APPLETON, WI (WTAQ) – Appleton officials say the invasive emerald ash borer has been found within the city limits.
Last month, officials say a company removing an ash tree on private land found the beetle. Then, the U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed its presence in a sample from the property last week.
It’s the first time EAB was found in the city of Appleton.
The three counties in which Appleton lies — Outagamie, Calumet and Winnebago — are currently under quarantine for EAB. Outagamie and Calumet counties were placed under quarantine last September when a beetle was found near High Cliff State Park.
Anyone in Appleton who suspects an infestation can call the city forester at (920) 832-5580. The city can help with identification and planning but cannot remove trees from private property. The city will remove ash trees from terraces if requested.
Since 2003, Appleton has had a plan to deal with EAB. It involves removing all ash trees at construction projects; removing the most recently planted ash trees as time and budget allow; evaluating, removing and replacing ash trees that are in poor condition; working with state officials on trapping plans and completing an inventory of city-owned ash trees. Officials say around 15 percent of the 30,500 terrace trees in Appleton are ash trees. About 125 are removed every year for a total of 700 since 2009. It costs the city $40 to $70 to remove each one.
(Additional reporting by FOX 11).
