Bloomington: Parks and Recreation Awarded Grant to Address Ash Tree Health and Long-Term Impacts

Bloomington, Ind. ~ Bloomington, Ind. - The City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department has recently been awarded a $50,000 State Urban Forest Resilience (SUFR) Grant from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. This grant will be used to evaluate and protect ash trees from the destructive emerald ash borer (EAB) beetle.

The EAB beetle, originally from Asia, was first discovered in Bloomington in 2012. This invasive species burrows under the bark of ash trees during its larval stage, causing damage to the tree's vascular system. If left untreated, most infested trees will die within two years.

With the help of the SUFR grant, the urban forestry team will be able to systematically assess the health of over 500 remaining ash trees in City parks and along City streets. The funding will also support ongoing treatment of healthy ash trees to prevent damage from EAB.

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According to Haskell Smith, City of Bloomington Urban Forester, "Replanting at a 2:1 ratio with a diverse selection of native trees will help protect against future invasive pest introductions and widespread disease outbreaks." He also stated that removing unhealthy ash trees over time will reduce safety concerns and potential failures during wind and storm events.

In addition to evaluating and protecting existing ash trees, plans are also in place to develop a 10-year strategy for removing failing ash trees and replacing them with two native trees for each one removed. Smith also mentioned that workshops and educational programs will be held later this year and next to inform residents about the City's efforts in managing ash trees on public property and what this means for ash trees on private property.

The SUFR grant will be supplemented with an additional $67,000 in local funding by Parks and Recreation. The grant period is set to run through June 1, 2027. For more information about Bloomington's urban forest canopy or emerald ash borer management, contact Haskell Smith or visit bloomington.in.gov/treecare.

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