Neillsville City Council Approves Urban Forestry Plan
Friday, September 30th, 2016 -- 10:25 AM
-The Neillsville City Council approved the city’s new Urban Forestry Plan.The plan shown at the meeting on Tuesday was the 2nd draft with more items set, but nothing is set in stone saying the city has to follow the plan to the letter. This began when the Emerald Ash Borer was discovered in Jackson County near Black River Falls. Due to 23% of the city’s tree population being Ash, a council member and the Public Works Department decided it would be a good idea to get a jump on the project to try and protect the city’s trees. A complete tree inventory was done to see what kind of trees the city has. With this plan, the city would remove some dead and old trees that are deemed hazardous; they would also remove smaller trees, especially Ash, totaling a removal of 79 trees at a cost $59,760.
Other Ash trees would be treated with chemicals to protect them from the Ash Borer. However, it is costly coming to $14,000 per tree and they would need to be treated every couple years until the beetle moves out of the area. They would also replant trees after the others are removed with the DNR offering a program and grant to help pay for that cost. They could also help defray the cost by offering the wood to lumber companies or fire wood cutters. The council did approve the plan, but, again, they may not remove all 79 trees or treat every ash tree, so the cost and final actions could change. The council also approved a resolution allowing the city to apply for a cost sharing grant from the Wisconsin DNR to help fund this project.
Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.