of EAB. The obvious change will be to cover all tree threatening pests within Minneapolis. By necessity a pest will be defined as an injurious insect or microorganism that is harmful to trees. By broadening the scope of the ordinance, it will be possible to adapt to both known and future pests. 2