Village of Mount Horeb Parks and Forestry Department

138 E Main St

Mount Horeb, WI 53572

Phone (608) 437-7190/Fax (608) 437-3190

www.mounthorebwi.info

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 12, 2016 CONTACT: Jeff Gorman Parks and Forestry Director, Village of Mount Horeb (608) 437-7190 or jeff.gorman@mounthorebwi.info

Emerald Ash Borer Identified and Confirmed in Town of Springdale

On Monday, September 12, an Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) infestation was officially confirmed by the Wisconsin DNR in the Town of Springdale, east of Highway 78 and along Highway S. This infestation is likely 3-5 years old. EAB was first discovered in Detroit, Michigan in 2002 and Wisconsin in 2008. In response to the discovery, the Village of Mount Horeb has not planted any ash trees since 2004. In 2013, the Village adopted an Emerald Ash Borer Management Plan to prepare for the arrival of EAB. Since that time, the Village Parks and Forestry Department staff has removed 31 ash street trees and one ash park tree. In addition, the department has treated 235 street trees and 13 park trees with insecticides to prevent EAB. Property owners in the Village of Mount Horeb and surrounding areas are encouraged to inform themselves about EAB. The Wisconsin Dept. of Ag, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has the most up to date information on EAB and can be found at: http://datcpservices.wisconsin.gov/eab/. DATCP recommends that property owners who have ash trees in quarantined counties:

Keep a close watch on ash trees for signs of possible EAB infestation: Thinning of the canopy, D-shaped holes in the bark, new branches sprouting low on the trunk, cracked bark and woodpecker damage.

Consider whether to treat or remove your ash trees. Doing nothing will eventually result in a dead tree. Factors to consider include your personal attachment/value of the tree, its’ age, size and number of trees in your yard. Treatment costs vary depending on size of the tree and whether you do the treatments yourself or hire a professional.

Call a professional arborist for expert advice. It is important to be sure you are working with qualified contractors. Ensure they have appropriate insurance and worker’s compensation coverage. We recommend searching for an ISA Certified Arborist: http://www.isa-arbor.com/findanarborist/arboristsearch.aspx.

VILLAGE OF MOUNT HOREB

EMERALD ASH BORER

MANAGEMENT PLAN

PREPARED BY

Jeff Gorman

Parks and Urban Forestry Director

Executive Summary

The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) plays a significant role in the health and extent of management of native ash species in Wisconsin’s urban forests. The goal of the Emerald Ash Borer Management Plan is to acknowledge, manage and minimize the ecological, economic and aesthetic effects that the Emerald Ash Borer will have on public and private lands in the Village of Mount Horeb. The objectives are to minimize the impact of the Emerald Ash Borer and the potential loss of ash trees in the urban forest using the best scientific advice and lowest cost to the community; to limit the physical and fiscal liability created by an EAB infestation; to protect the community from hazardous trees and conditions; and to maintain the beauty and benefits derived from the urban forest. Although there are no indications of the presence of EAB in Mount Horeb, it is necessary to develop a plan for the management of future infestations. Introduction Emerald Ash Borer was first discovered in Detroit, Michigan in 2002 and has since spread to 22 states and 2 Canadian provinces. It was most likely introduced from Asia on wood packaging material. It is estimated that 60 million ash trees are dead or dying in the Midwest alone. Wisconsin has an estimated 770 million ash trees, including 5.2 million growing on public and private land in cities and villages. EAB was first discovered in Wisconsin in 2008 in the eastern Wisconsin Village of Newburg. Since then it has been found in 21 counties throughout Wisconsin, primarily in the southern half of the state. EAB is an invasive, wood boring beetle whose larvae tunnel and feed underneath the bark of ash trees, eventually killing the tissue that conducts nutrients and water throughout the tree, resulting in tree mortality. The insect attacks all ash trees regardless of variety, size, age or condition.

Intersection of Academy Street and South Fourth Street, Mount Horeb, WI

Assessment of the Ash Resource Following the discovery of the Emerald Ash Borer, the Mount Horeb Parks and Forestry Department conducted an inventory in 2004 of all the ash street trees and park trees. Another inventory was conducted by the department in December of 2012, evaluating tree species, size, location and condition (See attachment A). It was determined that the Village of Mount Horeb has 332 ash street trees which make up 10 percent of the total street tree population of 3214 trees. Since December of 2012, 17 ash street trees have been removed, resulting in a current population of 315 ash street trees. Mount Horeb has an additional 35 ash trees growing in Village parks. Attachment B highlights streets that have the highest density of ash street trees. The streets or portions of streets with at least 10 ash trees have been highlighted in green. In most urban areas, it is estimated that ash make up, on average, 20 percent of trees. Some communities in Wisconsin are as high as 30-40 percent. Ash was often over-planted as replacement trees following the removal of the American Elms that died from Dutch Elm Disease. Mount Horeb is fortunate in that it has a relatively small population of public ash trees (10%) and the overall size of the ash trees is also relatively small, representing a young population. The average DBH (tree diameter at breast height or 4.5 feet above ground) of all ash street trees is 9.1 inches. The smallest ash tree is 4” DBH and the largest is 39” DBH. Sixty four percent of ash street trees are less

than or equal to 9” DBH and 88 percent of ash street trees are less than or equal to 12” DBH. The average diameter of ash trees growing in Village parks is 11”DBH. There has been no inventory or assessment of ash trees growing on private property within the Village of Mount Horeb. It is likely that there is a significant population of several hundred trees. The decision to treat, remove or preserve private trees rests with the property owner. The Village will enforce the relevant sections of the Village Ordinances should it receive complaints about hazardous private trees. Assessment of Village Resources The Parks and Urban Forestry Department is staffed by one full-time Parks and Forestry Director who is an ISA certified arborist, one full-time crewman, and three seasonal employees. The department has one 60’ bucket truck, two small dump trucks and shares a brush chipper with the Mount Horeb Utilities. The Public Works Department is staffed by one Public Works Director and three crewmen. All Village crewmen are trained in tree removal and operating appropriate equipment. The Public Works Department has one front-end loader and four large dump trucks. The Mount Horeb Utilities are staffed by one superintendent, one foreman and three linemen who are trained in tree removal. The Utilities have two bucket trucks (60’ and 30’) and share the brush chipper with the Parks and Forestry Department. Ash Management Options There are two basic options for managing ash trees prior to the emergence of the Emerald Ash Borer: tree removal or tree treatment with insecticides. Another important consideration is whether or not to replace trees that have been removed. If no action is taken, ash tree mortality will gradually increase in the first few years of an infestation, but eventually will climb dramatically in years 5-6. This would overwhelm Village crews who would find it difficult to absorb the additional workload without additional funding, assistance from contractors, or a significant reduction in services to Mount Horeb residents. For liability reasons, dead trees should not be allowed to remain standing for more than one year after succumbing to EAB. Scheduled, pre-emptive tree removals ahead of an EAB infestation can help to spread out the workload and costs over a designated number of years and lower the ash inventory to a more manageable level. Pre-emptive tree removals would follow a medical triage scenario by removing the worst first. Trees that are in poor health, are showing signs of canopy dieback, are diseased, growing under power lines or are structurally weakened would be removed first. Second priority for tree removal would be small ash trees since they can be removed and replaced more easily and inexpensively. With good growth rates, replacement trees can reach the size of the removed ash tree in a relatively short time frame therefore not having much effect on the overall urban tree canopy cover. Consideration would also be taken to lessen the visual impact in the community as much as possible. Replacing as many trees as possible following tree removals is very important to retain as much of the urban tree canopy as possible and lessen the economic and environmental impacts of EAB. It is also an opportunity to continue to diversify Mount Horeb’s urban forest.

Urban trees provide substantial economic and ecosystem benefits to taxpayers, ranging from increased property value to stormwater mitigation to decreased energy demands (coloradotrees.org/why.php). Since the discovery of the Emerald Ash Borer in the United States, university researchers have developed and refined chemical insecticide treatments that can protect healthy ash trees from EAB. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has registered three systemic insecticides for EAB control: dinotefuran, ememectin benzoate and imidicloprid. Only imidicloprid can be purchased and applied by homeowners. The other two insecticides need to be applied by a licensed professional. Insecticide treatments are recommended after EAB has been detected within 15-30 miles. The best time for application is spring; however fall applications can be effective under certain conditions. Depending on the chemical used, treatments need to be applied every one to three years. Costs to have a tree care company treat a tree for two-three years ranges from $6.00 to $12.00 per diameter inch. Therefore, a 9” diameter tree will cost $54-$108 to treat for two-three years. A program of sustained treatment will be needed to conserve trees through the peak EAB infestation. As the EAB population declines due to the death of untreated ash trees, it is possible that treatment frequency may be reduced. Research on this topic is ongoing and many questions have yet to be answered. EAB Management Cost Estimates (2013 dollars) Tree Removal: Tree removal cost estimates include labor costs for the Parks and Forestry Department’s two-man crew and contracted labor for stump grinding. Tree removal cost estimates, including stump grinding, range from $9.56/inch DBH for a small tree to $15.22/inch DBH for a large tree. Therefore, a 6” tree would cost approximately $57 to remove and a 20” tree would cost $304. The estimated cost to remove all 315 ash street trees is $41,000. Approximately $9,500 of that would be contracted services for stump grinding. Tree Replacement: The estimated cost for the Parks and Forestry Department to plant a replacement tree, including labor, equipment and materials is $200/tree for a 1.75” caliper tree. Therefore, the estimated cost to replace all 315 ash street trees is over $63,000. Not all removed ash trees would be replaced, however. Approximately 10-20% would not have the adequate growing space required to plant a new street tree. Insecticide Treatment: The estimated average price to treat an ash tree for EAB using recent, local contracted prices for a tree-injection method using emmamectin benzoate with a two to three year residual is $8.00/inch DBH. Therefore, a 9” tree would cost $72 for three years of effectiveness. The estimated cost to initially treat all 315 ash street trees in Mount Horeb is $23,000. At current prices, the costs every three years would go up due to the fact that the trees are growing in diameter. After a 12-year period (four treatments), the cumulative estimated cost would be $116,000. As stated earlier, we do not know how many years into an infestation that insecticide treatments will be necessary. A 12-year treatment cycle with four treatments would hopefully get us through peak infestation. In another 12 years, we should know more about treating the insect and new treatment options may be available. It is also important to note that research is still ongoing regarding the effectiveness of EAB insecticides on large trees greater than 25” DBH.

Park Trees There are 35 ash trees growing in eight Village parks and public areas maintained by the Mount Horeb Parks and Forestry Department (See Attachment A). The average DBH of these ash trees is 11” and 63% of the trees are 12” DBH or less. The estimated cost to remove all 35 trees is $4,839. The cost to replant all 35 trees is $7,000 and the estimated cost to treat all 35 trees is $3,400 every three years. Currently, there are nine ash park trees that could be removed due to their condition or location. Ash Management Recommendations The following elements of the Village’s EAB management plan are recommendations and are subject to approval by the Village of Mount Horeb Parks, Recreation and Forestry Commission and Village Board. This plan is subject to change should state or federal policies dictate or new information about the borer becomes available. The Village of Mount Horeb Parks and Forestry Department is the lead agency responsible for plan implementation.

Municipal trees: Treatment (See Attachment C)

Beginning in 2014, chemically treat 113 ash street trees growing along Fairway St., Vista Ridge Dr. and Shenandoah Way. These streets contain the largest size and highest concentration of ash street trees growing in the Village. The estimated cost to treat the trees for the first three years is $8,800 and funding could be supported in the Village’s Terrace Tree Fund.

In 2015, chemically treat an additional 133 ash street trees with an estimated cost of $7,000. These trees are located on the remaining eight streets highlighted in green in Attachment B. Funding for these treatments would also be supported by the Village’s Terrace Tree Fund.

The remaining 66 ash street trees(21%) would not be treated unless the adjacent property owner elected to “save” a Village ash tree in front of their property by paying to have the tree treated. The tree would have to be healthy and in good form to qualify. The Parks and Forestry Director would determine if a tree qualifies to be treated. Residents would have to fill out a permit and pay the Village prior to treatments. The Village would solicit bids and hire one contractor to perform all treatments. Treatments would begin in the spring of 2015.

Beginning in 2015, chemically treat approximately 50% of the ash trees growing in Village parks. Trees selected would be the healthiest trees , those growing in the best locations and trees that have been donated as “memorial trees”. The estimated cost is $2000 every three years and would be budgeted for in the Village’s operating budget.

Municipal trees: Removals

Monitor all Village ash trees and remove trees that are in poor condition, hazardous or structurally weakened. The Parks and Forestry Department has already identified and removed 14 such ash trees in January and February of 2014. Logs from those trees have been donated to the Dane County Parks Department and will be used for the construction of a new park shelter at Stewart Park.

Ash trees that are removed will be replaced if the planting location is adequate. Factors determining proper planting location include terrace width, tree spacing, and distances from utilities, driveways, signs and intersections.

Tree removals and replacements will be at the discretion of the Parks and Forestry Director.

Private trees: Treatment

Chemical treatments can be effective and may be applied at residents’ discretion and expense. More information for homeowners regarding EAB, EAB treatments and decision making can be found at www.emeraldashborer.info.

Private trees: Removals

Property owners are encouraged to inform themselves about EAB and monitor its movement. The decision to chemically treat with an insecticide or remove private trees rests with the property owner.

The Village will enforce the relevant sections of the municipal ordinance regarding private nuisance trees including Chapter 8.10 Tree and Shrub Regulations and Chapter 10 Public Nuisances.

Property owners are encouraged to work with an ISA Certified Arborist for consultations, treatments or removals. Contractors are required to dispose of all ash wood waste properly.

Stump Removal and Replanting

The stumps of removed ash trees will be ground out by contractors. Clean up and site restoration will be handled by the Parks and Forestry Department. Replanting will occur through the regular Parks and Forestry Department’s spring and fall planting programs. Funds for the replacement trees will come from the Forestry operating budget or the Terrace Tree Fund.

Budget Considerations

I would recommend utilizing the Terrace Tree Fund for chemical treatments in 2014 and 2015 for an estimated total of $15,800. That will carry us to 2017. Beginning in 2017, I would recommend budgeting funds in the Village’s capital budget.

Wood Waste Wood debris as a result of ash tree removals from both public and private properties is a major challenge in EAB management. Currently the Parks and Forestry Department chips all branches and trunks less than 14” in diameter. Any wood larger than that is generally given away as firewood. The wood chips produced by the Parks and Forestry Department are utilized as landscape mulch in the Village’s parks and for street tree planting. Several organizations including the DNR, Dane County and the Department of Ag have been working on identifying potential markets for utilizing ash wood. Potential products include lumber, wood pellets, wood chips for biomass fuels used in electric generating plants, landscape mulch and wood pulp. The Village is primarily concerned about the increase in wood waste from Village residents. Currently, the Village Public Works Department conducts scheduled curb-side brush and yard waste pickup from spring through fall. The residential wood waste is picked up at the curb and trucked to the Village compost site on Docken Road where it is stockpiled. When the pile gets large, a private contractor comes in and chips the brush pile. The current contractor is DTE Energy. DTE brings a crew to chip the brush for $3/ton and haul the chips to be used as biofuel at the Stoneman Electric generating plant in Cassville, Wisconsin. DTE Energy has a compliance agreement in place with the Dept. of Ag to haul away wood waste, including ash, regardless of the quarantines in place. Currently the contractor will take as much wood waste as the Village can supply. It is anticipated that the amount of brush placed at the curb by Village residents will increase during an EAB infestation. This would significantly increase the workload on the Public Works Department for a period of time. Residents are reminded that it is a Village policy that any contractors hired by a resident are responsible for disposing of any wood waste. Contractors are not allowed to place wood material at the curb for the Village to pick up.

It is estimated that the current compost site on Docken Road is large enough to accommodate the additional wood waste during an EAB infestation. If additional space is needed, a temporary utilization yard would have to be set up in or near the Village. Village of Mount Horeb Contact Information:

Jeff Gorman, Parks and Forestry Director. 437-7190

Dave Ross, Village Administrator. 437-6884 x109

Dave Becker, Village President. 437-3664 Wisconsin DNR: Mark Guthmiller, Southern Region Forest Health Specialist. 275-3223 Wisconsin Dept. of Ag, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP): 1-800-462-2803

ATTACHMENT A

Ash Street Tree Inventory Summary

315 Total number of ash street trees 9.1” Average tree diameter at breast height (DBH) 4” Smallest ash tree DBH 39” Largest ash tree DBH 77 # trees 4”-6” DBH 24% 126 # trees 7”-9” DBH 40% 76 # trees 10”-12” DBH 24% 27 # trees 13”-15” DBH 9% 3 # trees 16”-18” DBH 1% 6 # trees >18” DBH 2%

Ash Park Tree Inventory Summary

35 Total number of ash park trees 11” Average tree diameter at breast height (DBH) 4” Smallest ash tree DBH 21” Largest ash tree DBH 7 # trees 4”-6” 20% 6 # trees 7”-9” 17% 9 # trees 10”-12” 26% 9 # trees 13”-15” 26% 2 # trees 16”-18” 5.5% 2 # trees >18” 5.5%

*NOTE: There are approximately 66 ash trees growing in the DNR right of way along the Military

Ridge Bike Trail with an average DBH of 10”.

ATTACHMENT B Streets With Highest Ash Density Highlighted in Green

ATTACHMENT C