Minutes - Environmental Policy Board - 01/13/2020

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Jonathan Osthus, Minnesota Department of Agriculture, stated that EAB was first found in Minnesota in 2009 and since that time has continued to spread throughout the State. He provided background information and reviewed the life cycle of the EAB. He provided information on host trees and displayed photographs of what residents should look for, specifically the "S shaped galleries and EAB larva. He stated that adult EAB leave a"D" shaped exit hole but can be harder to find. He displayed a photograph of look alike insects that the Department of Agriculture often receives calls on. He reviewed the symptom progression that occurs during the different years of infestation and provided photographs as well. He also provided photograph examples of native damage to trees. He provided a national perspective of how EAB has spread, explaining that people have moved EAB much faster than it would have spread on its own. He reported that EAB is currently in 22 counties in Minnesota and is spreading up the 94 corridor,which is still spreading slower than the national average. He reviewed some of the regulations within Minnesota that help to regulate the spread of EAB and also provided information on tree removal and treatments available for EAB.- He noted that it can sometimes be less costly to treat an EAB tree compared to removal of the tree. He stated that the best place to start would be to complete a tree inventory, or at least an Ash tree inventory. He encouraged residents to report infested trees, so that information can be added to the database. Board Member Moore stated that she would assume that information will be included in the next City newsletter. She asked if there would be information on how residents should dispose of wood from a tree that they have removed themselves. City Planner Anderson stated that there is information on the City website but noted that he would verify that information is still up to date and conduct any needed refreshing. He stated that information on proper management for removed trees as well as available treatment would be available on the website. He explained that EAB was identified in Anoka County (Ham Lake) about five years ago and therefore the quarantine on the County went into effect at that time. He stated that winter is a great time to look for signs and symptoms of infected trees. He noted that concerned residents can contact City staff to verify whether EAB is present. Board Member Fetterley asked if the City needs to be concerned, as the City has not completed its own inventory. She asked if additional funds should be committed in the budget for possible tree removal and/or treatment. Mr. Osthus stated that the best place to start would be to complete an inventory, which can then be used to plan for possible future costs. City Planner Anderson stated that the City attempted to complete a tree inventory. He explained that through the Resilient Communities Program (RCP), the City, in conjunction with University of Minnesota Urban Forestry students,trained volunteers in species identification. Unfortunately, we were not able to obtain a large enough group of volunteers to complete the inventory. He stated that the City's tree population is fairly young and from a public perspective, the designed and planted right of way trees do not include significant mature Ash trees. He stated that from a budget perspective, as of right now, if boulevard trees become infested the City would lean towards removal and replanting rather than considering treatments. He stated that there may be valuable larger Ash trees in some parks that may warrant consideration for treatment. He noted in terms of private trees,the City can act as an educational resource,but the decision and responsibility would ultimately be the homeowners. Environmental Policy Board/January 13, 2020 Page 6 of 7