The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) confirmed in December of 2020 that the insect Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) was found in several trees within the City of Waupaca. The DNR confirmation follows other confirmed EAB infestations within Waupaca County. The discovery of the presence of EAB was the result from regular surveillance and monitoring by City staff. EAB is an invasive, wood boring beetle that kills ash trees by feeding on the inner bark and starving the tree.
The City of Waupaca has approximately 144 managed ash trees on public terrace areas and in city parks. Ash are also a common landscape tree and property owners will need to be aware of the symptoms from EAB infestation and be proactive in the removal of infested trees.
The City will be following the Emerald Ash Borer Management Plan, which was adopted in 2015, including:
- Continue proactive removal of ash trees
- Priority removal of infested trees
- Develop an ash tree policy
- Community outreach & education
Infested trees will be removed first, followed by proactive removal of other ash trees. Property owners with ash trees adjacent to their property will be mailed a notice before removals begin
Property owners who are concerned about trees on their property are encouraged to take the following measures:
- Visit http://datcpservices.wisconsin.gov/eab/index/jsp
- Visit https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/urbanforests/eabtoolbox
- Consult a ISA CERTIFIED (International Society of Arboriculture) arborist for expert advice; https://www.treesaregood.org/findanarborist/findanarborist
- Plant other tree species that are not susceptible to EAB
