Explanation
Background:
The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is an exotic boring insect from Southeast Asia, first identified in Michigan in 2002, that infests and eventually kills trees of the Fraxinus genus, more commonly known as ash trees. Once an ash tree is dead, its structural integrity diminishes quickly and it is not uncommon for large limbs to fail on both high wind and calm days without warning. First identified locally in 2003, Columbus is beginning its 10th year of the EAB infestation. It is estimated that approximately 30,000 ash trees of various sizes exist on City of Columbus property; this includes trees along streets, in parks, golf courses and on several municipal campuses.
In 2011, City leaders, in coordination with the City Forestry Division of The Recreation and Parks Department committed to an organized project approach to address the EAB crisis. To date, 12,026 ash trees have been removed city wide. That is 40% of the estimated public ash tree population. Of the 12,026 trees, 5,296 trees were removed by Forestry Staff and 6,730 trees were removed by contractors. The City has spent $4,000,000 to date on various ash tree removal projects as a result of the Emerald Ash Borer with an estimated $4,600,000 in future projects planned. This $1,500,000 ordinance is part of the $4,600,000 total figure.
This ordinance will allow immediate funding for administration, services, supplies, tree replacements, and to remove Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) infested and damaged trees. The supplies, services, and equipment needs that will be paid for as part of this funding request will include but are not limited to: tree removal contracts, stump removal contracts, tree replacement contracts, Sprint cellular service contracts and supplies, office supplies, uniforms, computer supplies, EAB related forestry supplies, safety equipment, and City of Columbus Forestry employee staff time for the EAB project. All supply, service, and equipment needs related to the Em...
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