The City of Manitowoc is continuing its long-lasting battle against the Emerald Ash Borer.
The larvae of this invasive species feed on the inner bark of ash trees, disrupting the tree’s ability to transport water and nutrients, eventually killing it.
Manitowoc Mayor Justin Nickels told us the EAB remains a “major issue for many communities”, including Manitowoc.
He explained that the City of Manitowoc is responsible for an estimated 100,000 trees throughout the city, many of which are in public parks.
“Lincoln Park, Fleetwood Park, for those who live in those areas probably know best, we had to remove a lot of trees,” he explained. “The Council increased the tree maintenance budget by $50,000 (in 2022), and then another $50,000 in 2023, on top of that, to deal specifically with Emerald Ash Borer.”
But what happens to the trees once they are cut down?
Mayor Nickles told us, “We do salvage, we do sell some wood, but most of the Emerald Ash Trees that we have are not allowed for sale, and are taken care by grinding them up and disposing of them properly.”
Manitowoc Mayor Justin Nickels
Mayor Nickels revealed that even more trees are planned to be removed both in the parks and on private land.
“We did implement also, a program where we are going to start replanting the trees,” he told Seehafer News. “We do have money budgeted and dedicated to making sure we are not just completely eliminating the trees throughout public parks and public areas.”
Mayor Nickels noted that it may be a while before new trees are planted because they are focusing on eliminating the impacted trees.
He estimated that will be taking place over the next year or so, which would then be followed by replanting.
