PRESS RELEASE ON EMERALD ASH BORER
For Immediate Release
Date: March 9, 2022
Contact: Shawn Osterbrink, Director of Parks, sosterbrink@westonwi.gov, 715-359-9988
Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Confirmed in Village of Weston
The Village of Weston has confirmed the presence of EAB in the western portion of the Village at Kennedy Park resulting from monitoring by Village staff. The confirmation of EAB presence in Weston brings it to five (5) Marathon County communities having confirmed finding EAB.
Village employees have been monitoring the decline in health of an ash tree at 6200 Alderson Street (Kennedy Park) for a couple of years. This past week staff peeled some bark from this tree revealing characteristic “S”- shaped tunneling and, ultimately, confirmed an EAB larvae.
Since Emerald Ash Borer infestations naturally spread one to two miles annually the damaged tree along with all other ash trees within Kennedy Park have been removed. The Village will also plant new trees to accommodate for the ash trees that are removed. The Village has a total of 111 ash trees in parks, right of ways and Village owned properties which staff will continue to monitor and remove. This does not include ash trees on private property or in wooded areas of Village properties.
Property owners who are concerned about trees on private property are encouraged to take the following measures:
· Visit DATCP Home Emerald Ash Borer (wi.gov) for information regarding EAB.
· Monitor the ash trees in their yards.
· Consult a certified arborist or tree care company for advice.
Residents can also contact the Park Department at Parks@westonwi.gov with their questions or concerns.