 |
|
| On August 21, the Village Board adopted the most encompassing plan that we are aware of in the State or Country to combat the effects of the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). However, we have the potential to be highly devastated by the EAB so our planning must be far encompassing. |
|
Fortunately, the Emerald Ash Borer has not been found in our community. The EAB can travel about ½ mile per year, so we anticipate being 5 years ahead of the beetle on our plan. |
|
| To date, the EAB has destroyed an estimated 20 million trees in Ohio and Michigan. The Borer was discovered in Illinois last year. Elk Grove Village has 4,850 Ash variety parkway trees in our urban forest, accounting for 34.6 % of all Village parkway trees. In addition, an unknown number of Ash trees also exist on private property in the community. |
|
Due to the threat of the Emerald Ash Borer, the Village has taken the immediate steps: |
|
|
|
• |
Stopped planting Ash trees beginning last year, and have identified weakened Ash trees for removal and replacement. |
• |
Established relationships with State, Federal, and local experts regarding prevention, discovery, treatment, and environmentally safe removal of the EAB. |
• |
Set traps inside of Ash trees. To date, no Ash Borers have been found in Elk Grove Village. |
• |
Worked with the Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County on the elimination of contaminated materials. |
• |
Explored Federal and State Grants to eliminate EAB infested Ash trees. While any impact of the EAB is likely five (5) years away, we anticipate that Federal grants will assist us in the removal of impacted Ash trees. |
In addition to these steps, we have implemented an aggressive program for the removal and replacement of Ash trees impacted by the EAB. |
|
