HomeMy WebLinkAboutOPD-006-18Clarftwn Operations Department
Report
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Report To: General Government Committee
Date of Meeting: May 28, 2018
Report Number: OPD -006-18 Resolution: GG -316-18
File Number: By-law Number:
Report Subject: Update on the removal of Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Infected Trees
Recommendation:
1. That Report OPD -006-18 be received for information.
Municipality of Clarington
Report OPD -006-18
Report Overview
Page 2
This report provides an update on the current status of the removal of Ash Trees that are
infected with the Emerald Ash Borer Beetle (EAB).
1. Background
1.1 The tree inventory count that was completed in 2013 for the urban areas of Clarington
indicated that there were a total of 2,344 Ash trees located on municipal road right of
ways.
1.2 This inventory was split between three main urban centers as noted below:
Courtice 981 trees
Bowmanville 1,126 trees
Newcastle/Orono 237 trees
1.3 Work has been on-going by the Operations Department since 2013 to remove all of
the Ash trees located on municipal roads. The remaining Ash tree count is provided
as follows:
Courtice 0 trees
Bowmanville 949 trees
Newcastle/Orono 237 trees
1.4 In late, 2017 Clarington forestry staff began to remove the 515 Ash trees that are
situated south of Highway #2 in Bowmanville. At present, 338 remain which are
expected to be removed by the end of August, 2018.
1.5 The other 611 Ash trees in Bowmanville that are located north of Highway #2 are
currently scheduled to be removed prior to the end of 2018.
1.6 At the current rate of removal the 237 Ash trees that have been inventoried in
Newcastle and Orono can be expected to be taken down by the middle part of 2019.
1.7 At this time, the Operations Department does not have an inventory of Ash trees that
are located within greenspaces, natural heritage areas or on any of the rural road
allowances in the Municipality. As concerns arise the inspection and removal of these
Ash trees will require additional staff time or require contracted services. Typically
these issues, however, are only dealt with when they present an immediate hazard to
persons or property. A closer review of these areas may likely need to be performed
following the completion of the urban street tree removal program.
1.8 It should be noted that any Ash tree removals that occur within a greenspace or
natural heritage area are left on-site in a safe and organized manner to naturally
decompose. Decomposition of the natural material on the forest floor is important for
Municipality of Clarington Page 3
Report OPD -006-18
replenishing soil nutrients and to support other living vegetation. Fallen trees and
branches also provide food, shelter and cover for a variety of other wildlife.
2. Replacement and Stumping
2.1 The replacement of Ash trees began in 2014. At present, 761 Ash trees have been
replanted in Courtice and the remaining 220 trees will be replaced with a variety of
other native type species by the end of 2018. Based on the current budget levels that
are approved for this initiative all of the Ash trees that will be removed from
Bowmanville, Newcastle and Orono are anticipated to be replanted by the end of 2021.
3. Non EAB Forestry Activities
3.1 Due to the fact that Municipal resources are being concentrated on the removal of Ash
trees, Operations staff are not able to respond to less critical forestry tree requests
such as non-essential pruning. As noted earlier, only those forestry requests that are
considered an emergency will be performed on a priority basis.
4. Conclusion
The Operations Department will continue to focus on the ongoing removal and
replacement of Ash trees affected by EAB in order to meet our proposed completion
target date in the fall of 2021. Throughout this period of time information will be posted to
the Municipal Website and updates to Council and residents will be provided as
necesary.
5. Strategic Plan Application
Not Applicable
Submitted by:
Frederick J. Horvath
Director of Operations
Reviewed by:
611,
Andrew C. Allison, B. Comm, LL.B
CAO
Staff Contact: Fred Horvath, Director of Operations, 905-263-2291 or fhorvath(a_clarington.net