HomeMy WebLinkAboutEnv - 2012-09-20 - Emerald Ash Borer - Winter 2012 UpdateBackground
Emerald ash borer(EAB) is an introduced tree pest that causes catastrophic loss
of ash trees. First identified in the Windsor area in 2002, it has now become es-
tablished throughout southern Ontario largely due to the movement of firewood.
Kitchener has been monitoring EAB and updating the community on this issue
since it was found in Windsor. It is estimated that EAB has already killed millions of
trees in North America. With little federal and provincial support municipalities must
bear the full cost of EAB, an issue that is costing cities millions of dollars. In August
2010, EAB was positively identified in south Kitchener (Homer Watson Boulevard
& Highway 401). Since that time the City has increased its work in this area and
the following information provides an update on the current status of EAB in the
City and the action the City is taking.
Current Status of Emerald Ash Borer in Kitchener
The City has just completed its second year
of winter branch sampling. This year 380 City
ash trees were sampled in 37 plots across the
City. This method developed by the Canadian
Forest Service provides a good indication of
the spread of EAB. This year's work shows that
Emerald Ash Borer(EAB) is now:
'I. Well established in Ward 4, and
2. Also present in Ward 6
Compared to the 2011 results, this year's work
shows an increase in the number of infested
trees (nineteen compared to one), and a signifi-
cant increase in the number of EAB larva found
in the trees sampled.
The figure to the right provides an overview of
what staff believe is the current status of EAB
in Kitchener based on City Wards. In addition
to the positive finds in Ward 4 & 6 it is felt that
EAB is likely already present in Wards 3, 5, 7,
8, and 9. Currently there are no signs indicating
EAB is present in Wards 1, 2, or 10.
EAB Status
®Advancing Infestation
New Infestation
EAB Not Confirmed but Suspected
c~B Not Confirmed but Present within City
~'~`^own Infestations a
WARD 7
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~
WARD 1 j
~~
WARD 10 '"-• -
WARD 9
~:
,. _; WARD 2
,
,
WARD 6 WARD 3
i
WARD 5 i~ WARD 4
The information presented here is based on two years of EAB monitoring. Find-
ing EAB in the early years is very difficult. The most recent infestation in Ward 6
is well developed and may have been present as long as the infestations found
in Ward 4. This increases the likelihood that other advanced infestations may be
found and is supported by the decline of ash trees being seen in other parts of the
City.
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What can we expect next?
EAB is a challenging pest. In the early years it is very
difficult to detect, often being present for 3 to 5 years
before being found. Then, within a few years the pop-
ulation explodes through exponential growth with dy-
ing and dead ash trees present everywhere. Based
on current information staff believe Kitchener's EAB
population is becoming established and reaching the
point where significant growth in the population will
occur. The dry hot summer last year and mild winter
is expected to further increase the growth of EAB.
This year it is expected that new EAB infestations will
be found in other parts of the City, and increased tree
mortality will begin in the following years.
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Action the City is taking to manage EAB
> 95% mortality of all ash
trees in 5-10 years
Projected state
of population
winter 2012
Time
The City has been preparing for EAB for a number of years. With the completion of the street and active parkland
tree inventory, the City now knows the location of all ash trees on these lands. An iTree Eco study to be completed
this summer will identify the extent of ash trees on other lands. Knowing where ash trees are is the first step in
managing this issue. In the upcoming months an EAB Strategy based on current information, projected costs and
management options will be developed. The options to manage EAB continue to change based on the knowledge
gained from other municipalities and advances in scientific research. Chemical injections and preserving the mature
ash tree canopy are two areas receiving more attention. Recognizing the constantly changing variables, the EAB
Strategy will need to be adapted and reviewed yearly.
In the short-term the City will be:
Removing the 19 infested trees found during this year's branch sampling on Pathfinder Cres, Vintage Cres.,
Windrush Trail and Kingswood Drive to slow the spread of EAB and assist in managing the costs of EAB.
Once the trees are removed the stumps will be removed, a master tree planting plan will be developed, and
new trees planted.
2. Working with the Canadian Forest Service(CFS) the City will remove 10-15 small trees (< 25 cm) in Ward 4.
These trees will be used for research purposes to develop new techniques to monitor EAB in small trees.
3. Continuing to keep the public informed about this issue and provide updates as required. The primary
source for information will be the City's website. To learn more about EAB go to the City's web page
www.kitchener.ca and search the site using the word "EAB".
The cost to remove and replant 4,500 ash trees
on residential streets will exceed 4.5 millon dollars.
The costs associated with 2,000 ash trees in City parks,
1,000 hectares of natural area and other City lands
still needs to be determined.
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