During a recent government meeting, officials discussed the ongoing challenges posed by the emerald ash borer (EAB), a pest that threatens ash trees across North America. The city has managed to keep its ash tree losses relatively low, with only a slight backlog in tree replacements. However, experts acknowledged that the EAB's spread is inevitable, and the city will likely see a significant decline in ash trees over the next decade and a half.

Despite the grim outlook, there are signs of resilience, with some parks showing small ash resprouts that could potentially survive if they mature. The city has been proactive in treating affected trees, thanks to certified park maintenance workers, which has kept treatment costs manageable. However, officials noted that if staffing changes, treatment costs could rise significantly.

The meeting also highlighted a new initiative to secure a $170,000 grant from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for an Urban Forestry Management Plan. This plan aims to create a comprehensive strategy for managing the city’s urban forestry, including addressing the impacts of the EAB. The grant would fund a consultant to develop the plan, which officials believe is crucial for enhancing the city’s urban forestry efforts and ensuring a coordinated approach among various stakeholders.

In addition to these discussions, the meeting touched on the aftermath of recent storms that caused significant tree damage. The city is working to replace lost trees and monitor the health of remaining ones, particularly oak trees that may be at risk of oak wilt disease due to storm-related injuries.

Overall, while the challenges posed by invasive species and environmental factors are significant, city officials remain committed to enhancing urban forestry management and maintaining the health of the community's green spaces. The next meeting is scheduled for September 12, where further updates on these initiatives will be provided.