FORT PIERRE — Fort Pierre is taking proactive steps to head off the eventual and expected impact of the Emerald Ash Borer. Emerald Ash Borers are an exotic beetle, first discovered in Michigan 20 years ago. The borers are certain death for ash trees with limited and expensive treatment options short of tree removal. Fort Pierre Public Works Director Rick Hahn says the city is ready for a systematic removal of ash trees on public property…
Ron Schreiner with the Fort Pierre Arbor Board says the action by the Council is the final step in a two-year process…
Councilman Larry Cronin says it will be a multi-year process…
Ash trees on private property are the property owners concern and are not included in the city’s removal plan. Emerald ash borers have been found in southeast South Dakota and are expected to move to central South Dakota in the next 10 years.
