Agenda - Environmental Policy Board - 11/02/2009

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Step #2: Inventory Collection The MPRB Forestry Division is in the process of collecting data on boulevard trees throughout Minneapolis. From data collected thus far, it is known that 19% of all boulevard trees are Ash. This percentage translates into an estimated 38,000 vulnerable trees. Considering that the cost of removing, stumping and replanting these trees can be three times the current Forestry Division budget, it's easy to see why delaying the arrival of EAB is so important. As of the writing of this plan, about three fourths of the City has been inventoried. The Forestry Division is committed to the completion of this project and is working with the MPRB Information Technology staff on data storage. Having a functional inventory will provide the exact location of boulevard Ash trees. This information will be an important management tool for combating EAB when it arrives. Step #3: Informing Policy Makers For over four decades, a key component to the success of the Forestry Division has been the support provided by elected officials. Specifically, the Commissioners of the MPRB have provided the resources and policy support needed to remove elm trees when it was not politically popular to do so. The same kind of support will be needed when EAB arrives. As new information on EAB becomes available from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the US Forest Service, Forestry staff will relay what is pertinent to the MPRB Commissioners. This is in addition to formal updates that will be made during Operations & Environment Committee reports. Such Committee reports also help inform the public during broadcasts on cable television. Step #4: Media Relations The MPRB Forestry Division and the MPRB Public Information and Marketing Office are cooperating on monthly news releases that cover a variety of tree related topics. This helps with the dissemination of timely information regarding EAB. This can result in public interest stories like one that appeared on KARE 11 TV on May 22, 2007 during EAB Awareness Week. However, the very nature of the work performed by the Forestry Division leads to regular contacts by TV, radio and newspaper journalists. Whether the subject is OED, new tree planting or the need for watering; Forestry staff is regularly asked to respond to the media. When such opportunities occur, every effort will be made to incorporate EAB awareness into the story subject. 3