Evanston prepares to fight ash borer

With confirmation of the emerald ash borer infestation in Kane County last week, City of Evanston Forestry crews are monitoring the city’s ash trees for any symptoms associated with the beetle and plan to respond promptly to all suspected sightings.

With confirmation of the emerald ash borer infestation in Kane County last week, City of Evanston Forestry crews are monitoring the city’s ash trees for any symptoms associated with the beetle and plan to respond promptly to all suspected sightings.

The city’s forestry staff urges Evanston residents not to plant new ash trees on their properties or purchase any firewood containing ash wood until further notice.

Evanston Parks Director Douglas Gaynor says the state has a plan already in place to combat the pest that is now being followed in Kane County.

Evanston Forestry crews stand ready to assist the lead agencies in the fight, including the
state and federal agriculture departments, should the beetle be found within the city limits.

“As described in the plan, these agencies would coordinate all efforts to contain an infestation should one occur here,” Mr. Gaynor said.

Evanston has 4,059 Ash trees on public property, representing 12.03% of the total population of public trees.

In 1999, the City created a policy whereby any tree species that made up more than 10 percent of the overall population would no longer be planted on public property. No ash trees have been planted on public property since then.

Questions and concerns can be directed to the City’s Forestry Division, (847) 866-2912 or pdagostino@cityofevanston.org.

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