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10.1 SR 04-15-2024City of Elk - River To City Council Item Number 10.1 Request for Action Meeting Date Prepared By April 15, 2024 Tim Sevcik, Street and Park Superintendent Item Description Reviewed by: EAB Draft Management Plan Justin Femrite Cal Portner Tina Allard Action Requested Review the draft EAB Management Plan and provide staff with feedback and direction. Background/Discussion During the March 4, 2024, Regular Work Session, staff and Council held a preliminary discussion regarding Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) and the anticipated effects the invasive species is likely to have on the city in the coming years. Staff provided a presentation with background information regarding EAB including the current infestation in Elk River and provided information related to best practices for the management of EAB. Through this discussion, staff provided the Council with a number of considerations including tree ownership, treatment methods, public communication, removal techniques, property owner considerations, public ordinances, and replacement trees. Based on the discussion, the Council directed staff to develop a draft EAB Management Plan to bring back to the Council for review. In addition, the Council directed staff to begin an EAB communications campaign for the public and set the following tentative timeline: ■ April, 2024 - Review draft EAB Management Plan ■ May, 2024 - Conduct a public open house ■ June -July, 2024 - Finalize an EAB Management Plan ■ September, 2024 - Begin EAB Management Plan implementation Financial Impact None Mission/Policy/Goal Meet changing needs - Agile Attachments The Elk River Vision A avelcoming community with revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional service, and community p p W E H E 0 BINMURd201 engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity I . Draft EAB Management Plan 2. EAB Communications Plan 2024 Page 179 of 201 Emerald Management Plan Page 180 of 201 City of Elk River Emerald Ash Borer Management Plan Purpose The City of Elk River has determined the most appropriate management approach for emerald ash borer (EAB) is the systematic removal of ash trees on public property. The objectives of this plan are to educate the public on the effects of EAB, maintain public safety through timely removals of ash trees, minimizing the financial impact to the city by utilizing a systematic approach to treatments, and lowering the risk of future tree canopy loss through a diversified urban forest. Introduction Emerald ash borer (EAB), otherwise known as Agrilus planipennis, is native to eastern Asia. This insect was discovered in the United States in 2002 and has since spread to 36 states including Minnesota in 2009. In Minnesota, EAB has spread rapidly to 50 counties and has already killed millions of ash trees with some cities reporting a complete loss of all ash trees within five years of EAB becoming established. EAB was first identified in Elk River in 2023; however Minnesota Department of Agricultural staff determined it has likely been present since 2018 and is already widespread throughout the city. All species of ash (Fraxinus) trees native to Minnesota are susceptible to infestation by EAB. EAB is spread by adult beetles laying eggs on the bark of an ash tree which hatch into larvae that bore into the tree. The larvae tunnel into the phloem layer of the tree, just under the bark and disrupt the movement of water and nutrients, eventually killing the tree. The adult beetles emerge in the spring and can travel at least a half -mile on their own; however EAB is spread much faster through the movement of ash materials such as firewood, brush and logs. A tree inventory conducted in Elk River in 2013 found 9.2% of all trees within the city are ash with 9.1% of all public trees and 10.1% of all private trees being ash. Based on this survey, it is estimated that there are approximately 1,000 publicly owned ash trees in public rights -of -way, city facilities, and maintained areas of parks; this survey approximates the total ash population within the city at 4,800. Administration The City Administrator will be responsible for administering and implementing the provisions of this plan and keeping the City Council updated. EAB Identification Signs and symptoms of EAB include: ■ Bark splitting ■ Vertical fissures on bark Page 181 of 201 ■ Galleries exposed under bark splits ■ Blonding of the bark ■ Serpentine galleries and "D" shaped exit holes ■ The presence of EAB or larvae ■ Canopy dieback ■ Begins in the top one-third of canopy ■ Progresses until the tree is bare ■ Increased woodpecker activity ■ Sprouting of epicormic shoots from the base of the tree Management Strategy Treatment for EAB consists of two primary methods, chemical treatments to prevent ash trees from becoming infested and removal ash trees. Chemical treatments can be further broken down into three primary categories; soil drenches, stem injections, and granular treatments. Of these, granular treatments and soil drenches can be done by the property owner; however the effectiveness of these treatments is limited and both of these treatments can have negative impacts on groundwater, stormwater, and non -target species. Stem injections have shown to be effective for up to three years; however these treatments are cost prohibitive on a large scale with current estimates ranging from $7-$11 per diameter inch of stem at 4.5 feet above the ground and must be conducted every three years to protect the tree. Due to the financial unfeasibility of chemical treatments for publicly owned trees, this management plan will focus on the physical removal of ash trees. The number of public trees removed in any given year will be dependent upon the amount of human and financial resources available. The Street and Park Maintenance Divisions will conduct removals of publicly owned trees as time allows. Tree removals will generally take place from September to March each year. This period ensures that adult beetles have already emerged and transporting of infested wood will not further spread EAB to other areas of the city. Street and Park Maintenance Division staff will work systematically throughout the city conducting removals of ash trees. Based on population growth models for EAB, it is anticipated that 80% of ash trees will die within the next 4-6 years throughout the city which requires an average removal rate of 175-225 public trees per year. Due to this condensed timeline and the hazards posed to public and private property from dead trees, staff will work through neighborhoods removing all public ash trees regardless of their current infestation status. This approach will be the most cost effective while ensuring the necessary staff and equipment resources are available. Public trees are determined to be trees located within public road rights -of -way, city owned stormwater ponds and outlots, city campuses, and city parks. Staff will utilize plat documentation and measurements to determine the edge of the road rights -of -way and determine if the tree is public; trees will be determined public if all or part of the tree's stem is within the right-of-way. Trees located on city campuses and active use areas of parks will be removed, while trees in city oudots, stormwater treatment ponds and natural areas of city Page 182 of 201 parks will be evaluated for their potential to cause damage to public or private infrastructure. If a tree in these areas is identified as a potential hazard to a target it will be removed; trees without potential targets will be left untreated to provide wildlife habitat and to be recycled into the soil. Removal of ash trees will be conducted in three phases; removal of tree, stump grinding, and restoration. During removal, staff will work through a neighborhood felling ash trees, loading brush and logs and transporting materials to the city compost site. This activity may require temporary traffic control and/or road closures to allow staff a safe work zone until the tree is felled and all material is removed. Stump grinding will be conducted by staff as time permits and may be done at any time during the year. Restoration will consist of black dirt and seed appropriate to the conditions. In areas where private landscaping, pet fences and irrigation systems are within the public right-of-way, staff will work to minimize impact to the landscaping during the removal and stump grinding process. The city is not responsible for damage to private landscaping within the right-of-way and it is the homeowner's responsibility to restore any disturbed landscaping because of ash tree removal. Tree Replacement Due to the volume of public trees anticipated to be removed as a result of EAB, the city must focus its efforts on tree replacements in areas of greatest need. Trees on city campuses and public parks will be the priority for replacement to ensure aesthetics of public facilities and provide shade to the public. Tree replacement along public rights -of -way may be conducted as time and resources permit. Establishment of trees in public rights -of -way will be the responsibility of the adjacent property owner. The city will not conduct tree replacements in city outlots, stormwater ponds, or natural areas. These areas will be allowed too naturally regenerate. Replacement trees will consist of 1-1.5-inch diameter bareroot trees consisting of a variety of species to establish a more diverse canopy able to resist any future disease and insect pests. Tree species include hybrid American elm (sp.), white oak (sp.), maple (sp.) hackberry, Kentucky Coffee, American linden (sp.), river birch, honey locust, Ohio buckeye, ginkgo, black cherry, black walnut, butternut, northern catalpa, northern redbud, shagbark hickory, and bitternut hickory. These tree species meet current and projected frost hardiness zones for central Minnesota according to the University of Minnesota, Forest Resources Department. Private Trees The City of Elk River does not intend to treat or remove ash trees located wholly within private property, removal of these trees is the responsibility of the property owner. The city may inspect and conduct abatement of any nuisance trees in accordance with Chapter 46 Section 46-34 of the city ordinance. Nuisance trees on private property are further defined in Chapter 82, Article II, Section 82-30 through 82-40 of the ordinance. O Page 183 of 201 In accordance with these sections, property owners are responsible to abate any trees that are dead, diseased, or otherwise not maintaining foliage on more than 50 percent of the tree during the growing season. In the event abatement is not conducted, the city may abate the tree to prevent further spread of EAB. The City of Elk River, at the direction of the Council, may establish master contracts for ash tree injections and/or removals. These contracts, if determined by the Council, may provide for bulk treatment pricing that could be extended to privately owned ash trees to reduce the cost to homeowners. Additionally, at the direction of the Council, the City may apply for grant funding to support the city's EAB program. Through these programs, there is the potential for the city to provide assistance to private property owners for ash tree abatement. Wood generated from the removal of EAB infested ash trees may be disposed of at the Elk River Compost Facility located at 19000 Proctor Road, Elk River, MN 55330. Compost site passes are available in person at City Hall or online at Compost Site I Elk River, MN - Official Website (elkrivermn.szov). Residents are required to follow all compost site requirements when disposing of any tree or yard waste. Contractors may dispose of tree waste in the compost site only if performing work on Elk River residents' property and utilizing the compost site pass of the property owner to gain access to the site. Materials from outside of Sherburne County are not authorized. Communication Communication and education of the public are key components of managing the impact of EAB. Public information will be available to residents through the City's website, social media sites, newsletters, a public open house, and the local newspaper. Residents can also find information about EAB on the following websites: Emerald Ash Borer Program I Minnesota Department of Agriculture (state.mmus) Emerald Ash Borer Information for Homeowners I Minnesota Department of Agriculture (state.mn.us) Does My Tree Have Emerald Ash Borer (EAB)? (state.mn.us) Ash Tree Identification (state.mn.us) Firewood Information I Minnesota Department of Agriculture (state.mn.us) Emerald Ash Borer Management Plan Policy History Adopted by: On (date) Item # Page 184 of 201 Elk River Public Works 2024 Emerald Ash Borer Communications and Social Media Plan Information The City of Elk River is facing the problem of around 1,000 trees infected and dying from Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). The main purpose of this communication plan is to notify the public about this issue, how they can act on it, and how the city plans to manage it. EAB is affecting both privately owned trees and city -owned trees (public spaces, parks, ROWs). If the tree is touching the line between city and private, then the city takes ownership. Tactics Our primary goal with this communication plan is to softly introduce the information to the public that our city is struggling with EAB. Our second goal is to educate the public on our plan and how they can act. Tone: educational, helpful, slowing the spread, allowing science to catch up, positive What are possible problems or concerns the public may have? • Why is the city tearing down trees? Why can't they treat them? • Why is the city messing with the tree on my property? • How can the city help me identify and solve the EAB problem in my yard? • What happens if I leave the EAB in my yard — will the city do anything about it? Timeline ■ Initial information to the public this spring (April) ■ Open House in May ■ City Council adopts the management plan in June ■ City begins using management plan in the fall (September) Information Still Needed 1. Content for the information needed on the webpage and socials/marketing. 2. Details on the Open House in May. 3. Confirmed photo examples for Klara to use in graphic design. 4. Specific areas in Elk River that can be photographed and referenced. 5. Information on the dates the City Council will discuss EAB. Task Responsibilities 1. Public Works Staff — sharing information about EAB, fielding questions, and keeping communications in the loop on the City Council's plan and process. 2. Starr Sorheim — managing communications plan and coordinating information. Klara Porath — designing graphics and signage, printing, and managing social media while Starr is on maternity leave. Page 185 of 201 Elk River Public Works 4. Jake Pace — shooting informational video/s. Website/Links A new webpage will be created titled, "Emerald Ash Borer Management Plan." This webpage will be linked on the following two pages: ■ https://elkrivermn.gov/1556/Major-Projects ■ https://elkrivermn.gov/574/Trees-Weeds-and-Invasive-Species Visuals — due April I I Digital 1. Photos and identification examples of EAB for the website. 2. Contamination timeline with photo references for the website. 3. Social Media graphics a. Open House Facebook Event Cover Photo b. Emerald Ash Borer Management Plan (image with that text) 4. Videos — due end of April a. Informational video about EAB and the impact is has on Elk River. 5. Website Homepage Banner (2200 x 555) 6. NewsFlash (375 x 385) Print 1. Informational handout (website condensed to flyer) for the front desk. Communications Plan Information Listings — posted by April 12? 1. Webpage is created and published. a. Linked underneath Major Projects and the Invasive Species pages. 2. Reach out to ERMU about inserting information in the utility billing. 3. Provide informational printouts for front desk. Newspaper — various dates 1. Send first press release with basic information — April 19 2. Invite to Open House in May — May 1 3. Final press release with management plan details (if needed) — August 16 4. They will most likely post coverage from the City Council meetings regarding what is decided for the management plan. Website 1. NewsFlash a. April 15 — EAB is Here in Elk River b. May 3 — EAB Open House Information Page 186 of 201 Elk River Public Works c. Mid June — City Council Adopts EAB Management Plan d. Mid -August — EAB Management Plan Begins E-Newsletter 1. April 19 - EAB is here in Elk River 2. May 3- EAB Open House Information 3. Mid June — City Council Adopts EAB Management Plan 4. Mid -August — EAB Management Plan Begins Webpage — MID JUNE? 1. Upload City Council's Approved Management Plan and link to webpage. Social Media (Facebook, X (City), NextDoor (City)) April 15 — Emerald Ash Borer is Here in Elk River Image: Photos and Identification Graphics from the website Caption: Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is unfortunately here in Elk River. While the city is currently working on a management plan, we wanted to provide materials to residents on how to identify EAB and what you can begin doing to help the spread. Learn more at *insert link* April 26 — I have EAB — How Do I Treat It? Image: Contamination Timeline Photos from the website Caption: You've identified Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) in your yard, now what? First, it's important to identify where your trees are in the contamination timeline. Next, you can decide to either treat the tree or remove the tree. Remember, it's easier and cheaper to remove alive tree than it is a dead tree. Learn more about how to treat or replace your EAB- infected trees at: *insert link* TBD — EAB Informational Video with Tim Sevcik April 30 OR May 7 — Invite to EAB Open House (create event and share) Image: Open House Facebook Graphic Caption: Emerald Ash Borer has infected nearly 1,000 trees in Elk River. The City Council and Public Works department are working together to implement a management plan. Unfortunately, the plan will involve many tree removals in public spaces and right-of-ways. We encourage you to attend our upcoming Open House on *insert date, time, and location*, to learn more about the proposed management plan. Learn more about EAB at *insert link*. Mid -June — City Council Accepts EAB Management Plan? Image: Emerald Ash Borer Management Plan Social Graphic Page 187 of 201 Elk River Public Works Caption: The Elk River City Council adopted an Emerald Ash Borer Management Plan to be implemented beginning *insert date*. This plan will allow the city to carefully mitigate the spread and remove the infected trees from our public spaces. View the plan and more information at *insert link* Mid -August: Emerald Ash Borer Management Plan Taking Action This Fall Image: TBD — map? Caption: Residents can expect to see crews out and about this fall as the Emerald Ash Borer Management Plan begins. The plan will *insert info*. *Insert any other vital info.* Learn more at *insert webpage link*. Will add more social posts and communication items as we feel needed as the information and plan are set. We will fill content as needed based on what the community is asking as well. Page 188 of 201 Elk River Public Works Emerald Ash Borer and Management Plan Webpage *Linked under the Major Projects page and Invasive Species pages* ABOUT SECTION — With Info Advanced/Contact Info on the right ■ What is Emerald Ash Borer (EAB)? Include photos and identification. ■ How does EAB relate to Elk River? Possible Video HTML Embed with Introduction to EAB Video IMAGE: Contamination Timeline w/ Reference Photos STACKED ACCORDION ■ What is the city doing about EAB? o Timeline w/ City Council o What the city manages o How big the impact of EAB is ■ What do I need to do about EAB? o Identify if you have EAB — include photos o Learn about the impact of EAB o Review your treatment options o Tree replacement options o Avoid the spread o Other resources "It's cheaper to remove a live tree than a dead tree." OPTIONAL SIGN UP BUTTONS Do you want to stay informed on new EAB information? City Council Notifications Subscribe to E-Newsletters and/or NewsFlashes Page 189 of 201