Petition pushes council to act on emerald ash borer threat

Kyle Jessiman says the urban forest serves important functions

CBC.ca
Aug. 22, 2016
By Heather Kitching

A Thunder Bay, Ont. man has launched an on-line petition asking the city to protect its ash trees from the emerald ash borer.

A report from the city forester, which was considered by council last month, recommends treating half of the eligible ash trees with a substance that protects them from the invasive beetle.

Kyle Jessiman has written to city councillors, urging them to accept the forester's recommendation, he said – but he's worried some councillors are balking at the $6.3 million price tag.

In July, Thunder Bay city councillors delayed a decision on whether to adopt a proposed action plan to combat the emerald ash borer in the city.

The urban forest is an important part of the city that needs to be preserved, Jessiman said.

"Of course the trees provide things like habitat for wildlife, but they're also very important in cleaning the air and providing shade for walkers and pedestrians," he said.

It's especially important to preserve healthy, older trees, rather than simply letting them die and replacing them, he added.

Bigger trees, he said, provide bigger benefits, especially when it comes to managing storm water.