New EAB Infestation Sites
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The City of Madison Forestry Section has confirmed multiple infestations of Emerald Ash Borer in neighborhoods not previously impacted. New infestation sites are shown in the most current map (see PDF). Mayor Paul Soglin, stated, “With these new infestations being confirmed across the City, it is clear that we must now assume that the menace of EAB is spread across the entirety of our City.”
The City’s Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Mitigation Plan provides for a balanced approach to managing the EAB menace as the infestation spreads throughout the city of Madison. This balanced mitigation strategy includes the treatment of over 9,800 ash trees on the terrace; removal and replacement of all remaining ash on the terrace and in the parks; as well as the option for private funding to support the treatment of ash trees in the park. The determination of treatment or removal is made by the City’s professional Forestry staff using the criteria from the EAB Mitigation Plan (see Appendix D). Treatments are completed by the direct injection of Emmamectin benzoate into the trunks of healthy trees. The removal of ash trees is necessary to avoid the dangers of infestations overtaking the trees and creating significant risks to the City and its residents. As of December 2015, over 9,800 ash trees on the terrace have been treated, over 2,200 ash trees on the terrace have been removed; 744 trees have been replanted and more than 1,000 additional trees are scheduled to be planted in 2016. This EAB related work is in addition to the professional forestry services provided to residents of Madison. Eric Knepp, Parks Superintendent added, “We are fortunate to have been provided significant resources to implement the EAB Mitigation Plan that focuses on providing a diverse and sustainable urban forest for the future.”
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