City urged to prepare for battle against green beetle

Emerald ash borer might make its way soon to Independences tree population if it isnt already here and city officials should be prepared for the green beetles potential impact on tree removal, and ultimately, the citys budget.

In Missouri emerald ash borer was first discovered in 2008, but this year, it also was located in Clay and Platte counties, meaning the green beetle that kills all ash trees will likely hit Jackson County and Independence soon, said Independence Tree Commission chairman and certified arborist Gordon Shaw on Monday night.

We expect the emerald ash borer will be in Jackson County and in the city of Independence relatively soon, Shaw told the City Council. It could be here already.

Native to Asia, emerald ash borer was first discovered in the U.S. in Detroit a decade ago and has since spread to 16 states, Shaw said. While it is not a threat to human health, the beetle destroys all ash trees vascular systems, and if it is located in firewood transported from one place to another, it can spread hundreds of miles.

Because of emerald ash borer potentially moving in Independence, the Tree Commission developed a list of recommendations for the city. The beetle could potentially infect hundreds, if not thousands, of area trees, which would need removal. Now, Independence Parks and Recreation removes roughly 40 trees each year.

First, Shaw said, the city should perform an urban tree inventory to determine the ash tree population in Independence, a figure now unknown. The inventory includes location, number and condition of ash trees.

We know that the emerald ash borer really affects trees that are declining it affects those first, Shaw said.

Next, the city should apply for a Missouri Department of Conservation TRIM grant, a matching funds program (up to $25,000) used for urban tree inventory. This would give city officials a better understanding of what the emerald ash borer would financially cost Independence, Shaw said.

We just want the City Council to be aware that when budget talks come up that there may be some additional costs coming for tree removal and tree replacement, Shaw said.

Mayor Don Reimal asked how removed trees are disposed to prevent transmission of the beetle to other disease-free trees. Joe Knoll, the citys interim parks and grounds manager, said if the removed tree are chipped smaller than 1 inch, the beetles should be destroyed.

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City urged to prepare for battle against green beetle