Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) EAB Information Affects weak and healthy - PDF document

http://cfs.nrcan.gc.ca/images/5373 Emerald Ash Borer (EAB)

EAB Information • Affects weak and healthy Ash species. • Beetles do not spread fast on their own; however spreads quickly by movement of infested materials. • Cannot be eradicated. • Usually in area for 3-4 years before insect & tree damage is detected. • TreeAzin is a systemic insecticide that can be injected into trees. • Scientists believe that cold temperatures are resulting in a longer development time for the EAB, 2 yrs for a complete cycle vs 1yr in the south. • It is possible that research will soon have additional control methods, so removing all Ash trees should not be an option. • Having an inventory is key to an effective management plan.

History • First detected in Windsor, Ontario and Detroit, Michigan in 2002. • Currently 22 Region in Ontario are regulated for the EAB. • Regulation includes quarantine and restricted movement and disposal of wood.

Other Municipalities • Brantford - monitored areas with ash trees present, provided information to residents and prepared a wood processing site to dispose of infested wood. • Vaughan/ Ottawa – Completing an Ash tree inventory to determine cost and future budgeting concerns should removals be required. Toronto – Removal of trees for research on larvae only. • Will use TreeAzin on some high value Ash trees. Pickering – Completing Ash inventory and only removing • dead or hazardous trees. • Oakville – Completing an Ash tree inventory, treated a few trees with TreeAzin as pilot project, removed infested trees, branch sampling and providing education to public. • Burlington – Treating trees with TreeAzin, monitoring and creating Ash tree inventory.

Oshawa • Street tree inventory. • Ash street trees = 3,117. • Ash trees in Parkland = 3,500 estimate • Ash trees in woodlots/ valley lands/ open space estimated at 227,000. • Ash trees on private property is unknown. • Total Ash tree inventory estimated value = $22.5 million. • Staff visited infested sites and can identify insect and damage.

Monitoring • MNR will continue support • Forestry staff now trained

Impact • Street Trees • Park trees • Open space and woodlots

City’s Tree Canopy Coverage • Total street trees = 30,000 • 22% total canopy coverage 10% are Ash trees • • Potential loss of 2.3% tree canopy • Significant Ash tree mortality 5-7 yrs

Financial Impact Toronto, (pop. 2.48million) 2011 estimate – Surveys = $85,000 – Removal of City owned ash trees = $1,014,000 – Pesticide injection for protection of high value trees = $40,000 Oakville, (pop. 165,000) 2010 costs – Council approved $50,000 for additional tree injections Brantford, (pop. 90,000) estimated costs – Branch sampling = $10,000 – Removal of ash trees on streets = $60,000 – Removal of ash trees in parks, trails, laneways = $60,000 Burlington, (pop. 164,000) – Council has budgeted $11 million over next 10yrs

Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) • Will inspect sites to confirm EAB. • Infested areas will be quarantined and regulated. Durham Region is currently under quarantine. • Removal of infected trees is not considered effective. • Trees removed, stored & disposed of at property owners expense. • Provide education only.

EAB Status • May 20, 2011 CFIA confirmed EAB in Oshawa • Staff monitoring for EAB • Continue working with Ministry of Natural Resources

Next Steps • Meet with MNR and CFIA staff to develop plan • Visit other municipalities • Confirm park tree inventory • Plan would include tree removal, protection, financial implications, implementation schedule and education process to residents • Report back to Committee and Council with plan of action in the fall of 2011