AMES – The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship has discovered an emerald ash borer in Ames.
Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is an invasive beetle that eventually kills ash trees. The insect was previously reported in Story County several years ago, but a tree with EAB was found recently on private property in west Ames.
“We have been preparing for this announcement for several years, and the City of Ames has an excellent program in place to mitigate the projected loss of public trees in our community,” said Public Works Operations Manager Justin Clausen.
“The Ames City Council approved the EAB Response Plan in 2014 to extend the environmental, social, and economic benefits of ash trees, and to increase the diversity of the urban forest, while being fiscally responsible to Ames citizens,” the city said in a statment.
The plan pursues a phased treatment and removal process for public ash trees. The City of Ames says there are more than 2,300 public ash trees in the public right-of-way, maintained park areas (including along paved trails), and at City-owned facilities. Ash trees represent 16 percent of all public trees in Ames, which is higher than the 10 percent recommended for optimum diversity. The City has established a 20-year tree removal and replacement strategy in response to concerns with ash trees.
“This is a concern that affects our entire community, and we have a very pro-active plan to ensure our future as a city that supports and appreciates trees,” said Parks and Recreation Director Keith Abraham.
More details on the City of Ames’ EAB Response Plan:
-In the first five years of the response plan, ash trees are being removed based on the basis of public safety, tree defects, size, and costs
-The annual removal process spreads costs over a longer time period, allows staff to reevaluate the plan regularly, and limits the visual impact on streets lined with ash trees
-Some ash trees will be treated, but only to keep EAB from killing the tree before it can be removed
-Selected tree species are being planted to help diversify the overall urban canopy within Ames to help protect against potential future pests or disease
-Future tree planting locations are being identified in neighborhoods with mature tree canopies; goal of the proactive replanting is an effort to limit the visual and environmental effects of large ash tree removal
Private property owners should continue to evaluate the health of ash trees on their property and take appropriate action. Once EAB is found in a community, ash trees can decline quickly. For more information about the City of Ames’ Emerald Ash Borer Plan for tree removal and replanting, go to www.cityofames.org/trees.
