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Tree board readies tree management plan for council, discusses emerald ash borer and Arbor Day events
Summary
The Tree Board finalized a tree management plan for City Council consideration on April 7, discussed emerald ash borer outreach and inventory priorities, and staff announced an Arbor Day schedule of invasive removal, an OSU Extension workshop and family events on April 26.
Staff told the board the tree management plan was completed on schedule and will be presented to City Council at a work session on April 7, with council action expected to follow, and invited board members to attend the work session and meeting.
Board members discussed outreach components of the plan, including stewardship and education for private property owners, and suggested the board participate in public events, develop website content about tree care and partner with organizations such as Polk Soil and Water Conservation District and the arboretum for classes and outreach. Staff said it would be appropriate to wait until council approves the plan before launching board-led activities but welcomed the board’s involvement afterwards.
Members raised concern about emerald ash borer (EAB). Board members recommended educational outreach on identifying the beetle and ash tree damage, and suggested prioritizing preemptive planting in areas with high concentrations of ash so canopy loss can be mitigated if removals become necessary.
Staff described the planned summer intern inventory effort: funding limits require the intern to work only south of Rickreel Creek, prioritizing riparian areas and street trees in underserved areas. The board suggested using the intern time to pair experienced volunteers with interns to transfer local knowledge.
Staff announced the city’s Arbor Day schedule for April 26: invasive species removal along the Brick Real Creek Trail behind the aquatic center (8–10 a.m.), an OSU Extension workshop on emerald ash borer in partnership with Polk Soil and Water Conservation District (10 a.m.–noon at the aquatic center), and a child-focused "read in the tree" and hammock activities at the arboretum in the afternoon. Staff said tree plantings are expected in the fall when planting season is appropriate for the region.
