JUNE 6, 2023:
In anticipation of the eventual arrival of the invasive and highly destructive emerald ash borer, the Fort Pierre City Council has approved a voucher plan for removing some of the town’s ash trees.
Public Works Director Rick Hahn says the vouchers are connected to the removal of on ash trees from the boulevard or the city’s right-of-way.
Hahn says there is a minimum size recommendation of the tree being removed in order to be eligible for a voucher to replace it.
Hahn says once an ash tree is removed, the replacement tree cannot be planted in the city right-of-way unless the city grants permission…. prompting this dialogue between Hahn, Alderman Larry Cronin and Mayor Gloria Hanson.
As far as people wanting to treat ash trees for emerald ash borer rather than replacing them, Hanson says Fort Pierre isn’t ready for that– yet.
Initially, each property is eligible to receive three vouchers.
Around 40% of the trees on public spaces in Fort Pierre are ash trees.
There’s a list of recommended trees suitable for the climate and soils in Fort Pierre on the city’s website.
MAY 16, 2023:
The Fort Pierre City Council has again axed a plan for removing the town’s ash trees and replacing them with different species to reduce the impact when the invasive emerald ash borer arrives in the area.
Council President Todd Bernhard says the current plan would provide guidance.
Alderman Larry Cronin doesn’t think the current plan is workable…. yet.
Cronin wants the emerald ash borer mitigation plan to go back through the Arbor Board and the Park and Rec Committee, prompting this exchange between Larry Cronin and Director of Public Works Rick Hahn.
The Fort Pierre City Council will discuss the ash tree removal and replacement plan for a fourth time during their first meeting in June (June 5, 2023).
Around 40% of the trees on public spaces in Fort Pierre are ash trees.