Agenda - Environmental Policy Board - 07/12/2010

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Attachment A Signs/symptoms of EAB that can help detect an infestation include: • Increased woodpecker activity/damage • Bark splitting (vertical slits) • D-shaped exit holes created by adult insects as they emerge from the tree • Epicormic branching/shoots near base of tree • Canopy dieback • Serpentine (s-shaped) larval galleries that are packed with frass Making early detection even more difficult is that initial attacks on an ash tree tend to be up in the canopy. For this reason, increased woodpecker activity is becoming a more reliable early indicator of a possible infestation. The City does not have an inventory of existing boulevard and/or park trees and therefore, it is unclear what the true impacts of EAB will be. Nonetheless, the City will implement the following steps to try and slow the spread of EAB and allocate the costs of managing the tree loss and replacement over multiple budget cycles. Ash Management Plan: Complete an inventory of all boulevard trees and trees in maintained park areas. At a minimum, an inventory of all ash trees in boulevard areas and maintained park areas should be completed. However, since the City has no inventory data at all, a complete inventory of trees will be beneficial for a number of reasons including: o Determining the percentage of boulevard trees that consist of ash species, which will help clarify the true impact EAB will have on Ramsey's urban forest. o Better budget estimation for maintenance (trimming, removing, planting) o Developing a master street tree plan to ensure a species rich landscape (diversity is the best defense to insect/disease outbreaks) o Replanting efforts Revise Ordinance. The City will revise its tree preservation ordinance to include EAB as threat to the urban forest. The ordinance amendment will specify requirements for proper management of EAB infested trees, such as removal, disposal and appropriate time(s) to complete such steps. • Education. The City will continue to educate the citizenry and elected officials concerning EAB. Tools that can and will be utilized include newsletter articles, segments on QCTV, the website and presentations to various groups/organizations. • Boulevard Trees: 1. The City will institute a new policy that prohibits the inclusion of planting any ash species (Fraxinus spp.) on public property and boulevards. 2. The City will discourage the inclusion of planting any ash species (Fraxinus spp.) as a part of any proposed development, whether commercial, residential or industrial.