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Board hears Emerald Ash Borer is present regionally; staff monitoring possible county champion ash
Summary
Staff reported continued spread of emerald ash borer regionally and a treated candidate 'pumpkin ash' at Garvin Park; board members urged timely treatment and improved public outreach.
The Evansville City Tree Advisory Board received an update on the emerald ash borer Aug. 1, with staff reporting no new confirmed city-wide infestations but identifying a candidate “pumpkin ash” at Garvin Park that is being treated and evaluated.
Speaker 1 said the tree may be a cultivar or hybrid and that staff will confirm identification. Speaker 3 described seeing increasing mortality from emerald ash borer in nearby counties and communities, saying the insect “is here” and that, once established in a neighborhood, it can rapidly kill ash trees. Board members expressed concern that some residents wait until visible decline to take action.
The board discussed outreach challenges and the limits of traditional print media for reaching residents; staff noted increased reliance on social media and on-site education at events such as National Night Out.
No formal regulatory action was taken; staff will follow up on species confirmation and continue monitoring and treatment where warranted.
