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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCS 15-12 city no a Report to Executive Committee PICKERING Report Number: CS 15-12 Date: September 10, 2012 1 From: Everett Buntsma Director, Community Services Subject: Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) - File: A-1440 Recommendation: 1. That Report CS 15-12 of the Director, Community Services concerning the Emerald Ash Borer be received; 2. That Council review and endorse EAB Strategy No. 2 as outlined in this report in managing the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB); 3. That funding of$300,000 yearly be considered during the 2013 budget process for the purposes of EAB Management; 4. That City staff release a further information package for the purposes of educating and notifying our residents of this insect and its effect on Ash trees within the municipality; 5. That a letter from Mayor and Council, be forwarded to the Local Provincial MPP and Federal MP, with a request seeking support for Provincial and Federal funding assistance. Executive Summary: To provide Council information on the progression of the Emerald Ash Borer in the City of Pickering, and to seek direction on potential mitigation and control programs. It should be noted that once an EAB infected tree dies, they become an immediate liability. There is a definite need for the City to act immediately on this situation by developing a management strategy to deal with Ash trees owned by the municipality. Financial Implications: There will be significant financial implications. The financial information contained in the chart below is based on estimates obtained from other municipalities and private contractors. The need for funds required to manage the impacts associated with EAB will be on-going for an estimated 15 years or more. It should be noted that further infestation could progress faster than anticipated and require immediate action in the removal of infected trees to minimize liability risks. Report CS 15-12 September 10, 2012 Subject: Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Page 2 • 1 n The Region is not currently providing any resources, financial or otherwise, for the purposes of removal and disposal of infested trees or for the replacement of any trees. EAB Strategy No.1 Strategy No. 1 would be to simply permit EAB to run its course, taking no pro-active action in the treatment or control of the insect. This approach will result in the mortality of existing Ash trees over an estimated period of 5-10 years. Although there will be no costs incurred with chemical treatment, there will be considerable costs associated with removal and replacement of trees, including a need for additional staff and/or contract resources required to undertake and manage all aspects of this work. EAB Strategy No. 2 Strategy No. 2 would involve the City taking a proactive course of action in treating Ash trees (with a diameter of greater than 20 cm) on our streets, estimated to be 3,000 trees. This is based on a set of criteria that other larger cities have developed. For example, the Town of Oakville have determined that healthy Ash trees greater than 20 cm in caliper (dia) would be worthy of treatment on a bi-annual basis for an extended period of time, perhaps as long as 15 years. There is research out of the USA suggesting the treatment timeframe may be reduced depending on a number of factors including the lack of host trees remaining alive to support future generations of EAB. Strategy No. 2 does not include treating street trees less than 20 cm in diameter. As such it will still be necessary to remove and replace 500 Ash trees and again this will require additional staffing resources as outlined in Strategy No. 1. Cost of preventative treatment (avg. $300 per tree per treatment application x 3,000 trees x 7.5.applications over 15 year period) Cost of tree and stump removal (avg. $700 per tree x 500 trees) Cost of tree replacement (avg. $300 per tree x 500 trees) EAB Strategy No. 3 Strategy No. 3 would essentially mirror Strategy No. 2; however, the treatment program would be expanded to include all Ash trees less than 20cm in diameter. This strategy will be incrementally more expensive; however, significantly more trees will be retained on our streets. Over and above the added work load EAB will contribute to the Operations & Fleet Services, deceased privately owned trees could very possibly create an increased work load for our By-law enforcement section where it becomes necessary to issue removal orders under the Property Standards By-law for infractions concerning trees posing a safety hazard. While there are several alternatives in dealing with managing the effects of EAB, as outlined above, there are no alternatives in completely stopping the spread of the insect or the ensuing damage that will result from its presence in the municipality. CORP0227-07/01 revised Report CS 15-12 September 10, 2012 Subject: Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Page 3 3 Discussion: An official street tree inventory is currently underway that will aid us in determining the location, health and size of our Ash tree populations within the road allowance. During the tree inventory, staff will be assessing the quality of each Ash tree canopy/branching to help determine the most economical and sustainable option available for each individual tree. This will also help estimate future cost to treat chemically over the next number of years. In addition to street trees, there are additional Ash trees in our parks and woodlots. A total quantity of these trees is not yet known. With the confirmation of EAB in Pickering, there is little doubt that its effects will result in a dramatic transformation in the appearance of many streets and parks where Ash trees are the dominant species. Additionally, there will be substantial costs associated with EAB over the next 10 -15 years. Research and experience in other municipalities suggest that EAB, if left unchecked, will eliminate 99% of the Ash Trees within the municipality. With approximately over 3,500 Ash trees in our current inventory and hundreds more in our open space and wooded lands, costs for removing and replacing trees will be significant. In addition to the actual financial impacts, the aesthetic and ecological impacts could be much more significant. Many of our Ash trees are large specimens lining our streets and parks that have developed high full canopies. Streetscapes will be dramatically transformed as decades of tree development and mature canopy will be lost over a few years or less. A loss of tree canopy of this magnitude could also raise concerns and demands in some neighbourhoods with respect to the diminished quality and character of the neighbourhood streetscape. In addition to the Ash trees located on municipal lands, there are many others located on private property in Pickering that will also be impacted. Although the numbers of private trees are not known, it is almost certain that large quantities of privately owned trees will be destroyed as the EAB infestation progresses. A thorough public education and awareness of EAB and its implications is highly recommended through all means possible. Attachments: 1. Memo from S. McKay (dated March 15, 2012) CORP0227-07/01 revised Report CS 15-12 September 10, 2012 Subject: Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Page 4 1' Prepared By: Approved/Endorsed :y: Scott McKay Everett Bunts Coordinator, Fores ry Management Director, Community Services rant Smith, Manager, Operations & Fleet Services GS:nw Recommended for the consideration of Pickering City Council Tony Prevedel, P.Eng. Chief Administrative Officer CORP0227-07/01 revised Cc3 r�A _ C 4 I 4! Memo To: Rob Gagen . March 15, 2012 (Acting) Supervisor, Parks Operations From: Scott McKay Coordinator, Forestry Management Copy: Director, Community Services Manager, Operations & Fleet Services Subject: Emerald Ash Borer Recommendations - File: 0-8130-002-12 Recommendations That the City review and endorse one of the strategies outlined in this report in managing the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB); 1. That City staff release a further information package for the purposes of educating and notifying our residents of this insect and its effect on Ash trees within the municipality; 2. That sufficient funding be included in future capital budget plans for the purposes of EAB Management; 3. That a letter from Mayor and Council, be forwarded to the Local Provincial M.P.P and Federal M.P. with a request seeking support for Provincial and Federal funding assistance. Purpose of the Report To provide information on the progression of the Emerald Ash Borer in.the City of Pickering and to seek direction on potential mitigation and control programs. Background Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is invasive to our Ash tree population. EAB is a destructive wood- boring insect that prefers all Ash tree species as its favoured host to complete its life cycle. The EAB completes its most destructive period of its life cycle in its larval stage. These larvae feed on the inner bark and sap wood of the host tree creating galleries in the main trunk and larger upper branches. Depending on the level of infestation, repeated life cycles of this insect will eventually kill the tree within a few years of initial infestation. The adult borer is an emerald green-winged beetle that has the capability of moving rapidly across the landscape in its quest of finding new host trees within which to complete its life cycle. i ,, First discovered in Canada in 2002 EAB originates in China, Japan, Korea and several other far eastern countries. The insect was first detected in North America in the Eastern United States and has since migrated north into Canada. It was discovered in Windsor, Ontario in 2002 where it has caused severe mortality in the Ash tree population. More recently the insect has been confirmed throughout Eastern Toronto, Durham Region, including Oshawa and Whitby. The Region is not currently providing any resources, financial or otherwise, for the purposes of removal and disposal of infested trees or for the replacement of any trees. Given that the Emerald Ash Borer has now been confirmed in various locations throughout the City of Pickering. Staff anticipates that the population will continue to rapidly expand, as has been the case in many other communities throughout southern Ontario where the insects have been present for a number of years. What Others Are Doing The approach that other municipalities are taking with this insect appears to vary among the southerly municipalities. For example, at the end of last year, the City of Vaughan had chosen to let the insect run its course by taking no action in proactively chemically treating any Ash trees. The Town of Richmond Hill is proposing to introduce a management strategy that will involve proactive chemical treatment in 50% of Ash trees meeting a certain criteria based on tree size and condition ratings. The balance of their trees will not be preserved and will be allowed to succumb to the insect. The Town of Oakville is taking a far more proactive course of action that will see 75% of their Ash trees being treated with a commercially available product know as TreeAzinTM which is injected directly into the trunk of the tree. Unfortunately, there appears to be an inconsistent approach between many municipalities in addressing the EAB situation within the quarantined areas of the province. This is due to the apparent lack of leadership on the part of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR). Most of our municipal counterparts agree that these agencies have a large stake in this matter and by all accounts have failed to provide or assist in the provision of the necessary resources to aid in the fight against this invasive pest. As such, many municipalities are ill equipped to effectively manage this serious problem. As a result, this insect now threatens the entire Ash tree population in Ontario. Implementation of Effective EAB Controls Through extensive research staff has determined that there is a product which is relatively new on the market that has proven effective in reducing the EAB population and its effects on the host trees. This product called, TreeAzinTM appears to be the most effective and least toxic alternative. TreeAzinTM is a biological pesticide with its active ingredient derived from the Neem tree. The product is injected under the tree bark into the conductive tissues where it rapidly relocates to all extremities of the tree. TreeAzin is toxic to EAB larva and is effective in reducing fertility in the adult EAB. March 15, 2012 Page 2 Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) k 7 While treatments have shown good results, not all trees can be saved. Chemical injections of TreeAzinTM are considerably expensive because the treatment must be repeated on a bi-annual basis and must continue indefinitely for as long as EAB is present. Approximately 3,500+ Ash Street Trees Will Be Affected in the City of Pickering An official street tree inventory is currently underway that will aid us in determining the location, health and size of our Ash tree populations within the road allowance. During the tree inventory, staff will be assessing the quality of each Ash tree canopy/branching to help determine the most economical and sustainable option available for each individual tree. This will also help estimate future cost to treat chemically over the next number of years. In addition to street trees there are additional Ash trees in our parks and woodlots. A total quantity of these trees is not yet known. Size % Of City Wide Species Qty Cm_ Street Location Dbh Tree Inventory Ash Approx. >20cm 85.7% street trees 3,000 Ash Approx. <20cm 14.3% street trees 500 Ash Unknown Various Unknown at this parks time • At this time there are no immediate plans to inventory our Ash trees within woodlands or open space areas. Staff are aware of where Ash trees are located within City owned lands and will be monitoring and identifying trees for removal to ensure public safety as the EAB infestation progresses. Comments With the confirmation of EAB in Pickering there is little doubt that its effects will result in a dramatic transformation in the appearance of many streets and parks where Ash trees are the dominant species. Additionally, there will be substantial costs associated with EAB over the next 10 -15 years. Research and experience in other municipalities suggest that EAB, if left unchecked, will eliminate 99% of the Ash Trees within the municipality. With approximately over 3,500 Ash trees in our current inventory and hundreds more in our open space and wooded lands, costs for removing and replacing trees will be significant. In addition to the actual financial impacts, the aesthetic and ecological impacts could be much more significant. Many of our Ash trees are large specimens lining our streets and parks that have developed high full canopies. Streetscapes will be dramatically transformed in that decades of tree development and mature canopy will be lost over a few years or less. A loss of tree canopy of this magnitude could also raise concerns and demands in some neighbourhoods with respect to the diminished quality and character of the neighbourhood streetscape. In addition to the Ash trees located on municipal lands there are many others located on private property in Pickering that will also be impacted. Although the numbers of private trees are not March 15, 2012 Page 3 Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) 9. know it is almost certain that that large quantities of privately owned trees will be destroyed as the EAB infestation progresses. It should be noted that once an EAB infected tree dies, they become immediate liability risks as they tend to break and fall over from the base of the tree at ground level. A thorough public education and awareness of EAB and its implications is highly recommended through all means possible. With this latest information on the spread of EAB, there now appears to be a definite need for the City to act immediately on this situation by developing a management strategy to deal with Ash trees owned by the municipality. Listed below are a number of example strategies that can be considered in managing EAB. EAB Strategy No.1 Strategy No. 1 would be to simply permit EAB to run its course, taking no pro-active action in the treatment or control of the insect. This approach will result in the mortality of existing Ash trees over an estimated period of 5-10 years. Although there will be no costs incurred with chemical treatment there will be considerable costs associated with removal and replacement of trees including a need for additional staff and/or contract resources required to undertake and manage all aspects of this work. EAB Strategy No. 2 Strategy No. 2 would involve the City taking a proactive course of action in treating Ash trees with a diameter of greater than 20cm on our streets, estimated to be 3,000 trees. This is based on a set of criteria that other larger cities have developed. For example, the Town of Oakville have determined that healthy Ash trees greater than 20cm in calliper (dia) would be worthy of treatment on a bi-annual basis for an extended period of time, perhaps as long as 15 years. There is research out of the USA suggesting the treatment timeframe may be reduced depending on a number of factors including the lack of host trees remaining alive to support future generations of EAB. Strategy No. 2 does not include treating trees less than 20cm in diameter on streets. As such it will still be necessary to remove and replace 500 Ash trees and again this will require additional staffing resources as outline in Strategy No. 1. EAB Strategy No. 3 Strategy No. 3 would essentially mirror Strategy No. 2; however, the treatment program would be expanded to include all Ash trees less than 20cm in diameter. This strategy will be incrementally more expensive; however, significantly more trees will be retained on our streets. Over and above the added work load EAB will contribute to the Operations and Facilities Division, deceased privately owned trees could very possibly create an increased work load for our By-law enforcement section where it becomes necessary to issue removal orders under the Property Standards By-law for infractions concerning trees posing a safety hazard. March 15, 2012 Page 4 Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) 1r] Alternative(s) To the Recommendations While there are several alternatives in dealing with managing the effects of EAB, as outlined above, there are no alternatives in completely stopping the spread of the insect or the ensuing damage that will result from its presence in the municipality. Financial Implications There will be significant financial implications with this situation. The financial information contained in the following chart is based on estimates obtained from other municipalities and private contractors. The need for funds required to manage the impacts associated with EAB will be on-going for an estimated 15 years or more. It should be noted that further infestation could progress faster than anticipated and require more immediate action in the removal of infected trees to minimize liability risks. EAB Strategy Chart Strategy 1 Cost of preventative treatment (avg. $300/per tree per $0 treatment application x 7.5 applications over 15 year period) Cost of tree and stump removal (avg. $700 per tree x 3,500 $2,450,000.00 trees) Cost of tree replacement (avg. $300 per tree 3,500) $1,050,000.00 Total Cost $3,500,000.00 Strategy 2 (treatment of 3,000 trees) Cost of preventative treatment (avg. $300/per tree per $6,750,000.00 treatment application x 3,000 trees x 7.5 applications over 15 year period) Cost of tree and stump removal (avg. $700 per tree x 500 $350,000.00 trees) Cost of tree replacement (avg. $300 per tree 500 trees) $150,000.00 Total Cost $7,250,000.00 Strategy 3 (treatment of 3,500 trees) Cost of preventative treatment (avg. $300/per tree per $7,875,000.00 treatment application x 3,500 trees x 7.5 applications over 15 year period) Cost of tree and stump removal (avg. $700 per tree x 3,500 $0 trees) Cost of tree replacement (avg. $300 per tree 3,500) $0 Total Cost $7,875,000.00 Conclusions That Management receive this report as information and authorize one of the above-noted strategies in the management of the EAB situation. March 15, 2012 Page 5 Emerald Ash Borer (EAB)