“The ODNR forester felt pretty sure that’s what it was,” Crabill said.
Before it can be official, Crabill said the ODA must confirm the ash borer’s presence. Still, the county is under quarantine because the species has been confirmed in several neighboring counties.
It is unclear exactly how the ash borer was able to migrate into Champaign County, but Crabill said he suspects it may have been transported into the city along U.S. 68, possibly in a load of firewood.
Crabill said an inventory of the city’s trees showed there were slightly more than 120 ash trees on city tree lawns and right of ways. There are additional trees on other city properties, including Melvin Miller Park, Oakdale Cemetery and other lands.
In 2008, the city adopted an Emerald Ash Borer Management Plan, which was designed to remove and replace ash trees throughout the city over a 10-year period.
Now that it appears the ash borer has been found, however, Crabill said that plan will likely need to be shortened to a three- or four-year plan. It will be directed through the Urbana Shade tree Commission and the director of administration.
Because most of the ash trees in the city are moderately sized, Crabill said the city will try to remove as many as possible with their own staff.
According to the ash borer management plan, ash trees on private property will be the responsibility of the owner. However, the city will not require a private owner to remove the trees unless they become infested with the ash borer.
Crabill said the city also has a program in the fall and spring that allows residents to purchase new varieties of trees for their property. He said the city will work one-on-one with property owners who want to remove and replace their trees.
Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0355 or msanctis@coxohio.com.
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