citymanagerblog.org

Wyoming Announces Second Year of Participation in the Legacy Tree Project
Encourages Homeowners to Take Action on Emerald Ash Borer

Wyoming, OH. — The City of Wyoming proudly announces continuing participating in the Legacy Tree Project (LTP). This partnership with Valent Professional Products was initiated in 2010 and provides protection of select ash trees from emerald ash borer for five consecutive years at no cost to taxpayers. Only a dozen other communities in the Midwest were chosen to participate.

Valent has contracted with The Davey Tree Expert Company to administer the ash treatments. The insecticide Safari®, a product registered by the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency for EAB control, has been administered to trees via soil injection, precluding contact with people or pets. Wyoming, already treating several hundred streetside ash, elected to use the LTP gift for conservation of some park ash trees. The remainder of the gift is being shared with the Village of Lockland.

Emerald ash borer is an invasive insect pest that will cause the functional extinction of native ash trees in the Midwest. Its presence has been confirmed in Wyoming, Lockland, Finneytown, and other areas to the north and west. As these small infestations coalesce, the rate of tree death across the county will escalate. Most unprotected ash trees will die in the next 3 - 5 years.

Wyoming has been forward-looking in its approach to the threat of EAB. An ash management plan for publicly-owned ash trees was activated in 2008. Initial management goals focused on removal of large trees, those in difficult locations, and those not suitable for treatment. Subsequently, most of the remaining streetside ash have been put under continuing insecticide protection.

As part of plan development, the economics of treatment versus removal and replacement of public ash were explored. The conclusion was that, for healthy ash, treatment would conserve both ecosystem and financial resources.

"Homeowners with ash in the landscape can no longer delay developing their own ash management plan," says Assistant Public Works Director, Mike Lippert. "If planning to treat, prevention works best, and some options still remain for protection from 2011 damage. If planning to remove, you still have time to prepare for the impact this will have on the household budget. Issues to consider in evaluating your ash include tree health, the location and value of the tree(s) in your landscape, and the environmental benefits delivered. Consult a certified arborist to assist in your planning."

For homeowner-oriented EAB planning resources, visit the public works page at www.wyoming.oh.us
For more information on the Legacy Tree Project, visit www.legacytreeproject.com
For more information on Valent and the Safari® Insecticide, visit www.valentpro.com

ABOUT VALENT PROFESSIONAL PRODUCTS

Valent develops, registers and markets innovative technological solutions for pest management and crop production. Valent recognizes the importance of urban canopy cover and supports the preservation of environmental resources for the benefit of future generations. For additional information about Safari®, please go to: www.valentpro.com

For additional information or questions, contact Mike Lippert, Assistant Public Works/Water Works Director at 513.821.7600 or mlippert@wyoming.oh.us.