At this time, no sightings have been confirmed in Washington
VANCOUVER – Forestry officials in Oregon confirm that the emerald ash borer beetle was recently discovered in Forest Grove, marking the first confirmation of the invasive pest on the West Coast. The invasive, iridescent green beetles have killed up to 99 percent of ash trees in some North American communities since it was first discovered in the Michigan area in 2002.
Vancouver Urban Forestry is working with the Washington State Invasive Species Council to continue monitoring for the emerald ash borer. At this time, no sightings have been confirmed in Washington.
“Vancouver is reviewing our tree inventory to determine where ash trees are located in parks and on public lands,” said Vancouver Urban Forester Charles Ray. “Private property owners are encouraged to do the same.”
The greater Vancouver community is home to both the native Oregon ash, which plays an important ecological role near waterways, and ash species from the eastern United States and Europe, which are found throughout the urban forest in parks, along streets and near homes.
Tree owners can remove ash trees that are in poor health and replace them with urban tolerant, long-lived trees. Tree removals may require a permit in the city of Vancouver. Contact Urban Forestry at (360) 487-8308 or urbanforestry@cityofvancouver.us for more information. To protect healthy trees, work with a reputable tree care provider to establish healthy plant care programs and preventive treatment options.
While the beetle is harmless to people and animals, it could destroy an entire species of trees. Trees play an important role in fighting climate change, protecting water quality, creating habitat and providing shade across our community.
To report sightings of emerald ash borer, go online to invasivespecies.wa.gov.
Information provided by city of Vancouver.
Also read:
- CCSO deputy involved in deadly force incident
A CCSO deputy reported fatally stabbing a DUI suspect during an altercation at the Ridgefield WSP Scale House. - Opinion: Revolution or revival?Nancy Churchill argues that Washington state is ground zero for a Marxist-style revolution but says a cultural revival is possible through personal responsibility and the America First movement.
- WA governor pressed to veto $1.8B piece of Democrats’ tax bill
Grocers and restaurateurs are urging Gov. Ferguson to veto a surcharge in HB 2081 that they say will raise food prices statewide. - CCSO makes arrest in attempted kidnapping investigationA 31-year-old Vancouver man has been arrested in connection with an attempted kidnapping involving a teenage girl near NE 149th Street.
- Changing roles: Brian Witherspoon accepts position as head coach of Camas girls basketballBrian Witherspoon has been hired to lead the Camas girls basketball program after serving as interim boys coach last season.
- Vehicle crashes into Vancouver Fire Station 6 during emergency responseA vehicle crashed into Vancouver Fire Station 6 late Tuesday night while crews were out on an emergency call.
- Letter: ‘It’s said sarcasm is the lowest form of wit’Amboy resident Thomas Schenk criticizes Olympia’s use of “emergency clauses” and other legislative tactics that limit public participation.
