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Emerald Ash Borer

In June 2012, Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) was once again found in Brown County along the Fox River near the KI Convention Center in Downtown Green Bay. The site is the same area where a single beetle was found in a detection trap in 2009. At that time, no further evidence of EAB was detected. Three years later EAB was again discovered in the same general area and approximately 35 trees were promptly removed and chipped on WPS’s property in downtown Green Bay. Because of this discovery, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has quarantined Brown County for the transport and movement of wood products. 

Village Continues Preparations For EAB's Arrival

The Village of Ashwaubenon has been preparing for the arrival of EAB for a number of years. The insect was first identified in the Detroit area in 2002 and has since spread throughout most of the Midwest killing several million Ash trees along the way. While EAB was first found in Brown County in 2009, it was not until January 26, 2017 before it was discovered in the Village of Ashwaubenon.  The insect is very difficult to find until the population explodes, which has led to its proliferation. Communities in Michigan and Illinois were completely overwhelmed by the volume of dead and dying ash trees, often resulting in very hazardous situations.

The insect has the potential to cause a serious problem in Ashwaubenon. There are currently 954 Ash trees on the terraces throughout the Village of Ashwaubenon or 17% of our street tree population. Some of the steps taken by the Village of Ashwaubenon in the initial fight against EAB include:

  • Discontinued the planting of all ash (Fraxinus spp.) tree species in 2005.
  • Began proactively removing and replacing recently planted ash trees. These trees are often times small enough to efficiently remove and replace in one operation with priority given to ash in medians, parks and those planted beneath overhead power lines
  • Developed an Emerald Ash Borer Readiness Plan in April of 2013.
  • Increased planting in parks that are heavily populated with ash to increase species diversity.
  • Coordinated with various state agencies on trapping and inspection programs.
  • Increased removal of declining ash trees along streets and in parks.
  • Created a Tree Work Permit Application to allow residents to chemically treat Village owned street trees adjacent to their property.
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