City of Robbinsdale - Parks & Recreation

FORESTRY DEPARTMENT

Timely Topics

Gypsy Moth settles in.

The gypsy moth, accidentally introduced on the East Coast last century, has been slowly working its way west. Minnesota Department of Agriculture (the lead agency for managing exotic pests) has found two gypsy moth populations in the metro area. They plan to treat them (one in Richfield, one in Minnetonka) in May, 2009 with a biological insecticide.

Gypsy moths often lay egg masses on firewood and brush, which can be moved to new locations, thus spreading the pest. Many people are signing an online pledge. To avoid transporting firewood in order to slow the spread of gypsy moth.

Citizens who want to become familiar with the pest can go to Minnesota Department of Agriculture. Suspected egg mass sightings should be reported to MDA, or to the Forestry Department.

Dutch Elm Disease incidence was down in 2008.

Confirmed cases (90) of this disease of elms were down last year after a couple of very bad years. To protect your elms, as well as your neighbor’s trees, vigilance and proper sanitation are needed. See Diseased Tree Management and the Minnesota Shade Tree Advisory Council for more information. The City is planting disease-resistant elms as part of an effort that "brings back the elm," while diversifying the Robbinsdale forest.

Emerald ash borer moves closer.

Emerald ash borer (EAB) has been found in Minnesota. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture website has detailed information and photographs. There is also a "Do I Have Emerald Ash Borer?" check list. Residents who suspect that a tree is invested with EAB can contact the MN Dept of Agriculture's "arrest the pest" hot line at 651-201-6684. You are encouraged to review the information on the Department of Agriculture website before calling the hot line.

The public has been asked not to move ash wood (live trees or for firewood).

This Asian pest in a few short years has decimated ash tree populations in Michigan, and continues to become established in areas radiating out from there. Since Minnesota has some of the largest numbers of ash trees in the nation (they are native and have been widely used to reforest cities), awareness and planning are essential.

As ash trees comprise a high percentage (about 15%) of Robbinsdale’s forest and the EAB threat is so great, the City of Robbinsdale is not presently planting ash trees. The City also cooperates with MDA in EAB detection efforts. To compare the Emerald Ash Borer to similar insects click here.

Digging Arbor Brigade.

Citizen-based planting is helping to reforest Robbinsdale. A number of folks will be helping the City to plant trees, renewing and revitalizing our community forest. In fact we are branching out to provide training for folks who want to help care for our community forest in other ways. Please call the forester for more information.

Transporting Firewood

Many serious invasive tree pests migrate and spread on or in firewood transported from an infested site to a "clean" site. When camping, buy locally grown firewood at or near the campsite and leave what remains unburned. Please see MDA alert and pledge. Please don't give these pests a ride.

Back to the Forestry Main Page