Emerald Ash Borer Update

The purpose of this case is to provide the Environmental Policy Board (EPB) an update regarding Emerald Ash Borer (EAB).  The first confirmed EAB infested trees in Ramsey were found in December of 2019.  Over the next two years (2020-2021), Staff did respond to multiple inquiries/concerns about ash trees, but only identified a couple of suspected EAB infested trees.  But, in 2022, there is now widespread evidence of EAB infested trees throughout the community.

In 2013, the City of Ramsey adopted an EAB Management Plan.  The intent of the plan was to outline expectations for ash trees on both public and private lands.  While the City was to actively engage in identifying and removing EAB infested trees on public lands (street trees, maintained park areas, etc.), the approach for EAB infested trees on private land was focused more on education.  Generally speaking, Ramsey's street tree program is still relatively young and therefore, most ash trees in boulevards are not very large.  As such, it was determined that it would likely be more cost effective to remove and replace infested trees rather than initiate a treatment regimen for street trees.

After initially discovering EAB, the mortality rate is relatively flat (e.g. low mortality rate) for the first couple of years.  But, beginning about year 3 or 4, the mortality rate increases rapidly.  This is what is being observed currently.  EAB infested trees are now evident across the city, on both public and private lands.  This follows suit with what has been observed in most communities that have confirmed EAB infested trees.

Addressing EAB infested trees on public lands will have an impact on the City's budget and resources.  Actively managing infested and dead ash trees on public lands is important to reduce the City's liability.  After dying, ash trees become rather brittle, much quicker than many other species.  This can create a safety and liability concern.  After seeing the growing number of infested trees, Staff is attempting to get out and conduct ' windshield inspections' of our boulevard trees.

Communities are taking different approaches to managing EAB.  Some are marking and requiring removal.  Some are actively removing healthy ash trees to simply spread out the cost over multiple budget cycles.  At least one community has implemented a treatment program to incentivize private property owners to initiate chemical injections, with the intention of both providing assistance but also to potentially slow down the impact on public trees. 

Ramsey is following our EAB Management Plan.  As time permits, Staff will be attempting to contact property owners with EAB infested trees by letter to inform them of the concern and encourage proper management.  As initially noted, the purpose of this case was to update the EPB on the current status of EAB in the community.  Additionally, if the EPB desires, this would be an opportune time to discuss whether any sort of program enhancements may be appropriate.

This is being handled as part of Staff's regular duties.

No specific action is necessary.