Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 09/08/1994

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TRENDS Because of the difference in the methods of the two inventories, analysis of comparisons can be difficult. Acreage Since 1979, there has been an 8% decrease in forested land in the City of Ramsey. It is possible that development, and tree disease problems may be at the root of the reduction. It is also important to note that disease numbers are up. Population Though the numbers of the 1979 inventory may be statistically faulty, we can assume that tree populations in Ramsey are higher than originally thought. The three most common species are bur oak, box elder, and red oak. The oak species are primarily middle aged, and if protected, will continue to be a valuable part of the forest for years to come. Boxetder on the other hand is becoming very prevalent in the city. Reasons for this are its ability to colonize new sites, disturbed sites such as old oak wilt infections, and its ability to germinate and grow most anywhere. Boxelder is a short lived, weak wooded tree that is generally considered to be a less desirable shade tree species. Diversity /t Over 1/3 of the trees in Ramsey are oaks. Efforts should be made to promote planting of additional tree species. Disease Problems At the present time, 50% of the elms in the city are dead. It would not be feasible to begin a disease control program at this point. The indication of diseased oaks may not be representative. It may be much higher, knoka county likely has the highest incidence of oak wilt in the world. It is found in other areas of Wisconsin, and Texas. Oak wilt along with the abundance of boxelder in Ramsey represent a real and present danger to the oak forests of Ramsey. The boxelder has the ability to colonize an oak wilt infection center before the oaks can become established. Boxelder will out compete the oaks and prevent them from regenerating. Kunde Co., Inc. - Consulting Foresters 7