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Cannon Falls resident urges reforestation after emerald ash borer removals
Summary
At the April 1 Cannon Falls City Council meeting, resident Avery Evans urged the city to plan reforestation after more than 100 ash trees were removed — citing emerald ash borer damage and soil-erosion concerns; council and staff said they would look into replanting requirements and available programs.
A resident told the Cannon Falls City Council on April 1 that the city should plan a reforestation effort after widespread removals of ash trees damaged by the emerald ash borer.
Avery Evans, who identified themself during the public input period, told the council that more than 100 ash trees had been removed along Highway 19 and said the community’s tree canopy is now heavily composed of ash. “I believe this is an opportunity to rebuild our forests for future generations to come and ensure the stability of our ecosystem,” Evans said.
The comment came during the public-input portion of the council meeting, when speakers are allowed three minutes each and the council does not typically conduct a question-and-answer session. The meeting chair said staff would speak with Evans after the meeting.
City staff said replanting programs and grant-funded replacements are commonly used in other communities after disease-related removals, but staff did not specify which program would apply in Cannon Falls. A staff member said the council would look further into whether state law or other rules require one-for-one replacement and whether removals along Highway 19 involved MnDOT right-of-way or city property.
Evans emphasized local impacts of tree loss, including effects on soil health and increased flood risk for the riverside community. The council noted the concern and asked staff to research relevant replacement requirements, available grants, and whether coordinating with MnDOT would be necessary for trees removed along state right-of-way.
No formal council action or vote on a reforestation plan occurred at the meeting; staff said they would follow up with additional information.
