Proposed Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Strategy

The Greenspace Alliance of Canada’s Capital is proposing that the City of Ottawa do the following:

1. Declare an immediate moratorium on all Ash tree cutting on City property, except when public safety is a factor;

2. Ensure that Ash tree conservation is identified as the City’s first priority, thus saving as many Ash trees as possible, by bringing to bear the most current pest management research on EAB, that indicates an urgent need for biopesticide1 injections to preserve trees until natural biocontrols such as parasites become established in Ottawa;

3. Using objective and transparent criteria and methods, assess all urban Ottawa Ash trees to see if they are candidates for treatment with TreeAzin. Engage in broad communication with residents on the tree assessments according to the criteria;

4. Immediately initiate additional outreach and meaningful consultations with community associations, relevant interest groups and the general public, and institutions, to develop and implement an integrated strategy for Ash trees on public and private property.

Attachment: EAB Position Paper – Saving Ottawa’s Ash Trees

May 24, 2012