Title
Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Update
History
In 2012, the Village formalized the initial effort to deal with the identified presence of the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) bug which had been found in Orland Park and surrounding towns. The policy decision was made to remove and replace all Ash trees throughout the Village parks and parkways as the EAB was evident in all areas of our community. Since then, the Village has utilized in-house staff and engaged contractors to begin to remove the Ash trees on Village property that are most affected and began an education program to help residents better understand the EAB and action that must be taken in their neighborhoods.
With the rapid decline of the Ash trees, it is important to constantly reassess the situation and consider adjustments to the program accordingly. Attached is a status update and a program analyses. The Public Works Committee reviewed this item on September 16, 2013. There was support for accelerating the removal and replacement of Ash trees throughout the community. A four year approach was discussed rather than the original seven year plan outlined in 2012. The first year of the program, 2013, yielded good progress in parks and parkway tree removal and replacement. Unfortunately, the decline of the Ash trees is more rapid than originally expected.
The Committee recommended advancing the discussion to the Village Board. If a shorter-term plan is selected by the Village Board, the decision will impact the future year budgets accordingly. Cost estimates are provided in the options outlined in the attached report.
Following the Committee, staff was asked by the Mayor to provide information on treating the Ash trees to prolong their life as utilized by some other municipalities. Additional information on this approach has been added to the report.
Financial Impact
As outlined in the attached report, the financial impact will depend on the number of years selected to accomplish the Ash...
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