Bangor Tree Board reviews Emerald Ash Borer plan, fall planting proposal

The City of Bangor Tree Board reviewed a comprehensive management plan for Emerald Ash Borer, which recommends treating 1,100 additional ash trees to preserve an estimated $7 million in ecosystem benefits. The board also discussed a proposed fall planting project on Broadway and York Street, with members noting the need for better staff training to prevent tree damage during sidewalk construction.

Key points

• Forestry staff reported that 85 ash trees were treated with emamectin benzoate this year, with plans to treat 250 total trees over a nine-year cycle.
• Sophia Cameron presented data showing that treating the remaining 1,100 ash trees costs approximately $31 per tree over 10 years, compared to $498 per tree for removal and replacement.
• The board discussed the selection of an environmental group from Des Moines, Iowa, to develop the Urban Forestry Management Plan, with a kickoff meeting scheduled after finance committee approval.
• Gregory Edwards proposed a fall planting plan for 15 trees in the Broadway and York Street median, suggesting black gum and serviceberry species to increase diversity.
• Members raised concerns about tree damage caused by sidewalk construction and weed whacking, urging better training for public works crews to protect tree bases.
• The board agreed to provide feedback on the Emerald Ash Borer plan before it is presented to the Infrastructure Committee on July 21.

Next steps

• Sophia Cameron will finalize the Emerald Ash Borer management plan and present it to the Infrastructure Committee.
• Gregory Edwards will confirm tree species availability with nurseries and submit the final fall planting plan to the Infrastructure Committee.
• Forestry staff will continue monitoring trap trees and public reports for Emerald Ash Borer sightings.
• The board will review the Urban Forestry Management Plan bid tabs and provide input on staffing recommendations.

Read the full transcript