The Village of Homewood Emerald Ash Borer Management A Recapitulation 2002-2013

Emerald Ash Borer-EAB Initial reports came out of Michigan 2002 Unknown insect was killing ash trees Thousands of trees had been lost Remedy at that time was to “sanitize” buffers of ash for two miles Homewood begins info sharing with elected officials and residents.

Homewood’s location a concern – within 10 years it was expected that EAB would be here. Near corridors of transportation Highways/toll booths Rail Cal Sag Near states of known infestation Campers and vacationers Near wood processors, manufacturers and users of all things ash derived

The Homewood process TreeShare In-house Contractual Halted all ash planting TreeShare In-house Contractual Began systematic search for EAB during regular maintenance Began educating a region Expanded dialog with State and Federal agencies Spoke with media Articles in Village Key began Worked with researchers regarding detection Began research regarding methods of management Tabulated numbers of everything = sound decisions

Preparation Homewood drove training Problem solving Communications Helped develop a new felling method in urban areas and gained national attention for it Problem solving Communications

November, 2007 EAB found in Homewood Developed a plan of action/management plan examined every aspect of management and costs Implemented strategy in spring of 2008 Began cutting November, 2008 2582 ash

Outreach City Trees (3) – international publications WBEZ national public radio Numerous newspaper articles State/multi-state panels Wood Utilization Team Community Readiness Team Reforestation consultation Local, State and Federal assistance

Assistance given by Homewood: State Foresters of: Minnesota Wisconsin South Dakota North Dakota New Mexico Missouri Illinois Indiana Maine Maryland Wyoming Iowa District Forester from: Manitoba

The Quiet Professionals Landscape Maintenance: Created a invasive management program recognized nationally; Saved roughly $1,053,534 by doing the lion’s share in-house; Recycled logs and chips at no charge for further use; No loss of time due to injury in the second most dangerous occupation- with a twist; Worked with other Divisions of DPW seamlessly.

The next phase: Continue EAB replacement Should complete spring 2014 Diversification Assist neighboring communities if requested Technical Continue to educate and share techniques with region Further insect/disease issues Society of Municipal Arborists - Accreditation

Urban Forest Accreditation The next phase, continued: A program that allows recognition of Homewood, furthering pride of our forestry program. Proves that tax dollars are yielding results. Gives Homewood a professional standard that further sets us apart and provides further goals.