LINCOLN, Neb. (KMTV) — A tree in central Lincoln is infested with Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), Lincoln Parks and Recreation and the Nebraska Department of Agriculture confirm. Previously, the insect had only been located in the southwest part of the city.
City Forestry staff discovered the infestation last week; however, it appeared to be two years old.
“Finding live EAB larvae in an ash tree in the center of Lincoln confirms our suspicion that the EAB has been in Lincoln for a few years,” said Lynn Johnson, Parks and Recreation Director.
Lincoln's EAB Response and Recovery Plan was approved last year by City Council. The plan includes phased removal over 15 years of about 14,000 public ash trees in Lincoln. A diverse mix of trees will be planted in the place of the removed ash trees.
While chemical injection treatment might prolong the life of healthy ash trees, treatment is not planned during the current two-year budget period. Details of this plan are available here.
Lincoln Parks and Recreation will provide information about a new program called "Adopt an Ash Tree" during the city's Arbor Day Celebration planned for Saturday, April 27. The event will take place from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Stransky Park located at South 17th St. and Harrison Ave.
The program is optional and begins May 1, allowing residents to pay for licensed contractors to treat public ash trees located near homes and businesses.
Those who participate in the program must obtain a free permit from Lincoln Parks and Recreation allowing the department to track the process of treatment.
