Overview 

The Emerald ash borer is a non-native insect of major concern, discovered
in the Saint Anthony neighborhood of Saint Paul in May, 2009. In recent years Michigan and other states have suffered widespread ash deaths numbering in the millions due to this insect.  The Forestry section is working collaboratively with local, state and federal agencies on efforts to mitigate the effects of this destructive pest.


What's Happening with EAB in Saint Paul?

Emerald Ash Borer Flight Season Is Upon Us!
Check these helpful links to see what you can do to help 'Slow The Spread'
Best Management Practices for Known Infested Areas
MDA Emerald Ash Borer Regulatory Review Bulletins: 
August 24, 2010: Regulatory Review (archived Reviews available as well)
Map of 'Known Infested Areas'
**NEW** Considerations for Homeowners before Selecting a Treatment Strategy

Structured Removal of Ash Trees

Upcoming Community Meetings for Structured Removal:
Date: Tuesday, September 14th
Time: 6:30 pm
Location: Scheffer Recreation Center
Meeting Info: This meeting is targeted for residents of Ward 1 who will be affected by the upcoming structured removal of ash trees in the area, but open to all residents of Saint Paul.  There will be a brief presentation by Forestry staff and plenty of time for questions.

Upcoming Removals Scheduled:
Removals in Ward 3 will begin in mid-August with removals in Ward 1 and 2 following shortly thereafter.
Ward 3 Map
Ward 2 Map
Ward 1 Map   

Completed Structured Removals and Reforestation: 
Ward 5 Map
Ward 6 Map
Ward 7 Map

Management Strategies for public property ash trees in Saint Paul:

• Removal of identified infested trees found on public right-of-ways, park lands, and other city-owned lands. 
• Destructive sampling of trees.  These ash trees are chosen by city and MDA staff based on overall tree health and location.  The trees are removed by city Forestry crews and then sampled by MDA staff looking for evidence of EAB infestation.  This process will help to identify the extent of the EAB infestation in Saint Paul.
• Treatment of public trees with insecticides.  There is currently no funding appropriated to the treatment of ash trees on public or private property.  However, the Forestry unit will issue permits under certain conditions for the treatment of public property trees by a licensed commercial tree service if owners/residents chose to do so.
• Structured removal of ash trees.  The ash tree population in Saint Paul is estimated at 30% of the overall urban forest canopy.  Many of these ash trees are in serious decline and would be candidates for removal regardless of the presence of this pest in our area.  Beginning in early 2010, Saint Paul's Forestry crews will be removing entire blocks of declining ash trees that have been identified throughout the city.  These trees have not be identified as being infested, but never-the-less need to be removed.  See documents below for further information.
  • Structured Removal Frequently Asked Questions 
  • Pamphlet distributed to residents affected by structured removal

News, Updates and Documents

Frequently Asked Questions Reference Guide
MDA awards Saint Paul $722,600 in grant funding for work on EAB
Full list of MDA grant awards
California Avenue Pilot Project Video
2009 EAB Updates for Saint Paul
MDA: Emerald Ash Borer Q&A
Saint Paul's EAB Management Plan


Additional Information & Resources 

Minnesota Department of Agriculture
University of Minnesota Extension  
www.emeraldashborer.info
Insecticide Options for protecting ash trees from EAB
Emerald Ash Borer
US Department of Agriculture
Sign & Symptoms of EAB
Ash Tree Identification 
MDA EAB Response Plan