Title
RESOLUTION ADOPTING AN EMERALD ASH BORER (EAB) MANAGEMENT PLAN
Body
CITY PROPOSAL:
WHEREAS, the City of Duluth is concerned by the threat caused by the insect commonly known as the Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis) to Duluth's Ash Population; and
WHEREAS, EAB has been identified by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture on Park Point in Duluth, MN; and
WHEREAS, trees in the urban environment provide many environmental, economic, and health benefits for citizenry; and
WHEREAS, an (EAB) infestation is both an environmental and economic threat, as well as a health and safety hazard to the City of Duluth; and
WHEREAS, various Ash (Fraxinus) species and varieties comprise a significant component of Duluth's urban forest environment and our boulevard tree population; and
WHEREAS, the City of Duluth is being proactive in the mitigation of the potential disruption to its urban forest caused by the pending infestation of the (EAB); and
WHEREAS, improper practices may contribute to increased insect activity and tree losses, resulting in a greater rate of economic losses across established boundaries whether they be residential, commercial, right of way or public lands. It is therefore both advisable and prudent to attempt to prevent and control the Emerald Ash Borer.
WHEREAS, taking a proactive approach to this infestation will enable the City of Duluth to address public and private needs in an efficient and effective manner; and
WHEREAS, Duluth's position as a through-point to many other MN destinations make the City's actions important in slowing the spread of EAB to greater MN; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED for the Duluth City Council to adopt the Emerald Ash Borer Management Plan developed by the Park Maintenance Division; and, reviewed and approved by the Urban Forest Commission, attached hereto as Exhibit A. The Plan outlines the ash tree assets of the City of Duluth and its surrounds; defines the management o...
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