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<br />The best example of this is ash trees that have been repeatedly "topped" for <br />utility line clearance. <br /> <br />Step #11: Attrition <br />Each year the MPRB and the City of Minneapolis undertake improvement <br />projects that are within close proximity to public trees. These projects may <br />involve pathways, trails, streets, bridges, playgrounds, buildings and utilities. <br />Even with the incorporation of tree preservation techniques, such projects <br />occasionally impact trees in a negative way. <br /> <br />During these improvement projects, the Forestry Division will look for <br />opportunities where desirable types of trees may be preserved by sacrificing <br />neighboring ash. For example, the construction of a new pathway may require <br />choosing between the removal of large ash trees or young oak trees. Even <br />though the ash may be larger and possess a bigger canopy, it makes more <br />sense in the long run to sacrifice them and save the smaller less mature oak <br />trees. <br /> <br />Step #12: Empathy <br />There is a personal side to the removal of ash trees that the Forestry Division will <br />consider as it prepares for the arrival of EAB. Many property owners have <br />developed a connection with the boulevard ash bordering their residence. <br />Occasionally such trees mark a significant event that only the adjacent resident <br />can appreciate. <br /> <br />With the exception of hazardous trees, ash trees. will not be removed with the <br />goal of replacement (as outlined in Step #10) if the adjacent property owner <br />objects to the removal. The Forestry Division has determined that the loss of <br />goodwill is not worth the benefits gained from a controversy with a resident. This <br />is especially true considering the fact that EAB will indiscriminately destroy such <br />trees anyway. <br /> <br />Step #13: Cooperate <br />The earlier that EAB is found, the sooner it can be dealt with. The lead agency in <br />Minnesota for preparing for and detecting EAB is the Minnesota Department of <br />Agriculture (MDA). The MPRB Forestry Division has been actively cooperating <br />with the MDA in this effort for years. <br /> <br />Forestry Division staff have participated on the MDA's EABStrategic Planning <br />Team. This lead to the creation of an EAB Response Plan. Cooperation has <br />also meant the provision of wild grown ash trees that are sacrificed as EAB bait. <br />Such trees are called trap trees and are removed, dismembered and examined <br />for the presence of EAB. <br /> <br />6 <br />