Title
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING APPROVAL AND IMPLEMENTATION OF REVISIONS TO THE EMERALD ASH BORER MANAGEMENT PLAN
Body
CITY PROPOSAL:
WHEREAS, the State of Minnesota has confirmed that the insect commonly known as the Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis) has infested the substantial population of true ash trees in Duluth's urban forest and boulevards; and
WHEREAS, proactive management of Duluth's ash tree population through a combination of education, treatment, removal, and replanting is necessary to reduce potential harm to the environment, the economy, and public health; and
WHEREAS, resolution 16-0833R authorized the adoption and implementation of the Emerald Ash Borer Management Plan; and
WHEREAS, on December 7, 2022, the Natural Resources Commission unanimously voted in support of the proposed revisions to the Emerald Ash Borer Management Plan and moved to recommend that Council approve the revisions.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the proper City officials hereby approve the revisions to the Emerald Ash Borer Management Plan, attached hereto as Exhibit A, and authorize implementation of the plan as funding allows.
Statement of Purpose
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: This resolution authorizes the approval of revisions to the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Management Plan, attached as Exhibit A, and implementation of the management strategies described therein to the extent that funding permits. The plan describes how the City of Duluth intends to manage the infestation of Duluth's ash tree population by the invasive insect known as the Emerald Ash Borer through a combination of education, treatment, removal, and replanting.
The plan prioritizes protection of people and property from infected ash trees that are susceptible to abrupt collapse and establishment of a more sustainable urban forest that will be less susceptible to new invasive species that may arrive in Duluth in the future.
Substantive revisions to the plan include:
1. Updates on the progr...
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